SME Finance & Growth (Malaysia): Malaysia’s MSMEs are still proving resilient, with the sector’s GDP growing 5.7% to nearly RM690bn in 2025 and contributing 39.7% of national GDP; exports from MSMEs rose 10.5% to RM214.5bn, while the government’s focus shifts to helping more firms scale and break into global markets. Business Continuity (US retail): After Painted Tree Boutiques abruptly shut down in Clive, Iowa, the landlord stepped in to keep local vendors trading by relaunching a vendor marketplace concept with updated systems. Workforce Deal (US staffing): Sett & Lucas advised TalentBurst on selling its IT, engineering and SLED staffing business to Epitec, expanding Epitec’s national workforce solutions footprint. SME Credit Access (Kenya): EBRD launched a $100m loan facility with KCB Bank Kenya, earmarking 30% for women-led SMEs and 30% for green investments, plus advisory support to improve bankability. Tourism & Local Enterprise (Penang): Penang’s Bumiputera master plan targets 30 initiatives and new tourism projects, including training for tour guides and homestay operators. Cross-border Payments (Egypt): NBE and Mastercard launched a USD corporate debit card to help Egyptian SMEs pay globally more easily. AI + Business Ops (CPQ): Vast Edge rolled out AI enhancements to build tailored CPQ environments faster, aiming to cut quote friction for enterprise sales teams. Energy for AI Infrastructure (Ohio): Veolia will operate a 350MW microgrid for an Ohio AI data center campus, using gas generation plus large battery storage for behind-the-meter reliability.