SoftBank Group revealed on May 8, 2025, that it is developing next-generation high-efficiency memory specifically designed for AI data centers. Rather than producing the chips in-house, the company will focus on an intellectual property (IP) licensing model

Trans-Sun Materials Technology has observed a growing demand for advanced transmission solutions in global data centers and AI servers due to the rapid advancement of generative AI and multimodal large models. Next-generation optical communication technologies like silicon photonics, co-packaged optics (CPO), and 1.6T/3.2T high-speed interconnect architectures are transitioning from research to practical application, driving substantial upgrades in AI infrastructure

Tata Electronics plans to double iPhone enclosure production at its Hosur facility to support Apple's September launches, according to sources who spoke with The Economic Times. The move comes as Apple deepens its manufacturing footprint in India, with the plant now restored to pre-fire capacity after a setback in September 2024

Zhen Ding has signed an MoU with Thailand's Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) to launch an industry-academia partnership in late 2025. This initiative targets the growing global need for skilled technology professionals and enhanced technical expertise

Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd. (CATL) has started taking investor orders for a Hong Kong stock offering that is likely to be the world's biggest listing this year

The latest round of tariffs from US President Donald Trump is shaking up Southeast Asia's manufacturing heartland, dealing a blow to nations that form the backbone of Taiwan's electronics supply chain. Key countries like Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia-vital cogs in Taiwan's regional production network-are now grappling with steep tariffs on products ranging from servers and PCs to notebooks and networking gear, injecting fresh uncertainty into the industry

With US President Donald Trump back in the White House, a new wave of tariff and exchange rate issues has impacted global supply chains. However, unlike in the past, businesses are not hastily expanding overseas. Instead, Thailand remains the top choice for companies setting up factories in Southeast Asia, thanks to its strategic location, labor resources, and market potential

These are the top-read DIGITIMES Asia stories from the week of May 5 – May 11. From major chipmakers reshaping strategies under geopolitical pressure to rare earth shocks and Huawei's stealth fab push, here's a snapshot of the tech industry's most closely watched developments

High-level trade negotiations between the US and China, held in Geneva, Switzerland, on May 10-11, concluded with both sides reporting substantial progress and key agreements, signaling a step toward addressing longstanding trade imbalances

Bloomberg, citing unnamed sources, reported that Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd. (CATL), the world's largest battery maker, is seeking a US$1 billion loan to expand its investment in Indonesia. The funds will be used for a battery plant in Karawang, West Java, operated by CATL's joint venture. Sources familiar with the matter said financing negotiations are ongoing, and details may still change

Apple's 'Make in India' journey is expected to be a rocky one despite rising number of suppliers there. South Korean electronics manufacturers are keeping a close eye on the India-Pakistan tension

Over the past decade, Samsung Electronics executive chairman Lee Jae-Yong has leveraged global mergers and acquisitions (M&A) to transform Samsung into a "technology-first" company. Rather than pursuing large-scale deals, Lee has focused on strategic acquisitions that strengthen core technologies. These efforts have laid the foundation for Samsung's competitiveness in semiconductors, automotive electronics, AI, and display sectors

On May 8, Japanese automotive parts supplier Denso and chipmaker Rohm Semiconductor announced a strategic partnership aimed at deepening collaboration in semiconductor development and production. Citing reports from Nikkei and Car Watch, the companies said the alliance will span joint chip development, integrated manufacturing, and coordinated raw material procurement, with implementation details to be finalized later