Global Trade & SME Access: Malaysia’s MATRADE is taking 15 tech exhibitors to the 5th Global Digital Trade Expo in Hangzhou and signed an MoU with ICBC to help Malaysian micro, small and medium firms scale exports into China via cross-border digital platforms. Halal Market Shift: Malaysia’s religious affairs minister urged the industry to move from halal certification to halal competition—pushing branding, export readiness, and ASEAN/global value-chain roles. EU Trade Pressure on Recyclers: India’s MRAI says an EU plan to restrict metal waste exports from May 2027 could disrupt scrap supply chains and hit MSMEs with higher raw-material costs. Africa Innovation & Data: Finland’s geospatial experts told Tanzania that easier access to location intelligence can help SMEs test digital products and help governments plan services more fairly. Energy for Compute: FingerMotion says it has indications of interest totaling ~52.5 MW within its 99 MW Alberta behind-the-meter power and compute program. SMB Cyber for the Home: Airties launched router-based cybersecurity for ISPs, aiming to help protect connected homes and small businesses as AI-driven attacks rise. Women Jobs in MENA: The EU committed €10M to a women’s employment initiative targeting skills, entrepreneurship, and hiring support across Middle East and North Africa. AI Skills Demand: A new ANSR report finds GCC hiring in India is up 12–15% in H1 2026, with AI skills required for about two-thirds of new roles. Local Growth & Training: Pharr Global Business Hub expanded workforce development with a “Skills to Certification” track for electrical and safety credentials.