Malaysia Growth Watch: Malaysia’s economy stayed resilient with preliminary Q2 GDP growth of 5.8% (up from 5.4% in Q1), with most sectors expanding except agriculture. Regional Investment Strategy: RHB Investment Bank points to five Malaysian growth centres—Selangor, Penang, Johor, Sarawak and Kuala Lumpur—accounting for most GDP, exports and approved investments, arguing talent, R&D and digital infrastructure are key to sustaining high-value output. Philippines-Singapore Dealmaking: President Marcos returned from a “productive” Singapore trip focused on trade, investment and AI cooperation, as both countries align ahead of successive ASEAN chairships. Transport Outlook: CIMB keeps an “overweight” view on Malaysia’s transport sector, highlighting Westports’ expected 4.5% container volume growth in 2026 as shipping disruptions ease. Energy Security: Malaysia is studying a national petroleum reserve as geoeconomic fragmentation raises the stakes for energy resilience. Corporate Moves: Verizon will sell 274 stores and cut about 500 corporate jobs as it continues a cost and AI-driven reboot. Tech & Markets: Databricks secured a $3B investment at a $188B valuation, while investors cool on AI chipmakers amid expectations of slower hyperscaler spending. Business Support: Ohio added four Tier 1 Minority Business Assistance Centers to help entrepreneurs start and scale. Trade & Compliance: The UK expanded its licensed sponsor list for Skilled Worker visas, widening options for Nigerian applicants. Global Risk: A study finds Canada’s business investment per worker fell to 54% of the U.S. level by 2024, underscoring productivity pressure.