E-waste Crackdown: Malaysia moved to clamp down on toxic trade with a total e-waste import ban, stepping up enforcement against cargoes falsely declared as other commodities—though loopholes and illegal incineration risks remain. Skills Pipeline: MARA teamed up with Schneider Electric Malaysia and industry partners to launch the MARA-SWITCHPRO Apprenticeship Programme, offering 12 months of training plus on-the-job placements and pay prospects up to RM5,000. Aviation & Logistics: AirBorneo began its first jet service on the Kuching–Kuala Lumpur route, positioning Sarawak as a regional investment and logistics hub. ASEAN Diplomacy: Malaysia’s foreign minister led the delegation to the 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Manila, with West Asia tensions and regional trade, energy and food security on the agenda. Power & Data Centres: S&P Global estimates Malaysia’s data centres will need over US$20bn in funding for power and equipment over the next three years, pushing firms toward alternative capital sources. Exports Outlook: RHB Investment Bank raised Malaysia’s 2026 export growth forecast to 21.7%, citing stronger E&E performance and a bigger trade surplus. Creative Economy Push: OEC and Cloudwise partnered to develop AI-powered creative content to help Malaysia build a higher-value digital creative economy.