Taiwan's major motherboard and graphics card manufacturers are capitalizing on opportunities in the AI server sector, with projected operational growth in 2025, according to industry sources.
Machining parts and chassis maker Jinpao Precision Industry (JPP) expects robust growth in 2025 from AI server cabinets and aerospace-related orders. Due to the surge in AI server-related orders, the company has set up a new production facility in Thailand to meet sustained demand into 2025. Furthermore, due to the shift from air cooling to liquid cooling, JPP expects its clients to begin adopting next-generation AI server cabinets in 2025, which will in turn further boost operations for the company.
The GB300 is anticipated to be unveiled in the second quarter of 2025, with trial production starting in the third quarter. It will reportedly have a stronger cooling requirement, utilizing fewer motherboard fans, which implies an increased demand for liquid cooling solutions.
The advancement of technology has laid the foundation for the electronic and digital transformation of healthcare, further promoting the introduction and application of smart solutions. With the gradual easing of related regulations, many ICT companies are increasing their investments, hoping to ride the wave of change in the medical industry and expand their operational reach while diversifying their business strategies.
Wingtech, a Chinese ODM and IDM powerhouse, announced on December 30 that it has signed a letter of intent to transfer the equity and operating assets of nine ODM subsidiaries to Luxshare Precision Industry. This acquisition would mark a watershed moment in the supply chain landscape.
The year 2024 saw intensifying US-China tech tensions amid sweeping US sanctions and China's economic challenges, including weak demand, declining foreign investment, and widespread layoffs. With former President Trump's return in 2025 looming, tech and trade conflicts are set to escalate, deepening the nations' decoupling.
China's domestic CPU industry is experiencing rapid growth amidst intensifying US-China technological competition. At the forefront, Phytium announced that it has shipped over 10 million CPUs, setting a significant milestone in the evolution of China's semiconductor industry.
Sharp has announced the sale of its camera module assets to Fullertain Information Technologies, a subsidiary of Foxconn. Sharp stated that this move will reduce the investment burden connected with its equipment business.
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.
