MSME Push in Pakistan Auto Show: SMEDA is backing the 21st Pakistan Auto Parts Show (Sept 18–20, Lahore) to spotlight MSMEs and link local makers with buyers and partners, including foreign delegates. ASEAN MSME Summit: The Philippines will host an ASEAN MSME Summit on Sept 21 to expand small-business access to capital, markets, mentorship and digital tools through public-private partnerships. UPI Fees Shake-Up for Merchants: India’s new UPI MDR framework from Oct 15 sets a 0.4% charge on merchant payments above ₹2,000 (capped at ₹300), while keeping person-to-person transfers free—sparking debate over who pays and how small traders cope. AI Safety Debate Hits Business: AI leaders are urging the industry to “pace the frontier,” raising fresh questions for firms using AI tools about safety, governance, and responsible rollout. Pacific Tourism via Yachting: A new Pacific yachting strategy (2026–2030) targets higher-value, lower-impact visitors and aims to funnel spending to remote island businesses. Data Center Politics Spill Over: US state and local pushback on data centers continues, with candidates and communities weighing power costs, health impacts and land pressure. SME IPO Watch (India): smartData Enterprises (India) gets in-principle approval from NSE Emerge for an SME IPO, aiming to fund product development, digital upgrades and development centres.