Philippines–ADB Shock Shield: The Marcos administration is seeking up to $1.5 billion from the Asian Development Bank’s countercyclical support facility to fund its UPLIFT response to the US–Iran-linked energy shock, with help aimed at vulnerable sectors like farmers and public utility vehicle drivers as oil routes face renewed Strait of Hormuz disruption. ASEAN–China Partnership: ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn says a stronger ASEAN–China partnership is “necessary” amid fragmentation and faster tech change, prioritizing peace, digital transformation, energy cooperation, resilience, and people-to-people connectivity. Malaysia Trade Momentum: Malaysia’s trade rose 18.3% in Jan–May 2026 to RM1.455 trillion, with exports up 24.3% and a record surplus, led by AI-linked semiconductors and stronger petroleum/LNG and EV components. Uzbekistan Fintech Push: At TIIF 2026, Uzbekistan’s fintech leaders argue the next leap is integrated digital ecosystems that bundle payments, credit, banking and e-commerce. Uzbekistan Aviation Boom: TIIF 2026 also highlights how Central Asia’s aviation growth is outpacing forecasts, with Tashkent’s new airport capacity set to scale rapidly as demand expands. Philippines Offshoring Backlash: The IT-BPM sector warns US plans to restrict offshoring could raise costs and reduce service availability, urging the FCC to reconsider call-center location rules. Sri Lanka–US Ties: US Assistant Secretary Paul Kapur met President Dissanayake, reaffirming broad cooperation across trade, defence, investment and tourism, while discussing Middle East peace progress. Zimbabwe Eyes AIIB: Zimbabwe has applied to join the AIIB to unlock long-term infrastructure financing under its 2026–2030 strategy. Danone Buys Into APAC Health: Danone is expanding its Asia-Pacific beverages footprint by acquiring Australia’s Made Group, betting on gut-health and protein-focused brands. US Fed Legacy: Former Fed chair Alan Greenspan died at 100, a reminder of how monetary policy shaped both boom years and the post-2008 debate.