TSMC chairman C.C. Wei highlighted Taiwan's strong potential in developing drones and multifunctional robots at the recent 12th National Science and Technology Conference. While acknowledging Taiwan's capacity to produce multifunctional robots, Wei emphasized that beyond AI functionality, successful development would require the integration of semiconductors, software, and precision machinery.

Megaforce, a Taiwan-based leader in precision plastics molding, laser optics, and biomedical solutions, is ramping up its focus on AI applications. The company now offers system integration, AI model development, database construction, and on-premises computing capabilities.

Samsung Electronics is preparing to unveil its latest products at the Galaxy Unpacked event scheduled for January 2025. This event is set to feature the launch of the flagship Galaxy S25 smartphone series, along with the introduction of new devices like the Galaxy Ring 2 and augmented reality (AR) smart glasses, which will be integral to the expanding Galaxy AI ecosystem.

Taiwan's leading smart retail solutions provider Partner Tech, a subsidiary of Qisda Group, has invested in Japanese theme park software service provider Cresson Inc., the company announced on December 23, 2024. The strategic partnership aims to enhance integrated hardware and software solutions for smart retail and expand both companies' presence in Japan and Asia-Pacific markets.

Server solutions provider Compal Electronics has joined forces with Intel, BP Castrol, thermal management specialist JWS, and professional chassis maker Priver Technology to unveil a cutting-edge Targeted Flow liquid cooling solution.

Despite the recent military maneuvers by China's navy and coast guard that threaten Taiwan's security, as well as challenges within China such as a struggling real estate market, US technological sanctions, and supply chain restructuring, the Mainland Affairs Council reports that cross-strait trade is steadily recovering.

The year 2024 marks a pivotal shift in the silicon carbide (SiC) industry, as unprecedented production increases by Chinese manufacturers transform the global supply chain. This critical compound semiconductor material, once valued for its scarcity, has become a double-edged sword causing ripples throughout the sector.

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.

Amid surging AI demand, SK Hynix has unveiled a 61TB SSD tailored for AI data centers, marking a significant leap in the enterprise SSD (eSSD) market and intensifying competition with industry leader Samsung Electronics.

On December 17, Maggie Chen, chairperson of Chenbro, which has been designated as a server case supplier for Nvidia, was invited to speak at the 12th National Science and Technology Conference held by the Executive Yuan, where she shared her insights on the journey of managing a small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) in Taiwan. Chen noted that while PC molds used to last for 20 years, AI server case molds are now discarded within a year due to constant specification changes from Nvidia, forcing suppliers into a cycle of trial and error.

The Chinese semiconductor industry faces a significant market correction as wafer fabs prepare for a downturn in 2025 amid oversupply concerns, causing substantial impacts across the global semiconductor industry. As one of the world's largest markets for semiconductor equipment, China's declining demand is compelling major international players to revise their strategies.

Long delivery times for cooling distribution units (CDU) are reportedly why increased production of GB200 server racks has been delayed from the first quarter of 2025 to the second quarter, opening up new opportunities for Taiwanese manufacturers, according to cooling solution players.

Google has newly unveiled Android XR, a spatial computing operating system (OS) designed for extended reality (XR) devices, poised to compete with Meta Platforms and Apple. The OS supports XR headsets, smart glasses, existing Android apps, and immersive VR content.

Leading heavy electrical equipment maker Fortune Electric has seen 2024 revenue and profit surpass last year's levels, as its order backlog now extends to 2027-2028, according to company president I-te Hsu. The company expects exports to account for as much as 50% of its revenue in 2025, which will help boost its bottom line as exports are more profitable than sales to Taipower and other green energy products.

The evolution of smart glasses has been marked by challenges and learning experiences that continue to shape the landscape of this innovative technology. From the initial hype surrounding Google Glass, which dwindled under privacy concerns and a lack of practical uses, to the ongoing developments by Microsoft with HoloLens and Magic Leap, the journey has highlighted crucial lessons in blending technology with consumer needs.

According to industry sources, the PC market should see some replacement demand in 2025, but visibility remains low for IC design houses despite the hype about AI devices.

TSMC's revenue in US$ terms is expected to grow by at least 20% in 2025, with almost all major chip vendors seeking its support for advanced manufacturing processes where the world's number one pure-play foundry sees little challenge from competitors, according to industry sources.

The upcoming US policy focus on "high tariffs" and "Made in America" initiatives could significantly impact Taiwan's machinery exports while potentially creating new opportunities for adaptable manufacturers, according to recent warnings from the Taiwan Association of Machinery Industry (TAMI) and the Taiwan Machine Tool & Accessory Builders' Association (TMBA).

Apple's new vision for the future of computing is a giant, iPad-like foldable device. Also: The company rethinks the mouse, its next AirTag will have a new chip that lets you find items from farther away, and a shift to in-house Wi-Fi chips will kick off next year.

With Donald Trump poised to take office in January 2025, the acceleration of supply chain relocation is becoming increasingly evident. Tai-yuan Chang, chairman of Jarllytech, a Taiwan-based provider of hinge technology and precision components, announced plans to expand production capacity in Thailand and Vietnam amid a significant uptick in the pace at which notebook manufacturers shift operations away from China.

The traditional textile industry is facing dual challenges: the loss of skilled artisanship and increasing pressure to adopt eco-friendly practices. Japan-based printer manufacturer Epson is leveraging digital printing technology to revolutionize textile production, establishing digital textile centers worldwide.

Multiple media sources have reported that MediaTek's 5G modem chips may soon replace Intel's products in upcoming Apple Watch models. If true, it will mark MediaTek's first entry into Apple's supply chain.

Coretronic reported a self-estimated consolidated revenue of approximately NT$3.219 billion for November 2024, representing an 8% increase compared to the consolidated revenue of NT$2.993 billion (approx. US$92 million) in October. However, this figure reflects a 3% year-over-year decline.

Connector and cable assembly maker Sinbon Electronics has seen a drop in revenue, as inventory destocking beginning in the second half of 2023 led to slower demand. For the first eleven months of 2024, Sinbon posted NT$30.564 billion (US$940 million) in revenue, a drop of 0.66% compared to the same period in 2023. However, the company is confident about achieving positive growth in 2024 and is eyeing double-digit growth in 2025 driven by applications including green energy, AI, semiconductors, and electric vehicles.

MediaTek has announced its revenue performance for November, reporting a monthly revenue of NT$45.242 billion (approx. US$1.391 billion), which represents an 11.49% decrease from the previous month but a 5.04% year-over-year increase.