Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co. (Semco) began mass-producing silicon capacitors for global semiconductor firms in the fourth quarter of 2024, with plans to ramp up supply diversification both domestically and internationally by 2025. These silicon capacitors, critical for high-performance semiconductor substrates used in AI and other advanced applications, are poised to become a core growth area for the company.

Seasonality is anticipated to impact PC sales in the first half of 2025, with the outcome of the upcoming US presidential election expected to send ripples into the industry, according to industry sources.

Amid the ongoing US-China conflict, the industry is focusing on Apple's efforts to shift its supply chain away from China to other regions. However, one of Apple's primary alternative destinations, India, is now facing challenges in its competitiveness compared to Vietnam. Vietnam offers a more favorable tariff structure and dedicated task forces to support investments, making it a more attractive option for companies looking to relocate their supply chains.

Countries are making significant investments in smart city applications. According to one survey, consumers spend 70% of their time on transportation, making smart traffic management a lucrative opportunity for a variety of firms. Smart parking management systems integrated with charging stations have gained popularity, with businesses such as Acer and Asustek Computer targeting this market through their respective affiliates.

Located near London, UK, Silverstone—home to the Formula 1 British Grand Prix since 1950—has evolved into much more than a racetrack. The venue now serves as a hub for cutting-edge technology and innovation. The Silverstone Technology Cluster (STC), established in 2016, leverages the region's motorsport heritage to advance fields including automotive, aerospace, healthcare, digital technology, and industrial engineering.

South Korean semiconductor firms have shown little interest in investing in India, even as U.S. and Japanese semiconductor companies begin to establish a presence there.

FIC Global (FICG) chairman Leo Chien highlighted the soaring demand for optical communication modules driven by AI. To meet growing demand, FICG plans to establish a new plant in Malaysia to enhance production capacity. The facility will focus on manufacturing high-speed optical modules, including 400G, 800G, and 1.6T models.

LG Electronics' strategic transformation efforts are paying off, as evidenced by its record-breaking third quarter 2024 performance, driven by three core pillars: operational efficiency, business innovation, and a segmented marketing approach.

LG Electronics is following Samsung's lead in pursuing the lucrative medical technology field as a key future revenue source. The company plans to develop its medical technology business, particularly through medical monitors, through substantial investments and a distinct, high-quality product approach.

Taiwan's hospitals are pioneering smart healthcare by combining medical expertise with advanced ICT. At a recent event hosted by the Smart Healthcare Industry-Academia Alliance, hospitals, including Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial, unveiled patient-centered solutions developed with Taiwan's ICT industry, demonstrating their commitment to emphasizing the importance of the patient journey.

Taiwan's enterprises saw their combined annual R&D expenditures surpass NT$800 billion (approx. US$24.6 billion) for the first time in 2023, reaching NT$801.5 billion. This marked a 3.7% increase from the previous year and accounted for 85.1% of the nation's total R&D expenses, according to a survey released by the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) on October 31.

Supermicro faces mounting financial scrutiny following the resignation of its auditor, Ernst & Young (EY), over corporate governance and transparency concerns. While supply chain partners have remained publicly silent, they are closely monitoring two critical aspects: fluctuations in Supermicro's outstanding receivables and potential order changes.

Apple's recent quarterly results met market expectations, though challenges in its China business and a significant profit decline signal potential headwinds ahead.

Huawei's third-quarter 2024 report reveals strong revenue growth from January to September, driven by consumer electronics, smartphones, and ICT. Despite this, net profit declined due to global competition and US sanctions. Huawei is boosting R&D in high-end 5G and AI, reaffirming its dedication to innovation and a diversified approach to competitiveness in both domestic and international markets.

Dixon Technologies, the largest India-based EMS/ODM, said it had bagged orders of four out of five top PC brands in India. The company is expanding its mobile phone manufacturing business with the acquisition of the Indian subsidiary of Transsion Group.

Advanced Power Electronics (APEC) reported a sequential uptick in the third quarter 2024 revenue, driven by demand for upgraded power supplies and cooling fans in AI servers. While these products mainly operate on low- to mid-voltage, APEC noted their average selling price (ASP) trends higher, though rising quality demands from clients are also intensifying price pressure.

Samsung Electronics achieved a historic high in revenue for the third quarter of 2024. Yet, overall operating profit fell short of market expectations, primarily due to one-time expenses including incentive bonuses in the Device Solutions (DS) division and foreign exchange fluctuations.

Xiaomi, entering its fifth year in the high-end smartphone market, has once again rolled out its annual flagship phone, the Xiaomi 15, setting itself as a contender against Apple. Lei Jun, the founder of Xiaomi Group, aiming to deepen its focus on its foundational technologies with the slogan "AI x OS x Chips", announced the company plans to up its R&D spending from RMB 24 billion (approx. US$5.34 billion) in 2024 to RMB 30 billion in 2025.

According to DIGITIMES Research's report on cloud ASIC accelerators, the global shipment of self-developed cloud AI ASIC accelerators is projected to reach 3.45 million units in 2024, with Google's market share expected to grow to 74%.

Apple is reportedly starting the design and development of the iPhone 17 in India, a significant milestone for the made-in-India iPhones. This shift coincides with rumors of a surge in export values for iPhones produced in India between April and September, indicating an accelerated pace of Apple's supply chain development.

Taiwan stands at a pivotal moment in the AI revolution. Having established itself as a leader in AI hardware manufacturing, Taiwan will also have a chance to lead in the next wave of AI applications across diverse industries, according to Matthew Miau, chairman of MiTAC-Synnex Group.

The Chinese government has significantly tightened restrictions on foreign companies, especially semiconductor manufacturers, making it much more difficult to acquire various rare earths and other minerals that are primarily mined and refined in China.

Amid the countdown to the US presidential election, discussions regarding whether the incoming president will step up manufacturers to invest in India emerge, highlighting Foxconn's advantages thanks to its global production.

The surge in Chinese military exercises near Taiwan underscores an urgent need to fortify the island's infrastructure, as the risk of gray-zone tactics escalating into a full-scale blockade grows. Taiwan's three main science parks, critical to its tech industry, are now central to defense strategies. In response, the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) has launched measures to counter potential threats, protect manufacturers, and ensure continuity within these crucial hubs.

On October 24, Foxconn's Indian subsidiary, Foxconn Hon Hai Technology India Mega Development Private Limited, announced a transaction with Apple Operations Limited to acquire a batch of machinery and equipment. The total transaction amount is US$31.8045 million. Supply chain sources indicate that this acquisition is aimed at preparing for the continued expansion of production capacity in India.