Alipay+ Empowers Malaysian SMEs, SpaceX Crew-10 Docks at ISS, and U.S. Tariffs Threaten Indian Pharma

March 20, 2025

AGN Evening Update | 20 March 2025

Welcome to Alps Global News (AGN), your trusted source for the latest updates on business, technology, space, and international affairs. In today’s evening update, we bring you three major stories shaping the global landscape.

🌍 Alipay+ Powers Malaysian SMEs Through DuitNow QR Payments

Malaysia’s small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are experiencing a significant boost in digital transactions, thanks to Alipay+, which now accounts for over 80% of inbound QR payments via DuitNow. This collaboration between Payments Network Malaysia (PayNet) and Ant International is enabling Malaysian businesses to tap into a growing pool of global travelers, facilitating seamless transactions.

📈 Key Highlights:

During the peak travel season in December 2024, Alipay+ contributed to a sixfold increase in revenue for Malaysian merchants compared to the same period in 2023.
The integration of cross-border QR payment solutions allows international visitors to transact effortlessly with Malaysian businesses.
This initiative positions Malaysia as a premier travel and shopping destination, strengthening its digital economy.

With the rise of cashless payments and the increasing reliance on digital wallets, Alipay+ and DuitNow’s partnership is set to further revolutionize the Malaysian retail and tourism sectors.

🚀 SpaceX Crew-10 Successfully Docks at the ISS

In a milestone for space exploration, SpaceX’s Crew-10 mission has successfully docked with the International Space Station (ISS), bringing four astronauts aboard. This mission ensures the safe return of astronauts who have been on extended missions while continuing critical research and operations on the station.

👨‍🚀 Crew Members Onboard:

Anne McClain (NASA)
Nichole Ayers (NASA)
Takuya Onishi (JAXA – Japan)
Kirill Peskov (Roscosmos – Russia)

🌌 Mission Significance:

Crew-10 will support scientific experiments, maintenance, and space research at the ISS.
Their arrival facilitates the return of astronauts who have completed their long-duration missions.
This docking highlights international collaboration in space exploration, with contributions from the U.S., Japan, and Russia.

As SpaceX continues to lead in commercial spaceflight, Crew-10’s success marks another step toward sustainable human presence in space.

💊 U.S. Tariffs on Indian Pharmaceutical Imports Raise Concerns

The United States has announced significant tariffs on Indian pharmaceutical imports, a move that could disrupt the global supply chain and increase the cost of essential medications. India is one of the largest exporters of generic medicines, supplying affordable drugs worldwide.

📉 Potential Impacts:

Higher drug prices for U.S. consumers, particularly those relying on affordable generics.
Strained trade relations between the U.S. and India, with possible retaliatory measures.
Concerns for global healthcare, as India supplies medicines to many developing countries at lower costs.

With these tariffs in place, accessibility to essential medications may become a challenge, particularly for uninsured and low-income populations. The pharmaceutical industry and policymakers are closely monitoring developments to assess the long-term impact.