Talent has long been the defining currency in the global semiconductor race. For decades, Chinese-born engineers with deep overseas experience drove China's rapid catch-up, fueling its chip ambitions through a steady flow of returning expertise

SK Hynix, a key supplier of HBM to Nvidia and other global clients, is reportedly scaling back its aggressive investment plans in thermo-compression bonders (TCB), equipment crucial for HBM production. Industry watchers say this shift could reshape the competitive landscape for suppliers such as Hanmi Semiconductor, even as the broader market for bonding equipment is set for strong growth in the coming years

Micron Technology is reportedly deepening its ties with the Trump administration to secure a stronger foothold in the global semiconductor market. According to South Korean media, this move could intensify competitive pressure on non-US rivals such as Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix

South Korea's chipmakers are raising red flags as China accelerates in equipment, materials, components, and AI semiconductors. Analysts warn Beijing is no longer just closing the gap but could soon pull ahead, threatening South Korea's long-standing leadership in the global chip race

The South Korean government is accelerating the development of its hydrogen economy, focusing on three key policy directions: demand market expansion, supply planning, and infrastructure support. The goal is to become a global leader in the hydrogen economy by 2030, capturing emerging market opportunities

Alibaba Group has announced plans to raise US$3.17 billion through zero-coupon convertible bonds, the largest transaction of its kind this year. The funds will primarily support the expansion and technological upgrade of Alibaba's cloud infrastructure, with a portion allocated to international market growth

China's drive for technology self-sufficiency is transforming the communications supply chain. Shenzhen-based Lightstar Technology expects localization of advanced optical passive components to reach record levels within the next five to ten years, with imports of specialty materials giving way to domestically produced alternatives as Beijing's push for homegrown innovation accelerates

On September 6th, 2025, LG Energy Solution (LGES) faced a sudden raid by US national security and immigration authorities at its battery production base in the US. The joint venture battery plant between Hyundai Motor and LGES (HL-GA) in Georgia was forced to halt construction. This incident not only disrupted progress at that facility but also sparked concerns among other South Korean companies and foreign businesses, with ripple effects spreading across the country

China is accelerating its drive for homegrown AI semiconductors. JPMorgan forecasts Huawei will ship 600,000–650,000 AI chips in 2025, while Cambricon Technologies is on track to supply 125,000–150,000 units

TSMC's plant in Kumamoto, Japan, is fueling deeper investment ties between Kyushu and Taiwan. On September 10, 15 semiconductor suppliers from Fukuoka and Kumamoto exhibited at SEMICON Taiwan, promoting technologies ranging from silicon wafer recycling to advanced resin materials

Chinese regulators have launched a three-month campaign to curb false marketing and online misconduct in the automotive sector, the latest move to rein in unhealthy competition in the world's largest electric vehicle (EV) market

After order adjustments in the second quarter of 2024, inventory levels among LCD TV brand vendors have declined. At the same time, panel prices remain at low points, further encouraging brand vendors to increase their procurement efforts

Taiwan's Minister of Economic Affairs Kung Ming-hsin, on September 10, 2025, declined to comment on an alleged trade secret theft targeting TSMC's 2nm process technology amid concerns that the case could affect Taiwan-Japan relations. Kung only stated that the investigation should follow the evidence wherever it leads, emphasizing that the ministry respects the judicial authorities' findings

The China International Optoelectronic Exposition (CIOE) and SEMI-e 2025 Semiconductor Innovation Exhibition kicked off in Shenzhen on September 10, underscoring the laser industry's growing role in China's drive for AI sovereignty, defense technologies, optical communications, robotics, and immersive devices from AR to MR