Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt has raised concerns about developing countries adopting Chinese AI models, mostly because of cost. According to Business Insider, Schmidt stated on a podcast that many US AI models are closed-source and expensive, pushing budget-conscious nations toward Chinese AI, which is often free and risks becoming the global standard

Chris Miller, the influential author of Chip War, is warning that while the West is focused on advanced AI, China is quietly weaponizing the market for older legacy semiconductors

Stratio, a Korean deep-tech startup founded by three Stanford Ph.D. graduates, is introducing what it claims is the first germanium-based short-wave infrared sensor designed for large-scale commercial use. During a live pitch session in Pangyo, the company said its "infrared AI" can solve problems that traditional vision AI and standard cameras cannot, including identifying mixed plastics inside recycling facilities, detecting narcotics, and enabling new capabilities inside future smartphones

Despite surging global demand for solar energy, South Korean manufacturers are seeing export volumes contract as China deepens its dominance over upstream silicon wafer and module production. Industry experts caution that rising domestic consumption alone will not revive local manufacturing unless supported by protective measures and mandatory local-sourcing requirements

To carve out new growth in the highly mature smartphone industry, Oppo, on November 14, launched its Apex Guard technology suite designed to safeguard user experience with quality in hardware and software. The company positions this initiative as a key foundation for strengthening brand power and product sales

Korean startup Jably detailed its AI-driven recruitment and visa-management platform, K-tag, during the 2025 Pangyo Global Media Meet-Up, positioning the service as a data-centric solution to rising global talent demand in Korea, Japan, and Taiwan. The platform, launched in September 2024, generated US$770,000 in revenue within its first four months

Oppo has officially opened its new headquarters campus in Binhaiwan Bay Area, Dongguan, China, following an investment exceeding CNY10 billion (approx. US$1.41 billion). The 930,000-square-meter facility began operations in October 2024 and currently accommodates several thousand employees, with expectations to expand the workforce to over 10,000 by 2026

According to Reuters, South Korean companies, led by tech giant Samsung Electronics, are voicing significant concern over Vietnam's proposed reforms to high-tech investment incentives, warning the changes could inflate costs and deter future foreign investment

The Wall Street Journal (WSJ), citing unnamed sources, reported that Tesla is tightening restrictions on the use of China-made components in its US-produced vehicles, reflecting growing pressure on automakers to reduce exposure to China amid escalating geopolitical and trade tensions. Earlier this year, the company instructed suppliers to exclude components manufactured in China from its US production lines, according to people familiar with the matter. Some suppliers have already transitioned to alternate locations, and Tesla aims to phase out remaining China-made parts over the next one to two years

Samsung Group has unveiled plans to invest around KRW450 trillion (approx. US$309.10 billion) in manufacturing and R&D across South Korea over the next five years. This investment aims to bolster the country's position in the global semiconductor industry while expanding operations in AI data centers, batteries, and display technologies through its subsidiaries, also supporting balanced regional development

Xpeng's flying car subsidiary ARIDGE is laying out a three-step roadmap to bring personal electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft into everyday use. The company is moving from concept videos to real orders, factory capacity, and early certification work in China and the Middle East

Apple and Tencent Holdings Ltd. have reportedly reached a preliminary agreement to lower Apple's revenue share on WeChat mini games and mini programs to around 15%, with Apple handling payments for the platform going forward. This development could resolve a protracted dispute over WeChat mini programs on iOS devices and represents a significant milestone in China's tech industry negotiations with Apple

Kaynes Semiconductor is looking to expand into IC backend businesses as Kaynes Technologies' EMS business faces uncertainties due to US tariffs

Samsung Electronics has reportedly set its sales targets for the next-generation foldables—Galaxy Z Fold8 and Flip8—aiming for roughly a 10% increase over the Galaxy Z Fold7 and Flip7 lineup. With Apple expected to introduce its first foldable iPhone in 2026, Samsung is accelerating efforts to defend its leadership in the segment