Oil Shock Hits Asia Markets: Asian stocks slid as Brent pushed past $100 for a second day amid US-Iran strikes around the Strait of Hormuz, reviving inflation and rate-hike fears. Cross-Strait Tech & Energy Risk: A Taiwan “silicon shield” debate resurfaced as semiconductor-driven electricity demand and LNG reliance raise vulnerability if blockade scenarios disrupt imports. Taiwan Exports Keep Breaking Records: Taiwan’s August exports jumped 41% YoY, led by machinery/electrical and semiconductor growth, with strong demand from Mexico, Australia, the Philippines and India. Semiconductor Concentration Warning: South Korea’s central bank flagged extreme KOSPI volatility tied to semiconductor concentration and leveraged ETF/retail position unwinds. AI Search Pressure on Services: A Taiwan-linked marketing analysis says AI overviews can erase clicks for top-ranked firms in healthcare, finance and professional services unless content is independently cited. Wealth & AI Marketing Push: Standard Chartered is expanding its AI-driven “wealth” campaign across Asia, using local platforms including LINE in Taiwan. Automotive Cybersecurity Certification: Silicon Motion earned ISO/SAE 21434 certification, signaling tighter security requirements for connected vehicles. Regional Diplomacy Noise: China and the Philippines traded barbs over South China Sea claims after a note incident at a defense forum. Insurance Partnership: GAIP added Cathay Life as a principal partner to tackle protection gaps and emerging risks across Asia. Taiwan Healthcare Expo Manila: Taiwan’s Healthcare Pavilion will showcase hospitals and med-tech firms at Taiwan Expo 2026 in the Philippines.