Singapore Economy: Singapore’s Q2 growth eased to 5.7% y/y (from 6.3% in Q1) as AI-driven electronics and precision engineering gains were partly offset by contractions in chemicals and biomedical output, with Middle East-linked feedstock disruptions cited. Singapore-Malaysia Diplomacy: President Tharman’s state visit continues with a royal audience in Selangor, where flood mitigation, river cleaning and sustainable practices were discussed—while Malaysia’s Queen and Tharman’s wife Jane Ittogi toured art and autism facilities. Regional Security & Trade Lanes: US-Iran tensions keep pressure on shipping, with reports of renewed US naval blockade and warnings that vessels near Iranian waters could face interception—raising stakes for the Strait of Hormuz. Courts & Accountability: Singapore’s High Court rejected Byju Raveendran’s bid to halt his six-month jail term for contempt, tightening the barrier to his return unless he wins further legal relief. Business & Governance: Bloomberg ordered to pay damages to ministers in a defamation case tied to claims about luxury property transactions. Tech & Industry: Taiwan’s UMC began mass production of silicon photonics wafers in Singapore, targeting AI and hyperscale data-centre demand. Wealth & Appointments: Schroders Wealth Management named Peter Flavel as Asia chair and Lighthouse Canton appointed Angela Saik as managing director for wealth management in Southeast Asia.