Halal as a business growth lever: Malaysia’s Sabah deputy chief minister says halal certification is about quality and hygiene, not just religion, urging MSMEs to use it to reach overseas markets as thousands of firms already hold halal status. Energy cost pressure hits households and small firms: In the Philippines, lawmakers move to amend EPIRA so non-technical electricity losses can’t be passed to consumers, while in India traders welcome a cut to commercial LPG cylinder prices that should lower operating costs. Loan repayment support for micro-enterprises: Kenya’s Hustler Fund rolls out “Tukuze Hub” to help better-performing borrowers with training, financial literacy, and documentation as defaults rise. Local tax and property policy fallout: In the US, Lee County voters weigh a homeowner property tax exemption change, and NYC faces backlash over a searchable landlord database tied to a pied-à-terre tax. SME finance and inclusion momentum: Uganda’s Pearl Bank rebrand signals a push toward digital inclusion and enterprise support, while Bangladesh reports women and rural entrepreneurs leading sustainable finance disbursements. AI and consumer trust concerns: Tinder pauses an AI photo “enhance” experiment after backlash, and WhatsApp tests an “Offers & Updates” folder to reduce inbox clutter from business messages. Business ecosystem spotlight: Namibia’s DBN faces calls for clearer proof of SME impact in Kavango East, and Kavango West’s Nkurenkuru Expo reports record stall growth, signaling rising local trade interest.