Semco has developed the world's first "mini oxide-based solid-state battery" capable of being integrated into wearable devices. The company is reportedly conducting product tests with customers, with mass production expected to begin as early as the first half of 2026. This development has garnered major attention due to the advantages of solid-state batteries, such as high energy density and lower fire risks

Taiwan's silicon carbide (SiC) wafer foundry sector has received a confidence boost after Vanguard International Semiconductor (VIS), a specialty foundry affiliated with TSMC, announced an NT$2.48 billion investment in Episil Technologies via a private placement earlier this month. The pair formed a partnership targeting an 8-inch SiC foundry

Apple's iPhone 16 has seen lower-than-expected initial sales, deepening concerns for South Korean display manufacturers. According to recent reports from South Korean media, LG Display (LGD) is facing particularly severe challenges

Altos Computing, a subsidiary of Acer, has successfully secured a significant order for workstations from Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL), a prominent state-owned enterprise in India. Notably, the workstations are assembled locally in India, supporting the country's ambitions for developing its electronics manufacturing sector

Intel is currently facing an unprecedented crisis and recently decided to spin off Intel Foundry (IF), hoping to revive its foundry business by adopting TSMC's "no competition with customers" model. This move has raised industry discussions about whether Samsung Electronics might follow suit

Samsung Electronics has secured a contract valued at approximately US$720 million to supply 4G and 5G telecom equipment to Vodafone Idea, India's third-largest telecom operator. This agreement marks a significant milestone for Samsung, as it has now secured orders from the top three wireless operators in India

STMicroelectronics, while expanding production capacities in France and Italy, is also collaborating with Sanan Optoelectronics to establish a SiC fab in Chongqing, underscoring China's significant role in the automotive and semiconductor supply chains

Thailand is set to make a significant stride in the semiconductor industry with the establishment of its first silicon carbide (SiC) wafer factory, which is expected to begin operation in 2027

Despite AI-driven growth in the semiconductor industry, South Korea is facing a critical shortage of skilled workers. A preference among students for medical degrees and aggressive recruitment by the US and China have worsened the talent drain

The US Department of Commerce (DOC) recently proposed a ban on automotive software and hardware technology and equipment from China and Russia entering the US market. Sino Auto Insights commented that the Biden administration's move could close a significant loophole in previous tariff measures on Chinese electric vehicles (EVs)

Leading OEM and automobile firms, including Foxconn, BYD, and Xiaomi, are showcasing their collaborative robots (cobots) at the 2024 China International Industry Fair (CIIF), held in Shanghai from September 24 to 28. These major manufacturers have incorporated robots made by a range of local Chinese companies into their production lines, as they aim to gradually increase the ratio of robots in the manufacturing process.

Tencent Robotics X Lab recently unveiled its latest advancements in robot development, including its new general-purpose robot, The Five. This fifth-generation robot features a hybrid design with four legs and wheels, tactile skin and fingers, and the ability to safely interact with humans. The Five is slated to be tested in elderly care and other experimental situations, to perform simple interactive tasks such as carrying glasses of water or even patients

The US is intensifying restrictions on Chinese-made vehicles. Beyond the current 100% tariff on Chinese electric vehicles (EVs), the US Department of Commerce (DOC) is reportedly preparing to ban the sale and use of Chinese vehicles with internet connectivity within US borders

Japan may have pioneered perovskite solar cell (PSC) technology, but mass production remains elusive. In China, however, at least six startups are racing ahead, building PSC factories with a flood of domestic and international investment to rapidly scale production

Sahasra Electronics, an India-based electronics manufacturing services (EMS) provider eyeing the semiconductor packaging business, is set to launch an initial public offering (IPO) on September 26, aiming to raise INR1.86 billion (approx. US$22.3 million)

Foxconn-backed SiliconAuto established a new R&D center in Bengaluru that will specialize in designing semiconductor products and developing SoC solutions for the automotive industry. The focus will be on developing cutting-edge semiconductor solutions for EVs, autonomous driving, and connected car technologies