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Oct 23
Taiwanese firms poised to lead TGV process equipment amid semiconductor-PCB integration
Tongtai and Contrel are focusing on the convergence of semiconductors and PCBs in advanced TGV packaging. Taiwanese companies aim to lead in this area, as Tongtai seeks profitability amid strong orders and automation demand.
PCB makers urged to stay in Taiwan as geopolitical risks mount
Oct 25, 16:27
The global AI wave is driving a "golden decade" for the printed circuit board (PCB) industry, sparking revolutionary innovations in design, manufacturing, and materials that accelerate its integration with advanced semiconductor sectors. This trend has not only exposed upstream capacity pressures but also intensified geopolitical risks, profoundly reshaping global PCB investment strategies.
Intel Corporation's leadership struck a cautiously optimistic tone during its third-quarter 2025 earnings call, emphasizing progress in its foundry operations and process technologies while acknowledging ongoing supply constraints across several product lines.
Intel Corporation moved to dispel speculation over the possible discontinuation of its 14A process technology during its third-quarter 2025 earnings call, affirming that development of the node remains an essential part of its long-term manufacturing roadmap.
On October 24, Intel reported a return to profitability in the third quarter of 2025, posting net income of US$4.06 billion compared with a loss of US$2.92 billion in the previous quarter. Revenue rose 6% sequentially to US$13.65 billion. Gross profit increased to US$5.22 billion from US$3.54 billion in the second quarter, while operating income rebounded to US$683 million after a US$3.18 billion loss in the prior period.
Amid the advent of the artificial intelligence (AI) era and the influence of geopolitics, Taiwan's semiconductor industry continues to be a hub in the global supply chain. In response to current challenges, Taiwan Semiconductor Industry Association (TSIA) chairman and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) senior vice president and co-COO Cliff Hou further explained the TSIA's role and the potential challenges companies may face when establishing factories in the US.
With the advent of the AI era and the concurrent influence of geopolitical developments, Taiwan's semiconductor industry continues to play a pivotal role in the global supply chain. In addressing a range of challenges, Taiwan Semiconductor Industry Association (TSIA) chairman and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) senior vice president and co-COO Cliff Hou responded to questions about key issues, including the complexities of establishing fabs in the US, strategies for green energy and power, raw material controls, talent, and policy support.
Silicon transistors are approaching their physical limits, and AI is increasing demand for higher density, performance, and energy efficiency. Advanced packaging and bonding technologies for heterogeneous integration have become crucial to the semiconductor industry. At the 27th Semiconductor Exhibition (SEDEX 2025), Samsung Semiconductor and Device Solutions (DS) Division CTO Song Jae-hyuk emphasized the growing need for cross-disciplinary collaboration.

Micron Technology has started customer sampling of its new 192GB SOCAMM2 (Small Outline Compression Attached Memory Module), a low-power DRAM module designed for AI data centers.

Samsung Electronics' Device Solutions (DS) division CTO Song Jae-hyuk expressed strong confidence in the revival of Samsung's foundry business and reported smooth progress on the company's 2nm process during a semiconductor industry briefing hosted by South Korea's chief presidential secretary for policy, Kim Yong-beom.
As the CHIPS and Science Act drives a shift in global semiconductor investments from Asia to the US, whether South Korean giants Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix can emerge successfully amid rising US–China tensions will depend on their ability to quickly establish stable production in the US, and on government efforts in navigating tariffs and other policies, according to South Korean media reports.

As Taiwan's semiconductor and AI industries continue to surge, universities are facing an unexpected casualty of economic success: a talent drain from academia. Graduate students, lured by soaring salaries in the tech sector, are abandoning plans for doctoral studies and, in some cases, even leaving master's programs early after securing job offers from chipmakers.