Despite surging global demand for solar energy, South Korean manufacturers are seeing export volumes contract as China deepens its dominance over upstream silicon wafer and module production. Industry experts caution that rising domestic consumption alone will not revive local manufacturing unless supported by protective measures and mandatory local-sourcing requirements

To carve out new growth in the highly mature smartphone industry, Oppo, on November 14, launched its Apex Guard technology suite designed to safeguard user experience with quality in hardware and software. The company positions this initiative as a key foundation for strengthening brand power and product sales

Korean startup Jably detailed its AI-driven recruitment and visa-management platform, K-tag, during the 2025 Pangyo Global Media Meet-Up, positioning the service as a data-centric solution to rising global talent demand in Korea, Japan, and Taiwan. The platform, launched in September 2024, generated US$770,000 in revenue within its first four months

Tata Electronics has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Kohima unit of the National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT) to collaborate on semiconductor-related skilling initiatives. The agreement focuses on training for assembly, testing, marking, and packaging (ATMP), aiming to expand the talent pipeline for India's semiconductor sector

South Korea and the United States have released a Joint Fact Sheet that industry observers say reduces earlier tariff uncertainty and creates new room for cooperation. With global production shifting and supply chains realigning, South Korean conglomerates that had been cautious are now speeding up domestic investment plans

Alibaba has been accused by the US government of providing data and technical support to China's military, posing a threat to American national security. Both Alibaba and the Chinese Embassy in Washington have strongly denied these allegations, criticizing the US for lacking evidence

Oppo has officially opened its new headquarters campus in Binhaiwan Bay Area, Dongguan, China, following an investment exceeding CNY10 billion (approx. US$1.41 billion). The 930,000-square-meter facility began operations in October 2024 and currently accommodates several thousand employees, with expectations to expand the workforce to over 10,000 by 2026

According to Reuters, South Korean companies, led by tech giant Samsung Electronics, are voicing significant concern over Vietnam's proposed reforms to high-tech investment incentives, warning the changes could inflate costs and deter future foreign investment

The Wall Street Journal (WSJ), citing unnamed sources, reported that Tesla is tightening restrictions on the use of China-made components in its US-produced vehicles, reflecting growing pressure on automakers to reduce exposure to China amid escalating geopolitical and trade tensions. Earlier this year, the company instructed suppliers to exclude components manufactured in China from its US production lines, according to people familiar with the matter. Some suppliers have already transitioned to alternate locations, and Tesla aims to phase out remaining China-made parts over the next one to two years

Samsung Group has unveiled plans to invest around KRW450 trillion (approx. US$309.10 billion) in manufacturing and R&D across South Korea over the next five years. This investment aims to bolster the country's position in the global semiconductor industry while expanding operations in AI data centers, batteries, and display technologies through its subsidiaries, also supporting balanced regional development

Xpeng's flying car subsidiary ARIDGE is laying out a three-step roadmap to bring personal electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft into everyday use. The company is moving from concept videos to real orders, factory capacity, and early certification work in China and the Middle East

Apple and Tencent Holdings Ltd. have reportedly reached a preliminary agreement to lower Apple's revenue share on WeChat mini games and mini programs to around 15%, with Apple handling payments for the platform going forward. This development could resolve a protracted dispute over WeChat mini programs on iOS devices and represents a significant milestone in China's tech industry negotiations with Apple

Kaynes Semiconductor is looking to expand into IC backend businesses as Kaynes Technologies' EMS business faces uncertainties due to US tariffs

Samsung Electronics has reportedly set its sales targets for the next-generation foldables—Galaxy Z Fold8 and Flip8—aiming for roughly a 10% increase over the Galaxy Z Fold7 and Flip7 lineup. With Apple expected to introduce its first foldable iPhone in 2026, Samsung is accelerating efforts to defend its leadership in the segment

Samsung Electro-Mechanics (Semco) is reportedly in supply talks with several Big Tech companies, two years after moving into glass substrates. Seen as a next-generation breakthrough for advanced packaging as AI workloads surge, glass substrates are projected by MarketsandMarkets to reach KRW12 trillion (approx. US$8.4 billion) in market value by 2028