Following in the footsteps of International IDMs and automakers to promote their SiC components for EVs, China auto and semiconductors makers are also preparing their homegrown SiC chips and modules for EV applications. After the announcement to develop SiC components a few weeks ago, Foxconn continues its investment in EV business with PPT in Thailand to expand its EV supply chains to Southeast Asia. In addition to EV manufacturing, its maintenance service recently has aroused many discussions from different sides, due to the eight-year warrants of early Tesla Model S and Model X being expired soon.

Component suppliers and assemblers have already kicked off shipments for Apple's new-generation AirPods, but the overall deliveries are proceeding slowly, according to industry sources.

Indonesia is opening two special economic zones in Batam, focusing on developing high-tech, digital economy, data center, logistics, tourism, and aviation industries.

Foxconn Electronics (Hon Hai) and Petroleum Authority Thailand (PTT), an energy company operated by the Thai government, will establish a joint venture for developing and producing electric vehicles (EVs) in Thailand, with Southeast Asia to be the target market, according to Foxconn.

The ever-changing business environment has urged companies to always stay agile to prepare for the unexpected. Innovation, then, becomes the main factor for companies in different industries to ensure their organic growth. The traditional industries, such as textiles and apparel, bike manufacturing, food, and even real estate, are also looking for innovations either internally or via collaboration with partners.

Somboon Advance Technology (SAT) was founded in 1995 by the Kitaphanichs and the shareholders of Bangkok Spring Industrial, and went public in 2005 in Thailand. The Kitaphanichs were the founders of the pioneer automotive spring maker Somboon Spring Limited Partnership.

China's Semiconductor Manufacturing International (SMIC) will be expanding production capacity for 28nm and above process technologies by 2024, which will considerably boost its overall production capacity, according to industry sources.

Forth Corporation, formerly known as Genius Communication System, was established in 1989 and headquartered in Bangkok, Thailand with an initial registered capital of THB1 million (US$30,300).

COVID remains in effect to forcibly diminish production of car parts and electronics. Realme remains the most popular smartphone brand in the Philippines. Indonesia is opening two new economic zones to accelerate development of tech and digital economy.

Universal Scientific Industrial (USI) has started production at a new plant in Vietnam, with the facility to focus on manufacturing SiP (system in package) modules for wearables initially, according to the company.

South Korea's Samsung Electronics is investing US$230 million to build a R&D center in Hanoi, Vietnam, which is expected to start operation in 2022 and hire 2,200-3,000 employees, according to VIR.

Taiwan-based PCB maker Apex International, with main manufacturing operations in Thailand, saw its August revenue drop 27.2% sequentially due to the impact of COVID outbreaks in Southeast Asia on its deliveries.

Smart security surveillance solution provider Vivotek had a total of 570 MD8563-EH mobile dome network cameras adopted for a newly completed mass rapid transit (MRT) system across Bangkok, Thailand, according to the company.

The global automotive supply chain is seeing worsened shortages of semiconductors and lithium batteries in the third quarter as the pandemic in Southeast Asia disrupts production of semiconductors. The outlook of the fourth quater is not promising.

In Vietnam, midrange notebooks priced at VND15-20 million (US$658-878) have been selling due to sharply growing demand for notebooks used in remote work, learning and gaming.