SME Policy Push (Malaysia): SME Malaysia wants Budget 2027 to judge support by measurable outcomes—faster approvals and disbursement, real productivity and AI adoption, more private investment, and stronger exports—arguing SMEs are squeezed by rising labor, utilities, financing, tax, and compliance costs. Cross-Border Growth (ASEAN): Maybank and Singapore’s SMF signed an MoU to expand access to the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone, pairing manufacturing and vendor networks with banking support for sustainability, ESG supply chains, and trade financing. Private Sector in Defense (India): A policy brief argues India’s “self-reliance” needs big private prime contractors and system integrators alongside DRDO, DPSUs, MSMEs, and startups to close advanced capability gaps. Space Startup Momentum (India): PM Modi met CEOs of 20 Indian space startups, urging collaboration to build a stronger private space sector and position India as a global space tech hub. AI + Cyber for SMBs: Sophos and OpenAI announced a partnership to bring OpenAI frontier models into channel and managed service provider security offerings. Data Center Buildout: New market reports point to rapid growth in data center racks, hyperscale facilities, and power semiconductors—fuelled by AI workloads and energy efficiency needs. Education-to-Work Link (Bangladesh): Finance Minister Amir Khosru urged universities to align curricula with jobs and entrepreneurship, backed by stronger university-industry ties. ASEAN Youth Agenda (Indonesia): Indonesia’s youth minister called for deeper ASEAN cooperation on skills for an AI-driven labor market, mental health, and entrepreneurship. Startup Ecosystem (Cyprus): Plug and Play Cyprus launched its first 10-startup cohort to connect local founders with international markets and investment. Investor Deadlines (US): Multiple securities class actions added fresh lead-plaintiff deadlines, including Peabody Energy (Aug 24), Hub Group (Aug 28), and PROCEPT (Sept 22), underscoring ongoing volatility for small investors.