Budget 2027 & Islamic Tourism: Malaysia’s tourism industry group MATA is urging a special allocation for Islamic tourism and Islamic MICE to boost Kuala Lumpur’s global competitiveness, arguing the sector can spill over into finance, healthcare, halal goods, and trade. Central Asia Power Politics: A regional blackout that hit Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and parts of Tajikistan has been traced to Kyrgyzstan’s Toktogul hydropower plant, after days of blame-shifting between grid operators and energy ministries. Cybersecurity & State Targets: Researchers say the China-nexus “SilkParasite” campaign is using tailored phishing to deliver new remote access Trojans against government organizations across Central Asia, including Tajikistan. Tajikistan-Iran Economic Push: Tehran hosted a major Tajik delegation focused on a long-term energy and transport deal, including Iran supplying petroleum products and crude oil for Tajik refineries, with a joint working group on routes and logistics. Dushanbe Education Link: Tajikistan and Malaysia moved to expand education cooperation via a memorandum covering joint programs, training, dual degrees, STEM and AI lab development, and scholarship pathways. Energy Assets & Investment: Vast Resources says it has completed its reverse takeover to secure Tajikistan gold and silver assets worth about £82.5m, with production expected to start contributing soon. Governance Shock (US-Tajikistan case): Reports detail how a Tajik national accused of murder fled the US for Dushanbe after psychiatric “passes,” reigniting scrutiny of how prosecutors and mental health releases are handled.