Payments & Trust: A viral Bangkok TikTok claims a Chinese noodle shop refused Thai baht/Thai QR and demanded renminbi, sparking fresh scrutiny of foreign-run businesses and cashless payment practices in Thailand. Media Industry: Malaysia’s National Journalists’ Day (HAWANA) 2026 highlights how media supports national initiatives and tourism, with Penang set to use the event to boost culture and youth-facing outreach. Cyber Training: EC-Council launched Hackers4Humanity, sponsoring 1,000 professionals to take the CPENT AI exam, with pass/fail outcomes funding cybersecurity training for underserved communities. Marketing Leadership: Niva Bupa promoted Rahul Chatterjee to senior VP and head of marketing, expanding oversight of brand, PR, media, digital and corporate communications. Disaster & Mobility: Japan’s Tropical Storm Jangmi disrupted transport and cut power to tens of thousands, with evacuation warnings across multiple prefectures. Regional Media Cooperation: Pacific broadcasters signed a communique in Port Moresby to strengthen trusted journalism, sustainable broadcasting and climate/tech reporting. AI Safety for Youth: OpenAI launched “Open Dialogues” in India to help parents, caregivers and educators support safer, responsible AI use for young people. China Memory Controls: Reports say China is tightening restrictions on Tiananmen remembrance, including police blocking relatives from visiting graves.