APAC Compliance & Data Security: Fasoo AI says fragmented privacy and AI rules across Southeast Asia and India are forcing firms to prove continuous control of sensitive data across clouds, AI apps and third parties. Offshore Energy Oversight: Lloyd’s Register appoints Wouter Pattynama in Perth to expand offshore safety, compliance and advisory support across Australia, New Zealand and the wider Asia-Pacific. AgTech Funding Push: Beanstalk AgTech launches Monsoon Ventures in Singapore, backed by EnterpriseSG and Rabo Foundation, to commercialise Southeast Asia agritech for smallholder farmers and food security. AI & Education for Jobs: Galgotias University partners Accenture LearnVantage to roll out AI-integrated BTech and BBA programmes plus an on-campus Accenture Centre of Advanced Studies. Philippines-US Maritime Security: The US will deploy four fast-response cutters to help the Philippine Coast Guard patrol the West Philippine Sea EEZ. ASEAN Human Rights Focus: A piece highlights the gap between human rights promotion and protection in ASEAN’s AICHR system, calling for stronger complaint and remedy channels. Fintech Funding Slows: Asia’s fintech raised $2.3b across 116 deals in Q2, with fewer deals but larger average rounds. Markets Watch: US stocks edged down as oil rose on Strait of Hormuz uncertainty, keeping investors cautious. Stablecoin Payments in Japan: Digital Garage launches stablecoin payment middleware reaching 1.3m merchant locations via a single API, aiming to scale adoption without per-store blockchain work. China Auto Export Divergence: Gasgoo Institute reports China’s passenger vehicle exports are surging in some regions while facing pressure in others, pushing automakers toward more localised operations.