China's automotive industry reached a milestone in 2023. The country became the world's largest car exporter this year and saw the homegrown automakers occupy over 50% of the domestic market share for the first time. In 2024, Chinese carmakers will continue their offense, causing a reshuffle in the EV and automotive sectors worldwide.
With photonic integrated circuits, above all silicon photonics, seeing a wave of industry hype owing to their vast potential in the datacom and telecom applications, relevant suppliers in Taiwan's semiconductor and electronics manufacturing sector have been gearing up for the opportunities, particularly as international photonics players increasingly seek to tap into Taiwanese chip manufacturing prowess.
There are three ways to grow the economic scale in the modern-day semiconductor industry: continuous miniaturization of processes, advanced packaging, and the application of new materials.
China-based pure-play foundry SMIC reportedly dedicated an R&D team to make 3nm chips, with only DUV lithography equipment available as the US blocked its access to EUV machines. It would be a Herculean task for the chipmaker, even with a brilliant co-CEO, Liang Mong-song, leading the team.
The recent termination of electric vehicle (EV) subsidies in Germany, coupled with a global surge in inflation, rising prices, and interest rates, has presented a hurdle for EV sales. Germany's sudden halt to EV incentives has unexpectedly opened the door for a resurgence of internal combustion engine(ICE) vehicles, particularly benefiting German automakers such as Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz, and BMW. With combustion vehicles as their strength and electric vehicles as a supplemental offering, these companies strategically fortify their positions to navigate external challenges.
In an insightful interview with DIGITIMES Asia, Julian Prower, Chief Operating Officer of Dun & Bradstreet (D&B) International on December 8, explored the profound implications of D&B's cutting-edge AI data analysis, unveiling a forecast that suggests an escalating probability of a supply chain disruption in the near future.
The importance of the semiconductor industry to Taiwan is self-evident. Among them, TSMC (Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company) holds a high global market share in advanced processes defined as below 10 nm. Therefore, whether it's Apple's mobile application processors, AI server GPUs, or custom ASICs required for cloud data centers, most of those advanced chips ultimately depend on TSMC's production.
In 2023, the generative AI market is poised to generate approximately US$3.7 billion in total revenue (physical infrastructure not included), as highlighted in a recent report by S&P Global. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang likened this year to the "iPhone moment for artificial intelligence" in February, signifying a crucial juncture for the highly anticipated technology and its seamless integration into various aspects of daily life. In retrospect, as we examine the significant events and advancements of the AI-dominated year, DIGITIMES Asia delves into the pivotal moments, progress, and prospects that have defined the landscape of AI and large language models.
EVs are on track to gain momentum in the coming years. In 2023, a price war intensified the industry's competition. Geopolitics facilitated the localization of production. Multiple factors will continue to weigh in on the sector's rivalry and collaboration in 2024, with China remaining the center of it.
The semiconductor industry went through a year-long correction over the past year. With smartphone and PC inventory correction finally ending, new hopes are emerging on the horizon.
A Reuters report quoted three people familiar with the fact that more and more Chinese IC design houses are having their chips packaged in Malaysia, worrying that the US would increase sanction measures in the future. Industry experts pointed out that several aspects call for attention.
In the 21st century, geopolitical tensions between the United States and China have rekindled memories of the Cold War, particularly in space exploration.
Gene Bio Medical, a biotechnology company focusing on the diagnostics and point-of-care testing industries based in Vancouver, is eyeing to expand its geographic exposure worldwide with its current key markets such as Canada, the UK, Hong Kong, and UAE.
The COP28 climate summit has just wrapped up in Dubai, shedding light on two significant trends. The focus is on renewable energy, and the role of AI and machine learning in ESG and climate solutions is gaining prominence. Specifically in the realm of chipmaking, AI is being leveraged to fast-track research on novel materials, streamline circular economy practices, and enhance the efficient use of energy, water, and waste.
Nvidia made headlines again with CEO Jensen Huang's Asia tour to Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, and Vietnam over the past week. Yet it takes a grander perspective to see the strategy behind Huang's recent efforts in forging ties and securing supply chains.