BRICS Watch: India hosts the expanded BRICS summit in New Delhi on Sept 12-13, with Xi, Putin and Iran’s Pezeshkian among expected leaders, as the bloc tries to turn big membership into practical trade, energy and tech cooperation. China-India Business Gap: Xi’s India visit may thaw diplomacy, but firms still report stalled investment from regulations, visa delays and industrial-equipment restrictions. Oil Shock & Markets: Brent stays above $100 amid West Asia shipping risks around the Strait of Hormuz, pressuring Asian equities and raising inflation worries. Malaysia Digital Push: Malaysia’s next digital phase should move beyond connectivity to AI-driven public services and business value, with ministers urging homegrown innovation. ASEAN Digital Dialogue: Malaysia’s Fahmi Fadzil backs M360 ASEAN as a neutral space for governments and industry to align on the region’s digital future. Korea Recovery: South Korea shows clearer economic recovery signals, with plans to revamp steel and expand housing in business zones. China Business Confidence: AmCham Shanghai reports a rebound in member confidence and profitability, alongside improved views of regulatory transparency. Aviation Capacity: EgyptAir is set to add fifth-freedom flights on the Singapore–Sydney route, boosting competition on a premium long-haul corridor. Hiring Outlook: ManpowerGroup sees stronger Q4 hiring intentions across APME, led by India. Energy Finance: EIG closes its Senior Infrastructure Debt Fund VI at $1.9bn, nearly doubling the prior fund size.