LG Display (LGD) has implemented a self-developed artificial intelligence (AI) system into its OLED manufacturing process. The AI system collects and analyzes OLED process data in real-time to identify optimal solutions, expected to save over KRW200 billion (approx. US$139 million) in operational costs annually
Elon Musk's historically amicable approach towards China, including his praises of "China speed" during Tesla's factory establishment, and his marveling at Shanghai's administrative efficiency and infrastructure development, may face new challenges. With Trump set to retake office in January 2025, the potential policy differences regarding China between these two influential figures remain a critical question
With the backing of its major shareholder, Foxconn, Sharp is actively pursuing a transformation strategy. Following an earlier agreement to sell part of the land and facilities at Sakai, Osaka, to SoftBank, Sharp revealed on December 26, 2024, that it has reached an agreement with Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd. for the transfer of its fixed assets, which include several buildings
The US government's new Section 301 investigation into China's mature semiconductor manufacturing processes signals potential expansion of trade restrictions, according to industry sources familiar with the matter. This development comes amid expectations of stricter sanctions under the incoming Trump administration
Taiwan-based pure-play foundries have implemented various strategies to counter China's competitive pricing in mature process nodes, according to industry sources
Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI) has allocated JPY100 billion (US$638 million) in its fiscal 2025 budget proposal (April 2025 to March 2026) to support domestic semiconductor startup Rapidus. The ministry also plans to introduce legislative changes during the 2025 regular session of the National Diet to bolster Rapidus and similar ventures
Tesla China has reduced the starting price of its Model Y rear-wheel drive model to CNY239,900 (US$32,870) on its official website, making it the lowest-priced version of this model globally. The company has also introduced a five-year zero-interest financing scheme to make its vehicles more accessible to Chinese consumers
Yovole is considering an initial public offering in the US, people familiar with the matter said, years after the Chinese data center operator's failed attempt to list in mainland China
South Korea's semiconductor industry is considering the creation of KSMC amid claims of facing its biggest crisis ever, prompting calls for KRW300 trillion (US$207 billion) in government financial support
Following Xiaomi's venture into electric vehicles, automakers are now emerging as key players in the humanoid robot market. Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently announced that the company's future focus will gradually shift from electric vehicles (EVs) to humanoid robots, particularly its "Optimus" model, which he described as Tesla's core competitive advantage for the next decade
Honda Motor Co. absorbing Nissan Motor Co. could give the two struggling Japanese brands the scale they need to take on China's BYD, sales figures released Wednesday show
Elephantech Inc., a Tokyo-based printed electronics manufacturer, has announced a breakthrough in developing general-purpose multilayer printed circuit boards (PCBs). The company's press release claims its proprietary SustainaCircuits™ technology is poised to revolutionize the industry by significantly reducing copper usage and production costs
Major Japanese technology companies are undertaking comprehensive transformation initiatives in response to digital transformation and generative AI challenges, according to Nikkei and Nikkan. These changes span headquarters relocations, governance restructuring, and workplace modifications
Micron is aggressively expanding its footprint in the high-bandwidth memory market, capitalizing on surging AI chip demand to accelerate growth. Backing this expansion, the company is set to receive up to US$6.165 billion in CHIPS Act funding from the US Department of Commerce by the end of 2024. To strengthen its market position, it plans to expand production in the US and Malaysia, aiming for a 20% share of the HBM market by 2025
While Samsung Electronics (Samsung) can breathe a sigh of relief as Qualcomm's close collaborator following the US semiconductor manufacturer's victory in its lawsuit against UK semiconductor IP firm Arm, concerns are mounting over the company's overreliance on Qualcomm
