AI for SMEs: A new APEC-linked report highlights how AI is helping Asia-Pacific small firms automate tasks and cut costs, turning connectivity into faster digital growth. GEO and payments: Geolix.ai joined Airwallex to show how “generative engine optimization” moves brands from being merely ranked to being recommended inside AI answer tools. Healthcare tech push: Bangladesh says it’s planning a technology-driven overhaul of healthcare, including a national digital health system, health cards, and a referral network. Pharma pricing shock: A Lancet modelling study warns US Medicare “Most-Favoured-Nation” pricing could push drug prices up and delay global launches. AI safety debate: Trump rejects calls to slow AI, while Anthropic’s Dario Amodei and other AI leaders argue for global limits and guardrails. Climate hit: NOAA and Copernicus report August as Earth’s hottest month on record, with the US hotter than the 1936 Dust Bowl summer. Security and compliance: Genetec says physical security buyers want open platforms to extend existing hardware, and Australia’s NMI will audit animal and pet product measurement compliance. Space sector: Qatar attended the International Space Summit in Paris, focusing on space security, governance, and skills. Energy and industry: Baker Hughes and Venture Global expand US LNG infrastructure with new compression and modular liquefaction orders. Robotics in the real economy: A China-developed AI vision system is helping a Malaysian rubber processor automate handling and cut labor costs.