Samsung's fourth-quarter 2024 financial performance missed market expectations. The company aims to regain momentum in 2025 by focusing on AI, robotics, and subscription services. According to Digital Today, Samsung's revival strategy revolves around three key areas: robotics, AI, and smart home solutions.

Taiwan's Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) has indicated that US President Donald Trump's most significant tariff policies are still pending announcement. A recent MOEA survey on Taiwanese manufacturers' export strategies revealed that only 8.9% have taken proactive measures to address potential US protectionist policies, while the majority maintain an observing stance.

Elon Musk openly questioned whether companies that joined President Donald Trump's announcement promising hundreds of billions of dollars in artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure could follow through on their promises, exposing an early internal rift within the White House.

Taiwan has gained international prominence as a supplier of AI computing hardware, but according to Liang-gee Chen, former minister of the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) and professor emeritus at National Taiwan University (NTU), users primarily seek AI capabilities and services rather than computing power.

Tech giant Samsung has unveiled its Galaxy S25 series, marking a shift from hardware upgrades to the seamless integration of generative AI (GenAI). By enhancing AI control and user experience, Samsung aims to simplify daily tasks across work, entertainment, and social interactions.

Samsung Electronics has officially unveiled its flagship smartphone lineup—the Galaxy S25 series. This latest collection boasts three distinct models: the S25, S25+, and S25 Ultra. While Samsung has placed a strong focus on cutting-edge hardware advancements, it has equally prioritized the evolution of its software, particularly with the integration of advanced generative AI (GenAI) technologies. Among the standout innovations are its Human-like AI Agents, a unified AI platform, and a suite of personalized AI features.

Sharp Corporation is set to announce its fiscal 2024 growth strategy during its earnings presentation in May 2025, covering the period from April 2024 to March 2025. However, key elements of this strategy, such as the CEO-led Innovation Accelerator Project (I-Pro), are already taking shape through ongoing initiatives.

The US intends to sustain its dominance in artificial intelligence (AI), and the market for HPC chips is expected to increase significantly for another four years, according to sources at IC design houses.

The US is set to enhance its AI infrastructure under President Donald Trump's administration, with Taiwan-based server manufacturers Foxconn and Mitac positioned to capitalize on increasing demand.

AI is revolutionizing the global software industry, with tech giants like Meta and Google emphasizing its ability to generate code on par with mid-level software engineers. This shift is driving the need for professionals to enhance their skill sets to remain competitive. As AI adoption accelerates, the industry is also poised for consolidation, with sectors such as consulting and finance rapidly adapting to the evolving landscape.

Backend house Powertech Technology (PTI) anticipates a resurgence in demand from the memory sector beginning in the second quarter, with further enhancement projected through the fourth quarter.

Microsoft has revised its agreement with OpenAI, allowing the AI company to partner with other cloud service providers (CSPs). However, Microsoft retains the Right of First Refusal (ROFR), giving it a priority to match any competing offers before OpenAI commits to other providers.

Export orders from Taiwan are expected to decline significantly in January 2025, with the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) forecasting values between US$44.5 billion and US$46.5 billion. This represents a month-over-month decrease of 15.9% to 12.1% and a year-over-year decline of 8.1% to 4%.

The European Union will raise concerns with the US over a decision to restrict the export of artificial intelligence chips from the likes of Nvidia to some of its
member states, according to people familiar with the matter.

Server ODMs are swiftly establishing manufacturing facilities in the US to mitigate the impact of geopolitical uncertainties, with Texas emerging as a favored location, according to industry sources from Taiwan.

Apple's US$95 million settlement over Siri privacy violations has brought AI governance and accountability into sharp focus. The case highlights the growing challenges of balancing AI innovation with privacy protection, as different regions adopt varying regulatory approaches. While the European Union implements strict controls, Taiwan works to establish a balanced framework that could shape the future of AI governance.

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang's recent low-profile visit to China has reaffirmed the company's strategic focus on this crucial market amid tightening US restrictions on advanced semiconductor exports.

Industry sources indicate that thermal issues associated with GB200 have prompted major clients including Microsoft, Amazon, Google, and Meta to reduce their orders, impacting not only Nvidia's product sales and revenue but also creating significant implications for its primary HBM supplier, SK Hynix.

Foxconn Group (Hon Hai) is positioning itself for expanded AI applications and regionalized production in 2025, with projections to surpass NT$7 trillion (US$214.38 billion) in annual revenue, according to company sources.

Taiwan's machine tool sector struggles to keep pace with its AI-driven export growth, as mounting geopolitical challenges and unfavorable exchange rates continue to impact its performance. While other major export industries benefit from the AI boom, industry leaders call for government intervention to address competitive disadvantages against regional rivals.

President Donald Trump announced a joint venture to fund artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure worth billions of dollars with the leaders of Softbank Group, OpenAI, and Oracle, an effort aimed at speeding the development of emerging technology.

Escalating US sanctions aside, China has launched a national artificial intelligence (AI) industry investment fund worth CNY60 billion (approx. US$8.2 billion), according to reports from Yahoo Finance and the South China Morning Post.

Poland's aspirations to become a European AI leader have hit a significant roadblock following new US export controls on advanced technology. According to the Polish Press Agency (PAP), Digital Affairs Minister Krzysztof Gawkowski had announced plans to establish an AI factory by 2025, positioning Poland as a leading force in European artificial intelligence. These plans now face uncertainty as Intel has suspended its intended construction of an advanced packaging facility in the country.

Major Taiwan-based ODMs including Hon Hai (Foxconn), Quanta, Wistron, and Inventec enjoyed record-high sales in 2024, buoyed by robust AI server sales, while revenue at Pegatron and Compal fell due to a lack of exposure to AI.

On his first day in office, US President Donald Trump initiated a broad rollback of Biden administration policies by signing a series of executive orders. Trump announced plans to revoke nearly 80 executive actions from Biden, targeting areas including climate policy, technology regulation, and foreign trade.