These are the most-read DIGITIMES Asia stories from the week of March 17 – March 22.
China pays uncapped PhD salaries to develop an ASML alternative
China's Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics, and Physics (CIOMP) is offering uncapped salaries to PhD researchers to accelerate domestic semiconductor lithography development amid US technology restrictions. With research contracts worth CNY53.98 billion (US$7.46 billion) in 2025 and industrial sales exceeding CNY160 billion in five years, CIOMP plays a key role in China's push for technological self-sufficiency. Beyond high salaries, PhDs receive CNY300,000–600,000 annually in research funding, plus local government subsidies for living and housing. This reflects China's broader strategy to overcome semiconductor bottlenecks as it competes with the US in technology dominance.
TSMC board member dismisses Intel foundry takeover rumors, calls them unfounded
Paul Liu, head of Taiwan's National Development Council (NDC) and a TSMC board member, dismissed speculation that TSMC is considering acquiring Intel's struggling foundry business, calling it an incompatible move. Speaking before Taiwan's Legislative Yuan Economic Committee, Liu assured lawmakers that the topic was never discussed at the board level despite international reports suggesting potential US partnerships. Industry analysts warn that acquiring Intel's foundry operations could be more harmful than beneficial to TSMC. Liu also addressed concerns about TSMC's US expansion, explaining that new process nodes take 18–24 months to stabilize and that US production lines would lag behind Taiwan's by three years. He urged lawmakers not to view the US as a semiconductor rival, emphasizing global cooperation over confrontation.
Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan's appointment sparks renewed hopes for India
Intel's appointment of Lip-Bu Tan as CEO has reignited speculation about the company's potential entry into India's semiconductor sector, particularly in outsourced semiconductor assembly and testing (OSAT). Although an immediate investment is unlikely, analysts believe Tan's leadership could revive Intel's interest in an OSAT facility in India. An Intel OSAT facility in India could accelerate its semiconductor ecosystem, introducing a mature supplier network and advanced packaging technologies. Intel's leadership in Advanced Packaging (EMIB, FOVEROS, ODI, and Co-Packaged Optics) could help India leapfrog 5–7 years in semiconductor development.
Huawei turns to SMIC's 7nm for Kirin X90 PC chip, cutting ties with Intel and Microsoft
Huawei is accelerating its self-sufficiency in personal computing, developing in-house chips, and transitioning away from Intel, Microsoft, and Qualcomm. Its latest Kirin X90 processor has earned China's Level 2 security certification, a key step toward domestic alternatives to Western semiconductor giants. With strong government support and a maturing supply chain, China's semiconductor sector is moving from catching up to leading in key areas.
Intel's new CEO and breakthrough in 18A process technology signal a new era
Intel is making a strong comeback with two major announcements—the appointment of Tan as CEO and the successful production of Intel 18A wafers at its Arizona plant. These developments have temporarily silenced speculation about Intel's future in semiconductor manufacturing. The company aims to become a top-tier foundry player, leveraging its superior salaries, US-based expansion, and leading-edge technology. However, success will depend on assembling an experienced team and achieving cost-efficient, high-yield manufacturing.
Samsung's HBM3E reportedly receives high marks during Nvidia audit
Samsung Electronics' fifth-generation HBM3E memory has performed well in Nvidia's recent audit and is on track to receive quality certification by June, according to South Korean reports. The industry is closely watching for potential announcements about Samsung's entry into Nvidia's HBM supply chain.
China's AI infrastructure surge fuels SSD boom, fast-tracks local memory supply chain
The rapid expansion of AI infrastructure in China—driven by large-scale models like DeepSeek—is significantly increasing demand for enterprise SSDs, DRAM, and NAND flash storage across healthcare, finance, and government sectors. With strong AI investment, growing domestic manufacturing, and increasing NAND flash localization, China's enterprise SSD market is poised for rapid expansion, challenging global leaders in the long term.
Article edited by Jerry Chen
