Semiconductor & industrial investment: Penang (Malaysia) approved RM4.9B in manufacturing investments in 1Q 2026, led by E&E and machinery; the state also highlighted its export strength, with 2025 exports at 38.1% of Malaysia’s total. Data center power buildout: Kirloskar Oil Engines won a major order for 192 MW (96 units) of 2,500 kVA backup power systems for HyperNext’s AI-ready hyperscale data centers in India. Battery supply chain deepening: Himadri Speciality Chemical increased its stake in U.S. battery tech firm IBC to 20.47% after a $0.66M investment, aiming to commercialize LFP cathode and advanced anode materials via IBC’s global manufacturing footprint. Energy transition & fuels: India’s E20 rollout faces pushback as a survey found 56% of older-vehicle owners report mileage drops; meanwhile, an ISMA-IIT Delhi study says locally made ethanol conversion kits could cost ~₹15,000 versus ₹40,000–₹60,000 for imports. Industrial policy friction: China’s EU business chamber warned the EU’s Industrial Accelerator Act could create “counterproductive effects,” citing procurement limits, foreign investment conditions, and legal uncertainty. Manufacturing expansion & jobs: Oman’s salt sector plans $1B+ investments to scale into high-purity salt and downstream chemicals; in the U.S., robot installations rose 11% in 2025, with food driving faster adoption. Defense manufacturing pressure: Switzerland’s Patriot replacement debate continues as delivery timelines and costs shift, while Ukraine’s Zelensky warned Belarus over equipment aiding Russian fire. Local factory moves: Sumeet Industries approved a ₹199.75 Cr rights issue to fund a 140,000 TPA polyester chips plant expansion, capacity integration, debt reduction, and solar.