Economic Transformation: Sarawak plans to shift from assembly work to technology creation over the next five years, aiming to boost competitiveness and escape the middle-income trap. Export Boom: China’s exports jumped 36.3% in September, their biggest monthly rise since 2010, while South Korean semiconductor exports surged 222.5% in the first 20 days of October. The AI-led gains contrast with China’s weak domestic demand. Markets: Wall Street’s Nasdaq rallied as SpaceX reported its first profit as a public company and Super Micro forecasted strong results, easing some doubts about AI spending. Trade and Investment: Qatari and French business leaders called for industrial partnerships that move beyond trade deals into investment, production and innovation. Inflation and Growth: UK inflation reached 3.5% in September, renewing business calls for lower costs. Argentina’s economy shrank 1.7% year-on-year in August, with manufacturing and trade among the weakest sectors. Debt and Taxes: Citadel founder Ken Griffin warned that extending U.S. tax cuts without fiscal room risks worsening a national debt that has topped $40 trillion. Small Business: Saskatchewan counts 156,850 small businesses, which employ about 30% of the province’s workforce and contribute more than $8.3 billion in wages.