Media Policy & Funding (Malaysia): Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim used HAWANA 2026 in Penang to back the Media Innovation Fund and add RM1m to Tabung Kasih@HAWANA, citing AI-driven change and the need for ethical, credible reporting. Industry Training & Tech (Malaysia): HAWANA exhibitors highlighted Media Innovation Fund training, including an AI Agent Workshop, plus videography and multimedia upskilling. Press Freedom Warning (Bangladesh): Bangladesh’s attorney general urged journalists to avoid “media trial” dynamics, warning against misquotes, fragmented court statements, misinformation and AI misuse. Legal Pressure on Journalists (Bangladesh): The Editors’ Council condemned the arrest and jailing of Dainik Agrajatra Pratidin acting editor Md Rezanur Islam over a report about a state minister, calling it a threat to press freedom. Trust & Local Radio (Ireland): A Reuters Institute/Coimisiún na Meán study found Irish local community and commercial radio trusted by 71% of people, topping formats amid digital misinformation fears. Safety & Age Verification (Gaming/Platforms): Roblox rolled out stricter child protections, including AI-based age estimation and chat limits, while Russia’s Roblox ban was lifted after a large petition push. Global Media & Regulation (UK): Sir Keir Starmer’s plan would push social platforms to prioritize BBC content to counter disinformation, setting up a fresh fight with tech firms. Regional Media Cooperation (ASEAN): Bernama and Timor-Leste’s TATOLI signed an MoU to expand news sharing and training across languages. Digital News Shift (Global): Reuters Institute’s Digital News Report 2026 points to rising use of AI chatbots and news video as audiences move away from traditional sites.