SME Support Rollout (Malaysia): Malaysia’s KUSKOP will open 222 MADANI PRIME one-stop entrepreneur centres at NADI locations nationwide from Aug 24, offering walk-in business consultations plus referrals to financing, training and government programmes. Cost Relief for MSMEs (Malaysia): The same ministry says it’s cutting red tape by extending renewal periods for about 55 business licences/permits to help small traders manage operating costs. SME Finance via Remittances (Bangladesh): IOM’s Bangladesh chief says investing part of family remittances into SMEs can create jobs and strengthen local economies. Local Retail Expansion (Philippines): Makro is expanding across Luzon with four new wholesale locations tied to Ayala Land developments, including long-term sites in Cloverleaf, Arca South, Broadfield and Evo City. AI for Small Business (US): A letter urges businesses to set an “AI baseline” by measuring current performance before adopting automation. Cybersecurity Warning (Global): Researchers say about 2,000 WordPress sites were hijacked in a global crime ring, highlighting the need for tighter site security. PPP Fraud Crackdown (US): A Dallas-Irving and Chicago pair face charges over alleged fraudulent PPP applications tied to more than $11M and kickbacks. Trade Pressure (US-Canada): The US’s 50% tariffs on Canadian products are triggering dollar-for-dollar retaliation plans, raising uncertainty for cross-border small suppliers. Energy Theft Enforcement (Philippines): PNP is pushing higher conviction rates in electricity theft cases, aiming to improve deterrence beyond arrests.