AI Agents Security Funding: Zenity, an AI agent security startup, raised $125M Series C led by Norwest, with SoftBank Vision Fund 2, Hitachi Ventures and LG Technology Ventures joining—aimed at monitoring and blocking risky agent actions inside enterprise systems. Government Tech: Qatar’s Hayya e-visa platform won a Silver Stevie Award for Technical Innovation, citing OCR document extraction, automated validation and near real-time processing of hundreds of thousands of applications. South China Sea Lawfare: The Philippines pushed its seabed rights submission to the UN, potentially complicating ASEAN efforts to build consensus on a South China Sea code of conduct. GLP-1 Drinks Regulation Gap: Beverage makers are racing to launch GLP-1-linked hydration, protein and nutrient products, but regulators still lack clear, harmonised rules on health and “medicinal” claims. Semiconductor Sentiment: Asian chip stocks slid as investors questioned whether AI spending will pay off, with MSCI Asia Pacific down about 10% from June highs. Energy + Markets: Oil prices tumbled on renewed US-Iran talks talk, easing inflation fears; yen strengthened after US-Japan currency purchases, while tech stocks stayed under pressure. ASEAN Tech/Trade Finance: ADB and insurers will unlock up to $2.5B for small businesses and affordable housing across Asia-Pacific via credit insurance risk-sharing.