Chinese semiconductor equipment maker SiCarrier has booked over CNY10 billion (US$1.4 billion) in orders and is mobilizing upstream suppliers for large-scale production. With nearly 20,000 employees, the Shenzhen-based firm is emerging as a key force in China's drive to localize chipmaking gear as global export restrictions tighten

Samsung is rolling out its Galaxy S25 FE smartphone and Galaxy Tab S11 tablets a month early, unveiling the devices at the IFA 2025 tech show in Berlin. The move is aimed at filling a gap in its lineup ahead of the launch of its new tri-fold phones later this year

The South Korean government is reportedly pushing to reduce tariffs on key imported materials used in semiconductor wafer production to 0% by 2026. Amid the US' announcement of a potential 100% tariff on South Korean semiconductors, Seoul aims to enhance the foundational cost competitiveness of its domestic semiconductor industry

In response to security concerns over its Chinese founder's background, AI voice recording device maker Plaud issued a statement on September 2, 2024, clarifying that while hardware manufacturing is commissioned to Shenzhen Jizhi Connect Technology, data from Taiwanese users is stored exclusively on Amazon Web Services (AWS) cloud platforms in the US. The company emphasized that user data will not be leaked to the Chinese government

The global artificial intelligence race has split into two distinct paths. While the US pours resources into developing artificial general intelligence—machines with human-like cognitive abilities—China focuses on embedding practical AI applications across industries through its "AI+" strategy

Japanese electronics giant Sony's ambitious automotive plans have hit a roadblock following a lawsuit filed by the California New Car Dealers Association (CNCDA) in Los Angeles County Superior Court on August 22, 2025. The existing online direct sales model for its new vehicles may no longer be viable, forcing Sony to seek alternative dealership arrangements. This case highlights the marketing system challenges faced by automakers amid major transformations in powertrain and driving systems

While geopolitical tensions push many companies away from China, South Korean chip equipment maker Nextin is doubling down with a new factory in Wuxi, betting big on a market that generates over 80% of its revenue

A group of 12 Japanese companies, including Mitsubishi Corporation, NTT, and Kansai Electric Power, announced on September 2, 2025, an investment in Massachusetts-based nuclear fusion energy startup Commonwealth Fusion Systems (CFS), the first time Japanese firms have invested in CFS, with the intent to acquire construction and operational technologies to expedite nuclear fusion power commercialization in Japan

Ant Group is ramping up investments in China's semiconductor industry, targeting several domestic chip startups. After securing dominance in payments and fintech, the company is shifting into computing hardware, betting on design-focused firms that align with Beijing's push for technology self-reliance. Analysts see the move as both a nod to China's AI localization campaign and a bid to find new growth engines after Ant's aborted IPO

Samsung Electro-Mechanics (Semco) is developing a continuous zoom camera module that maintains image clarity across varying telephoto magnifications, reportedly aiming to meet demands from Chinese smartphone manufacturers. Unlike fixed focal length folded zooms, this technology allows smooth optical zoom but poses challenges in module thickness and lens alignment

South Korea plans to more than double its display research budget to counter China's growing dominance, as industry data indicate China could control up to 75% of global panel production capacity by 2028

Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix are reportedly pushing back plans to phase out DDR4 DRAM, extending production until 2026 after prices for the older chips surged past next-generation DDR5. Both companies declined to comment on the reports

China's drive to localize artificial intelligence chips briefly sparked speculation that Cambricon Technologies would gain ground and that Alibaba might join the race with its own processors. Those rumors, however, quickly lost momentum

Aoi Electronics, a Japanese outsourced semiconductor assembly and test (OSAT) provider, has purchased Sharp's factory in Taki, Mie Prefecture, and will convert the site into a new production base for data center and advanced packaging applications

Hyundai Motor Group recently participated in the 16th Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM16), emphasizing the necessity of establishing a hydrogen energy ecosystem and reinforcing its position as a global leader in the hydrogen sector. However, with South Korea's hydrogen budget reduced for two consecutive years and infrastructure investment still insufficient, how businesses and the government overcome these challenges has become a focal point