Halal Push for SMEs: Malaysia’s KUSKOP says it has helped 3,000-plus micro, small and medium enterprises and cooperatives secure halal certification in five years, with plans to speed approvals via partnerships including MyRS MIHA and Maxis’ digital marketing programme. Plastic-Free Restaurant Rankings: CHUK (Pakka) launched India’s first public leaderboard ranking restaurants by verified environmental impact after switching to compostable tableware, tracking plastic-free meals, CO2 avoided and tonnes used. UPI Backlash in Retail: Indian traders are planning a “No UPI Day” on Oct 2 over a proposed Merchant Discount Rate of 0.4% on certain high-value UPI transactions, with some merchants expected to pause QR payments temporarily. Edible Oil Cost Relief: India cut import duties on edible oils ahead of the festive season, aiming to ease prices for soybean, palm and sunflower oils—key inputs for sweets, snacks and restaurants. Better-For-You Snacking Debate: New research says “health” is now part of indulgent snacking, with consumers seeking low-sugar and natural ingredients without giving up taste and comfort. Hospitality Leadership Training: Adevo Academy launched a leadership and management track for hotel and restaurant supervisors and mid-managers, targeting a gap in structured people-management training. Spirits Policy Leadership: Asia Pacific spirits and wine group APISWA appointed Ian McKendrick as executive director to strengthen regulator engagement across the region. Ube Export Ban Fallout: The Philippines’ ube restrictions are reshaping supply for global demand, with UK chefs weighing impacts as processed ube remains exportable.