Energy Security & LNG: Petronas signed a 20-year LNG supply deal with Japan’s JERA for 2 million tonnes annually from 2028, reinforcing Malaysia’s role as a “middle power” amid route risks like the Strait of Hormuz. Renewables Risk: Zurich Insurance warned about US$165b of Asean renewable energy assets face climate hazards by 2030, with resilience spending able to cut losses by up to US$82b. Agri-Tech & Fertiliser: Wastech plans a Malaysia-based controlled-release fertiliser coating plant and crop-specific blending expansion via a US joint venture to boost productivity and reduce input-cost pressure. Biomass Trade: Weng Yat Resources inked an MoU with Japan’s Daya Synergy Borneo to build a biomass supply platform, targeting trial shipments this year and commercial deliveries from Jan 2027. Jobs & Labour Market: Malaysia’s unemployment rate returned to 3% in April 2026 as employment rose to 16.82m. Digital & Cybersecurity: University of Nottingham Malaysia is still assessing a cyberattack on its student records system after hackers accessed personal data. Business Banking Ease: OCBC Malaysia lets Singaporeans and PRs open business accounts using Singpass, aiming to cut processing to about five working days. SME/Industry Push: Sarawak is developing an integrated industrial ecosystem around Bintulu–Samalaju, with pilot projects starting this year. Halal Policy Watch: Indonesia’s Mandatory Halal policy (from Oct 2026) ramps certification support for micro and small firms via SEHATI. Sports Economy Angle: A banker said World Cup 2026 spillovers could lift Malaysia and ASEAN across digital commerce, payments, logistics and media.