Micron Technology announced during its latest investor conference that its HBM4 development is progressing as planned while revealing development of HBM4E is underway. The company expects to begin mass production of HBM4 in 2026, according to Wccftech.

Japanese NAND flash maker Kioxia debuted on the Tokyo Stock Exchange's Prime Market on December 18, marking a significant milestone. Despite an initial stock price surge, the company's current market value stands at less than half of the JPY2 trillion (approx. US$13 billion) valuation it held upon separating from Toshiba in 2018.

The Chinese chip market faces severe challenges during the semiconductor industry's down cycle, with 14,648 chip companies shutting down in 2024. However, the entrepreneurial spirit remains resilient, as evidenced by 52,401 new registrations in the same year.

In 2024, China's artificial intelligence (AI) framework market is experiencing robust growth, with Huawei's MindSpore securing nearly 30% market share, successfully positioning itself among the global mainstream AI frameworks. This data was revealed at the recent MindSpore AI Framework Summit hosted by Huawei.

SpaceX and Tesla CEO Elon Musk raised concerns about chip shortages during a discussion with TSMC Chairman C.C. Wei, emphasizing the transformative potential of drones and multifunctional robots. Taiwan's academic sector is spearheading at least 10 humanoid robot projects, with plans for continued expansion.

Nvidia has overcome production hurdles for its highly anticipated Blackwell chip, with CEO Jensen Huang confirming the resolution of design flaws in collaboration with TSMC. Shipments are now set to begin in the fourth quarter of 2024, with a full ramp-up by the first quarter of 2025. Despite recent thermal management challenges in the GB200 Rack system, impacting shipment capacity, the supply chain confirms these issues have been resolved, ensuring smooth production.

The US government has launched a national- security investigation into TP-Link, the China-founded router maker whose equipment now dominates the American market and has been targeted in repeated Chinese cyber attacks, people familiar with the matter said.

Rafael Microelectronics has outlined its revenue performance for 2024 and future growth strategies, highlighting steady shipment and revenue growth for its wideband RF product line, driven by a solid customer base and increasing penetration with global brands.

In a strategic move to diversify its display supply chain, Apple has selected Tianma Microelectronics to provide 7-inch LCD panels for its upcoming screen-equipped HomePod, scheduled for release in 2025. The Chinese manufacturer secured the contract with an aggressive pricing of US$10 per unit, which industry observers note is exceptionally competitive even among Chinese suppliers.

Tesla's Shanghai "Gigafactory" is undergoing significant personnel changes as Chinese media reports indicate that Gang Song, the site's director and VP of manufacturing, has departed to pursue a position in the green energy industry with Envision Group.

Taiwan's automotive sector is witnessing a shift toward digital and smart transformation, driving the Mobility as a Service (MaaS) industry into a new phase of growth. Global car brands, including Volvo, are capitalizing on this momentum by introducing diversified mobility services to meet evolving consumer needs.

World Known Precision Industry (WKPT), Taiwan's largest supplier of metal-processed parts for commercial vehicles, is advancing its global footprint with new plants in the US, Taiwan, and China. At a recent earnings call, Chairman Kevin Lu outlined plans to gradually transform WKPT from a traditional machining specialist into a key player in the electronics supply chain.

Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP) has signed a Corporate Power Purchase Agreement (CPPA) with United Microelectronics Corporation (UMC) for the development of the Fengmiao Phase I Offshore Wind Farm through its flagship fund "CI V."

Leading Chinese solar manufacturers, including Longi Green Energy Technology, Trina Solar, and JA Solar, have been forced to delay their production capacity expansions as they grapple with severe market oversupply.

The National Science and Technology Conference, held every four years by the Executive Yuan, is the highest-level meeting shaping Taiwan's technology policy. During the conference on December 16, 2024, Taiwan Semiconductor Industry Association Chairman Cliff Hou expressed industry concerns regarding the supply of green electricity, urging the government to make concrete commitments towards achieving its phased goals for 2030.

Taiwan's drone industry is surging amid growing demand for national defense autonomy and cybersecurity, but challenges persist. Companies face stiff competition from low-cost Chinese rivals, pressure to enhance component cost-efficiency, and the need to foster international collaborations.

In remarks at the Executive Yuan's 12th National Science and Technology Conference on December 16, TSMC Chairman C.C. Wei relayed insights from Elon Musk, who envisions multi-functional robots and drones as the next wave of AI applications. Despite Taiwan's promising tech landscape, research by government advisory bodies has identified critical gaps in Taiwan's supply chains for both robots and drones that need urgent attention.

The European Union is committing to build a EUR10.6 billion (approx. US$11.13 billion) constellation of satellites that will provide the bloc with encrypted global internet connectivity in a bid to provide a homegrown alternative to Elon Musk's Starlink.

Samsung Display is advancing its microOLED technology by shifting from silicon wafers to glass substrates, a move aimed at improving production efficiency and reducing costs for AR/VR devices.

AmTRAN's operational performance showed marked improvement throughout 2024, with the company announcing plans to expand into AI-enabled display products. While maintaining its core partnerships with US-based manufacturers for display solutions, the company is developing new AI-integrated products slated for launch in 2025. Simultaneously, AmTRAN is streamlining its product portfolio by phasing out underperforming lines to enhance profitability and gross margins.

In response to Taiwan's panel and traditional industries facing fierce competition from Chinese peers, deputy minister of Taiwan's Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) Chin-tsang Ho said that the MOEA will offer R&D subsidies totaling NT$11.6 billion (approx. US$354.15 million) starting in 2025 and welcomes applications from related industry players.