Philippines Tennis Breakthrough: Senator Mark Villar filed a resolution hailing Alexandra “Alex” Eala for winning the 2026 Mubadala DC Open WTA 500 singles title, beating top names including Zheng Qinwen, Leylah Fernandez, Naomi Osaka and Jessica Pegula, pushing her to a career-high World No. 20. ASEAN Strategy Push: Thailand’s PM Anutin Charnvirakul laid out a three-pronged vision for ASEAN—stronger regionalism, resilience to global shocks, and people-centred benefits—urging earlier action on supply chains, food and energy security, and digital connectivity. AI Skills for Workforces: Singapore says the real challenge is not just adopting AI tools, but building human expertise and judgement as AI reshapes decision-making; technical foundations like software, cybersecurity and systems thinking remain key. Heatwave Toll in East Asia: South Korea reported three more deaths at a Tokyo zoo and a heatwave-linked toll rising to 19, with President Lee calling for a national disaster response overhaul as extreme heat persists. Biodiversity Conservation: A Morton Arboretum report warns 74% of 54 threatened Asian oak species studied are missing from botanical collections, calling for urgent conservation upgrades across the region. Business Spotlight: Forbes Asia’s 2026 Best Under A Billion list features 200 firms, with Malaysia’s entries more than doubling to 19, boosted by the AI infrastructure boom.