Most Chinese chief executives are focusing on corporate survival rather than growth strategies, with geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions ranking as their top concerns for the next three years, according to KPMG's "2024 China CEO Outlook" survey
Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) said on March 31, 2025, it will provide up to JPY802.5 billion (US$5.4 billion) in fresh funding to Rapidus, a domestic startup developing next-generation semiconductors. The funding signals Japan's renewed push to revive its advanced chipmaking industry and secure a homegrown supply chain amid growing geopolitical uncertainty
DeepSeek has allowed the public to witness the explosive growth of AI applications and the renewed hope brought by AI models undergoing repeated calculations. However, the questions of commercializing AI models and extending user engagement with AI super applications remain unresolved
As the demand for electric vehicles (EVs) slows, battery manufacturers are adjusting their procurement strategies to manage costs. South Korean battery maker Samsung SDI is exploring increased use of Chinese battery equipment following discussions at a recent shareholders' meeting, citing improvements in quality and cost-effectiveness
At LG Group's 63rd shareholders' meeting in Seoul, chairman Koo Kwang-mo, though absent, conveyed his strategic vision through a written message, emphasizing the company's commitment to advancing its battery business as a key driver of future growth, according to South Korean media reports, including Money Today and ZD Korea
As US-China tech tensions escalate, Beijing is doubling down on semiconductor self-reliance—particularly in the strategically vital field of chipmaking equipment
Following the announcement of a price increase by Micron, the world's third-largest DRAM manufacturer, South Korean media analysis indicates that the other two major DRAM players, Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, are also expected to raise their prices soon. According to a report from South Korea's Chosun Biz, demand related to artificial intelligence has exceeded expectations, and the inventory levels of general memory have gradually depleted
Zeekr, the premium electric vehicle (EV) brand under Geely, is making swift moves to enter the South Korean market. On December 28, 2024, the company registered "Zeekr Intelligent Technology Korea Holding" with the South Korean court registry, signaling the start of its market expansion, reports Money Today and The Hankyoreh
A recent survey from South Korea reveals a significant boost in the country's top 500 companies' performance in 2024. Operating profits soared by 66% compared to 2023, reaching KRW73 trillion (approx. US$51.1 billion), with the semiconductor industry leading the charge. Major players such as SK Hynix and Samsung Electronics are driving the country's IT and electronics sector, contributing to an astounding 854% increase in operating profits for the industry as a whole
Nearly 20 Chinese AI chip companies have announced compatibility with the DeepSeek distilled model, but only a handful—including Huawei, Cambricon Technologies, Moore Threads, and Baidu Kunlun—are capable of running the 671-billion parameters version. The disparity highlights the current state of China's AI chip sector, with many firms still focusing on smaller, less computationally intensive models
Renesas Electronics CEO Hidetoshi Shibata said on March 26 that layoffs and a pay freeze are necessary responses to the prolonged slump in the global semiconductor market. Speaking at an online shareholders meeting, Shibata framed the moves as survival-driven rather than strategic
At Nvidia GTC 2025, the discussion surrounding advanced autonomous driving heated up, with US automotive alliances and tech industry groups joining forces to urge President Donald Trump to take action. Their goal: to expedite the deployment of self-driving cars by overcoming current regulatory hurdles before China takes the lead in this emerging sector
