Education Policy: Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed Executive Order No. 124 creating the EduPhil Program to attract foreign students, expand research and innovation partnerships, and streamline entry and stay—led by the Commission on Higher Education with a new inter-agency task force. EdTech Access: In Bulacan, the JRT Foundation backed by Coolaire launched the Jerry R. Tugade Technology Hub and donated 20 desktop sets to a school lacking a computer lab, citing low public-school computer and internet access. AI & Health Cooperation: ASEAN and South Korea are deepening AI and digital health ties to strengthen early detection and resilient care systems, with ministers pointing to Korea’s big-data and disease-control expertise. Industry Automation: Mondelez opened a RM90m “Crumb Tower” at Cadbury’s Shah Alam plant, boosting automation and local chocolate-crumb production to improve supply-chain resilience. AI Safety & Finance: India’s finance minister urged AI guardrails for fintech, stressing human responsibility, higher scrutiny for high-risk uses, and continuous safeguards. AI Misuse Watch: Anthropic says it blocked foreign-linked actors from using Claude for cyberattacks and possible bioweapons work. Energy & Security: Russia’s Putin told BRICS business leaders it’s ready to support global energy and food security via logistics corridors and smart-tech training. Tech Governance: UK PM Andy Burnham rejected a national data-center moratorium, pointing to AI Growth Zones and local tax benefits. STEM Competition: Virgin Islands students will represent their territory at FIRST Global Challenge 2026 in South Korea.