Singapore-US Trade & Emerging Sectors: DPM Gan Kim Yong is in the US for Aug 24-25, meeting business and finance leaders in New York and US administration officials in Washington to deepen trade, investment and cooperation in emerging areas. AI & Finance Skills: DBS and IBF signed an MOU to build AI skills across Singapore’s financial workforce, while IMDA plans 2,000 job and training opportunities in AI, cybersecurity and software. Energy & Industry Infrastructure: Singapore’s new Western island (merging Semakau, Bukom and Pulau Sudong) is being positioned for next-gen clean power options, including green hydrogen and potentially advanced nuclear. Maritime & Security Risk: Iran’s PGSA published a 45-vessel blacklist for Strait of Hormuz violations, warning of detention, confiscation and fines; meanwhile, a Panama-flagged ship sank off Odisha with 22 missing. Regional Food & Trade Links: Singapore and Ecuador seek deeper cooperation across trade and food security, with examples of agri export digitisation and port services. Fintech & Payments Innovation: ShardLab invested in StoreHub and will form a JV to test new consumer payments and rewards across Southeast Asia. Healthcare & MedTech Funding: Shape Memory Medical secured US$10m convertible financing to advance aortic clinical trials. Business & Markets: Shein is set for a Hong Kong IPO in early September, targeting about US$1.7b-$2.3b and a valuation near US$26.8b.