Cambodia Jobs Boom: The CDC approved 276 investment projects worth $4.7B in H1 2026, expected to create 160,000+ jobs, with a shift toward clean energy, EV and heavy industry, and new SEZs. AI Security & Work Risks: China’s MIIT warned that some Anthropic Claude Code versions may secretly transmit sensitive user data via a “built-in monitoring mechanism,” urging uninstalling or upgrading—another flashpoint for AI tools used by developers. India-UK Trade & Mobility: India’s CETA with the UK took effect, giving near-99% duty-free access for Indian exports and exempting about 75,000 Indian employees in the UK from social security contributions, boosting prospects for services and professional mobility. China Hiring Pressure: China’s Q2 growth slowed to 4.3%, raising fresh concerns about consumption, investment, and job-market stability as policymakers weigh what to do next. Auto Sector Restructuring: Volkswagen confirmed plans to cut up to 100,000 jobs globally, with an internal memo flagging another 50,000—cost pressure tied to competition and tariffs. India GCCs & Reskilling: A Quess Corp report says India’s GCC hiring is shifting from external hiring to role-adjacent reskilling for AI and digital roles, with demand concentrated in mid-career talent. Asia Real Estate & AI: Cushman & Wakefield says AI adoption should increase economic activity and lift commercial real estate demand across APAC rather than reduce space needs. Japan Tech Stocks: Japan’s Nikkei rose on chip optimism after ASML’s strong outlook, supporting demand signals for AI-linked manufacturing and equipment. Taiwan Travel Safety: Taiwan reported a surge in cases of Taiwanese missing or detained in China since 2024, warning travellers to assess risks. Oracle’s Japan Cloud Bid: Oracle is reported as a front-runner for Japan’s top-secret cloud contract as the US pushes stronger classified-data protections.