ASEAN Cup Semi-Final: Malaysia face a tough climb after a 2-0 first-leg loss to Vietnam, with Xuan Son scoring late and an own goal sealing the deficit ahead of the Hanoi return. Transboundary Haze & Climate Risk: Malaysia plans to push an official letter to the ASEAN Secretariat to boost preparedness for a stronger El Niño and prevent southern ASEAN haze, with Alert Level 2 already active. China Social Strain: China’s homelessness is worsening, with officials rebranding “homeless beggars” as “dispersed persons,” as youth unemployment and automation pressures are blamed for more people turning up at state service centers. Marcom/Consumer Tech in China: China is rolling out personalized skincare pilots using skin scans and small-batch mixing of registered cosmetics, while marriage registration is expanding into venues like banks. Japan Historical Tensions: Japanese media criticize the Takaichi administration for avoiding WWII reflection as officials visit Yasukuni Shrine, warning of a “return to the prewar era.” India-Bangladesh Diplomatic Standoff: Bangladesh says Tarique Rahman won’t visit India until Hasina is extradited, linking the trip to Dhaka’s pending requests. Media/Policy: Iran’s parliament approved a bill to criminalize interviews and communications with “hostile” media, including US/Israeli outlets. Business & Industry: Penang targets a shift toward chip design and upstream semiconductor work by 2040, aiming to become an ASEAN design hub. Sports: India’s Devdutt Padikkal made 167 as India reached 460/9 in the rain-affected 1st Test vs Sri Lanka in Galle.