With the major trends of smart technology and energy conservation, the commercial lighting market is evolving rapidly, particularly in dimming control, where many innovative ideas are emerging. Denny Hu, Vice President of MEAN WELL (Guangzhou), pointed out that while the core function of lighting remains to illuminate, the demand for how to illuminate and how to manage lighting systems has gradually surfaced. In particular, smart control has become the primary trend in commercial lighting technology today. At the 2024 Hong Kong International Lighting Fair (Autumn Edition), MEAN WELL will showcase its comprehensive solutions in the lighting sector.Photo: The new compact indoor LED power supplies from MEAN WELL - XLN and XLC series feature dual insulation and Class II/2 design, suitable for indoor lighting or commercial lighting equipment.Credit: Mean WellHu stated that MEAN WELL's highlight at this event will be the new generation of LED drivers in the XLN/XLC series, which fully reflects the company's precise understanding of market needs. The XLN series features a cable-output design with fully potted, waterproof construction, meeting the IP67 waterproof standard. The XLC series, on the other hand, adopts a terminal-output design with tool-free terminals, allowing operators to insert bare wires directly into the terminal slots without the need for tools like screwdrivers, greatly simplifying the installation process.The XLN and XLC series suit indoor and commercial lighting applications, meeting high luminous efficiency and safety standards. Their compact design suits them well-suited for digital lighting and smart lighting control applications. They support a full voltage input range of 100–305V AC and come with comprehensive safety certifications. In terms of standards, the XLN/XLC series supports various wired and wireless dimming control standards, including 3-in-1 (0–10V/PWM/resistance), DALI-2, KNX, and Matter, facilitating seamless integration with smart control solutions. The minimum dimming brightness level can reach 0.1%, ensuring high-quality, comfortable dimming effects. The newly added NFC setting lets users quickly adjust output current levels via a mobile app, enhancing product flexibility and convenience.Hu noted that MEAN WELL has been deeply involved in the LED lighting industry for many years, evolving from a provider of standalone LED drivers to offering one-stop smart lighting system solutions. For example, in the DALI system solutions, MEAN WELL has launched the distinctive DALI-2 digital lighting master controller DLC-02, which can be integrated with DALI-2-certified peripheral products. The DALI models of the XLN and XLC series are perfectly paired with the DLC-02, enabling smart and user-friendly adjustments across various scenarios.In addition to the new XLN/XLC series products, MEAN WELL will also showcase many popular LED driver series and high-voltage centralized DC power supply solutions, including the XLG, ELG, HLG, HVG, XBG, and ERP metal-case LED drivers, as well as the PWM, LPF, and SLD series plastic-case LED drivers. MEAN WELL's solutions are based on the DC house concept regarding high-voltage centralized power supplies. Tony Hsieh, Section Manager of MEAN WELL's Technical Service Center explained that DC house is an innovative architectural concept designed to enhance energy efficiency and integrate renewable energy. It employs a high-voltage centralized DC power system, integrating rooftop solar panels and battery storage. This solution can directly supply DC power for LED lighting, home appliances, and electric vehicle charging, reducing power conversion losses while integrating with smart building automation systems for efficient energy management.Photo: DC centralized bus lighting solutions.Credit: Mean WellHe further noted that high-voltage centralized power supplies can significantly simplify system architectures, enhance reliability, and improve energy conversion efficiency. This makes it highly suitable for companies aiming to promote energy-saving and carbon reduction. MEAN WELL's high-voltage centralized power solutions are already in use at the Suzhou MEAN WELL Smart Park, with plans for broader adoption in new factories and overseas offices in the future. Additionally, the solution has strong development potential for large outdoor environments such as tunnel and bridge lighting. Although these applications are still in the conceptual phase, MEAN WELL is actively exploring their feasibility.In addition to individual products, the lighting fair will also showcase MEAN WELL's one-stop lighting solutions, which the company has focused on in recent years. These solutions integrate LED drivers, control switches, panels, and MEAN WELL's independently developed smart lighting software, enabling a quick response to customer needs. Hsieh emphasized that the company's software team continues to optimize and upgrade to ensure that customers receive the latest and most suitable lighting control features. Moreover, this combination of hardware and software can reduce energy consumption by 20–30%, meeting customers' energy-saving requirements.The Hong Kong International Lighting Fair (Autumn Edition) will showcase MEAN WELL's comprehensive approach and innovative capabilities in the lighting sector. From the new generation of LED drivers to cutting-edge high-voltage centralized power products and one-stop lighting solutions, MEAN WELL demonstrates its accurate understanding and proactive response to industry trends. Hu concluded by stating that as the commercial lighting market continues to move toward smart technology and energy efficiency, MEAN WELL will further expand its technological R&D, offering users an exceptional lighting experience through innovative, efficient, and reliable products and services.Follow MEAN WELL's Virtual Expo, LinkedIn account, and YouTube channel for the latest product information if you cannot visit the 2023 Hong Kong International Lighting Fair Autumn Edition.

In the era of globalization and digital change, working together across different fields of technology has become a key factor in driving innovation and growth in the industry. Emerging technologies such as generative AI, 5G/6G, industrial IoT, and precision medicine are accelerating industry upgrades and reshaping global supply chains and market dynamics.To facilitate more collaboration and innovation, the Industrial Development Administration of the Ministry of Economic Affairs hosted the 2024 Global Technology Matchmaking Event on October 18, during the Taiwan Innotech Expo (TIE). With the theme 'Collaborate to Innovate,' the event gathered experts from Canada, Japan, Korea, Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, and Laos for technology exchanges and business negotiations, exploring the opportunities for cross-disciplinary cooperation.Toshihiro Kishihara, the founder of an accelerator, Startup GoGo / GxPartner from Japan, shared his successful experiences promoting technology matchmaking in Fukuoka in a keynote speech. Startup GoGo hosts a large-scale event every year, to connect local Fukuoka businesses with the global market, foster collaboration, and drive innovations. Startup GoGo's partners include major companies across various sectors, such as Nishi-Nippon Railroad, Fukuoka Bank, QTnet, Kyushu Electric Power, and Fukuoka Financial Group. They're expecting to establish deep cooperative relationships with Taiwanese companies in the future.In the panel discussion section, Wei-Lin Wang, Chief Strategy Officer of the Technology Transfer and Law Center at the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI), served as the moderator. Panelists were experts from Southeast Asia, representing various sectors including industry, government, academia, and research, with expertise in finance, venture capital, technological innovation, and energy. Focused on "Enhancing Business Value through Cross-Domain Technology Collaboration and Commercialization," they engaged in an in-depth discussion.Yasuhisa Yamaguchi, Executive Vice President of FG Venture Business Partners, Ltd., shared the critical role of venture capital in driving technology commercialization and discussed how cross-border collaboration can enhance corporate value. Clarence Tan, Founder & CEO of Origgin Ventures Pte. Ltd., emphasized the benefits of international technology collaboration for the growth of startups. Sansanee Huabsomboon, Deputy Executive Director of Thailand's National Nanotechnology Center (NANOTEC), highlighted how the government encourages industrial upgrades and cross-disciplinary collaboration through policy and resource integration. Akbar Yudha Putera, Vice President of Information Technology at PT Pertamina Hulu Energi, provided insights from the energy sector, sharing how the industry is creating new business opportunities through cross-disciplinary technology collaboration in response to global climate change and sustainability needs.In the technology pitches and matchmaking segment of the event, teams from various countries showcased their latest cutting-edge technologies, including ECUTEC and FleXARs from Thailand, Quinas Technology from the UK, Newsight Imaging from Israel, LEOTEK from Taiwan, Ookuma Diamond Device and nextEDGE from Japan, CORMETECH and Polaris Electro-Optics from the US, and LAMMC from Lithuania. The presentations of their achievements attracted significant interest from major domestic corporations and venture capital firms and brought treasure opportunities for cross-disciplinary collaboration and technology commercialization.Technological innovation has emerged as a key driver of cross-industry collaboration in the rapidly evolving global market. This event served as a vital platform for international connections, highlighting Taiwan's pivotal role and influence on the global stage.Credit: ITRI

To keep abreast of advances in innovative financial technology (fintech), Taiwan's Financial Supervisory Commission is gradually loosening financial regulations, allowing banks to provide growingly diverse and convenient services. This has also changed how people manage their finances. Personal loans are becoming a popular way to raise capital. According to the Joint Credit Information Center (JCIC), 1.58 million individuals in Taiwan have applied for personal loans with a total balance exceeding one trillion NT dollars.According to Alpha Intelligence co-founder LC Huang, there are a lot of websites providing personal loan information from many banks but without credit risk assessment, they are not of much help to people intending to apply for loans. As opposed to these websites, Alpha Intelligence's AlphaLoan is a cloud platform trained on AI coupled with machine learning using a massive amount of personal loan data to offer credit risk assessment. Users only need to enter their information on AlphaLoan and they will have an idea what interest rate they may get and which banks they will have a better chance of getting their applications approved. Alpha Intelligence's statistics show that AlphaLoan achieves more than 90% accuracy. According to Alpha Intelligence co-founder Alvin Lin, it is common knowledge that banks decide the interest rate on a personal loan based on an evaluation of the applicant's credit history and financial well-being. Most existing personal loan websites offer information from the banks' perspective. More often than not, they only list the lowest interest rate, such as 0.88% or above. People have no idea what interest rate they will get for their loans. They will only know when their application is approved after they gather the required documents and submit an application in person to a bank branch. AlphaLoan, on the other hand, offers information from the users' perspective. After filling in the online form with their accurate data, users will see what interest rate the banks are likely to offer them. AlphaLoan can significantly reduce the time it takes for pre-evaluation. Startup Terrace Kaohsiung AWS JIC resources help Alpha Intelligence accelerate generative AI developmentFounded on the principle of "improving life with data to free people and minds," Alpha Intelligence is dedicated to bringing technology to life and using data science to resolve inconveniences in people's lives. Built on Alpha Intelligence's strength in both software development and data science, AlphaLoan harnesses the power of machine learning and AI. It has made achievements in digital marketing, financial services, and risk management.When Alpha Intelligence first launched AlphaLoan, most banks held a hesitant stance as they were unfamiliar with this type of tool. Luckily, some banks that were more at ease with online marketing showed great interest in partnerships with AlphaLoan, which helped buoy Alpha Intelligence's overall revenue. Today AlphaLoan has more than 600,000 registered members and more than a dozen collaborating banks. Lin pointed out that Alpha Intelligence does not seek to increase the number of banks it works with but instead focuses efforts on selecting suitable banks for its members.Huang remarked "Amid flourishing generative AI developments, we are glad to be working with Amazon Web Services (AWS) through Startup Terrace Kaohsiung AWS Joint Innovation Center (JIC). Apart from AWS cloud services, we also use the machine learning service Amazon Textract to extract content from documents as well as Amazon Bedrock, a fully managed service that offers a choice of high-performing foundation models from leading AI companies to create a document recognition system." He added "As digital tools make progress, the process of submitting loan applications to bank branches physically will definitely be replaced by an online approval process in the future. In view of this, we are making preemptive moves into this market segment. We aim to launch the beta version in November 2024. The biggest advantage of Amazon Bedrock is the wide-ranging selection of high-performing foundation models. It allows us to concentrate on the development and optimization of models for specific loan application scenarios, thereby significantly shortening the learning curve for our R&D team."Alpha Intelligence forays into Southeast Asian markets, starting from VietnamAlongside rapid revenue growth in Taiwan, Alpha Intelligence is exerting all-out efforts to expand into other Asian markets. Apart from Japan and Korea with a sound financial regulatory system, Alpha Intelligence is also foraying into Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand, and other countries in Southeast Asia. It has built an autonomous AI-based assessment system for a foreign bank in Vietnam. This will serve as a solid foundation for Alpha Intelligence's expansion into Southeast Asia.Lin noted that Japan and Korea have a relatively more mature financial regulatory system so Alpha Intelligence can replicate its success in Taiwan in the two countries. In comparison, financial regulations in Vietnam and Thailand are still developing and financial institutions there embrace innovative fintech applications. This helped Alpha Intelligence win the first partnership deal in Vietnam. In the future, Alpha Intelligence will export its other products in the form of modules so as to capture the immense market opportunities in Asia

BRICKCOM Communication Co., Ltd. today announced the launch of its groundbreaking WiFi HaLow outdoor network camera solution designed to address the growing demand for reliable and efficient long-range wireless monitoring in smart cities, smart agriculture, and other outdoor environments. Leveraging the advanced capabilities of WiFi HaLow technology (IEEE 802.11ah), this solution delivers exceptional performance and security while minimizing power consumption and deployment costs.Traditional wireless monitoring solutions, such as Wi-Fi and LTE, face limitations in outdoor deployments due to high power demands, high transmission costs, and limited infrastructure in rural areas. WiFi HaLow overcomes these challenges by operating in the sub-gigahertz frequency band, enabling transmission distances of up to 2 kilometers with significantly reduced power consumption compared to conventional Wi-Fi. It also greatly reduces interference from crowded 2.4GHz WiFi signals.BRICKCOM's WiFi HaLow solution features a robust, solar-powered, green energy battery-powered camera with a waterproof and dustproof design. It boasts an extended battery life of up to 500 days on standby, thanks to BRICKCOM's unique long-lasting power-saving technology.Key features & benefits:1. Ultra-long range transmission: Covers up to 2 kilometers, eliminating the need for extensive wiring and relay devices, and minimizing signal interruption from crowded 2.4GHz WiFi bands.2. Exceptional power efficiency: Battery-powered camera offers up to 500 days of standby time, reducing maintenance costs and frequency. 3. Real-time AI integration: Real-time analysis of video footage enables immediate alerts for detected anomalies, improving monitoring efficiency and response times.4. Seamless integration: Supports the Onvif protocol for compatibility with a wide range of existing surveillance systems.5. Cost-effective solution: Eliminates recurring telecommunication fees associated with cellular-based solutions."BRICKCOM Communication Technology is dedicated to providing innovative wireless solutions that empower our customers," said Dr. Ebony Huang, Chairman of BRICKCOM Communication Technology. "Our WiFi HaLow outdoor application solution equipped with NEWRACOM's latest NRC7394 SoC, offers significant advantages in terms of range, power efficiency, security, and intelligence, making it an ideal choice for a wide range of demanding outdoor applications.""At Newracom, we are very excited to witness BRICKCOM's innovations in the field of wireless cameras. We are always looking forward to the rapid development of HaLow products that push the boundaries of wireless communication to new distances." - Dr. Sok Kyu Lee, Chairman and CEO of NEWRACOM.BRICKCOM WiFi HaLow Outdoor IP Camera

Gambling is centuries old at this point and, regardless of opinion, will not be going away anytime soon. Instead, It will continue to evolve alongside humans. It has already come so far from the days of only land-based casinos to reveal a global network of online betting. Now, Malaysia is about to see a major evolution in the industry following decades of harsh restrictions.Due to the country being majority-Muslim, gambling has been largely banned, with exceptions made for non-muslims in specific areas. However, the rise of the internet has seen some of its citizens embrace gambling sites to get their needs met. As we approach 2025, the gambling scene in the country is on track to change once again.First, cryptocurrency will play a great role. These digital assets have been dominating the gambling scene around the world for a while now but Malaysia is about to see this in full force. Adoption rates of crypto and now gambling have been steadily growing, which could lead to some interesting results. As Michael Graw writes, many more people are looking to find Malaysian online casinos, and moving forward, we can only expect adoption rates to keep increasing.Several factors contribute to the popularity of crypto for gambling, including the chance to make more profit, increased privacy, and more control over assets. For the Malaysian audience, these continue to be a draw.Another trend we can expect to see is Artificial Intelligence. AI has become one of the most widely used technologies in the world thanks to tools like Chat-GPT. The gambling sector has not been left behind in this AI revolution, with the tech being used to offer personalized recommendations to players, enhance customer service, and whatnot. Online casinos are always in a bid to outdo one another and AI can give them a leg up. This, in turn, will increase players' expectations of what an online casino should offer and this will be reflected among Malaysian players as well.Virtual and Augmented Reality (VR and AR) are also having a moment, with gamers wanting a more immersive experience. Gambling consumers are not exempt as while they are happy to gamble from the comfort of their homes, many also want an experience closer to the 'real' casino. With this in mind, we will see more online casinos catering to the Malaysian market.Another trend will be eSports. While we have bet on sports played by other humans and even animals, the last few years have seen the rise of eSports, essentially sports that feature people playing video games. Several eSports tournaments have emerged, with millions of dollars in prize money on the line. This has been tied to the growth of the video game industry as a whole and has seen more people betting on them. Given the popularity of video games in Malaysia and the rise in betting, 2025 will see more eSports gambling in that market.Finally, 2025 could see major changes with regard to Malaysia's gambling laws. As we've pointed out, gambling is not as legally accepted in the country compared to others. But all the signs point to Malaysian gambling only becoming bigger and more profitable. If more people are gambling using innovative tech like blockchain and AI, the government will be under pressure to loosen its laws.Lobbying groups and changes in consumer attitudes could see Malaysia become more pro-gambling and that only stands to benefit the industry at large. As the next year unfolds, it will be interesting to see how these changes take shape.

Online security works both ways, with consumers eager for sites to provide the best security, and businesses and services requiring users to prove who they are to reduce the risk of fraud, money laundering, and other illegal activities.While many of these systems provide a much-needed service that protects consumer information and ensures sites are not being used for illicit activities, they can occasionally pose a problem with some users struggling to access sites or accounts.This has led to many exploring no-KYC alternatives, especially in sectors that deal directly with finances.KYC explainedKYC or Know Your Customer is a process used by financial institutions, health care providers, real estate companies, gambling operators, and many more to verify the identity of customers.The purpose of this is to mitigate the risk of criminal activities such as terrorist financing and money laundering. For many industries, these processes are mandatory and involve establishing the customer's identity, carrying out risk assessments, and cross-referencing databases.The US is governed by the CIP (Customer Identification Program) under the USA Patriot Act. The main purpose of the CIP is to verify the identities of those carrying out financial transactions as part of AML (anti-money laundering) protocols.How consumers can suffer from digital exclusionDigital exclusion can affect those trying to access existing accounts or those trying to set new ones up. This has led to some seeking alternatives with consumers often searching for the best anonymous casinos without KYC.Online casino expert Andrew O'Malley explains that it is not just digital exclusion that is causing consumers to explore alternatives. Quick and easy sign-up processes that don't require users to upload documents for approval are obvious benefits, but being able to gamble anonymously also brings unmatched security. Consumers who minimize the amount of data they share are less likely to have information stolen.While these options provide a great alternative to online gamblers, other services might not be as flexible. Banking services in particular must follow procedures set out in the jurisdictions they work in, sometimes leaving people struggling to open accounts.Identification DocumentsHundreds of millions of people around the world face digital exclusion, with one of the major causes being the requirement of identification documents. To ensure consumers upload qualifying identification documents, digital platforms implement rigid requirements.One of the major issues with international websites having rigid ID requirements is that there is no standardized system for documents, and most sites are tailored towards North American and European users.Those without documents that fit the requirements can find themselves excluded from online services, banking systems, and more. Digital literacyOnline services are a major part of modern life, but it is unfair to expect all consumers to have the same levels of digital literacy. Studies show that almost 220 million consumers are at threat of digital exclusion due to a lack of online skills.Access to resources and education is not guaranteed to all consumers around the world, and the failure of businesses to cater to this need leaves many stranded.Biometric authentication is another recent development that is helping to provide more secure networks. However, not everyone has a device to facilitate these services, and many more have physical or medical conditions that can make them difficult.Risk assessments Risk assessments are a natural part of financial services, and many people who would qualify for accounts may find themselves rejected through no fault of their own.One of the biggest causes of this kind of problem can be the location of the consumer. High-risk countries could be those with a history of fraud or financial crime, resulting in blanket exclusions that affect individuals.

Binance made an exciting announcement on September 17. Through a post on X, they revealed that a new play-to-earn game - Moonbix - is about to be released on Telegram's Mini App.Just like most other Telegram games, such as Hamster Kombat and 2048, Moonbix is likely to become a new sensation in the online gaming ecosystem. In fact, Telegram games are so widely popular that they even now encompass online casinos. After creating an account with Telegram-based casinos, players will have full access to classic games such as blackjack and poker straight from their Telegram app.If casino games aren't your cup of tea, there are many other Telegram Mini Apps (TMAs) simply waiting for your attention. TMAs are web-based applications that are running within Telegram, and more than 500 million people are using them every month. Keep in mind that approximately 950 people are using Telegram, which goes to show that more than half of its users are in favor of TMAs.Even though TMAs haven't been around that long, they have gone through a period of rapid rise. These applications have entered the market in 2023, and games like the aforementioned Hamster Kombat have already gained a huge audience.Taking into account everything we know about Moonbix so far, there's no doubt it will become the next big thing among TMAs.Moonbix is a unique, crypto-themed game. A few videos about it have already been shared, and it's apparent that this Binance creation has interesting gameplay. Players can expect to explore galaxies and collect items that will improve their scores. The game also promises great crypto rewards, and stumbling across items such as yellow stones will come with in-game value.As players top the charts, they also get a chance to stand apart from the competition, which can yield great rewards.Moonbix also lets you invite friends to play and get rewards in the game. Extending an invitation and having your friends join as new players can earn you up to 50,000 points. Since Binance is generous, friends who get invited will also earn a gift of 1,000 points; keep in mind that your chances of getting crypto rewards go up with more points, so this gift is definitely a step in the right direction.If you are particularly interested in rewards, you can check out the Moonbix Hall of Fame. Players who are at the top of the list earn special rewards in every game cycle, so it's worth trying extra hard during each game.While many have been impatiently waiting to find out more about the details of the game, the little insights we got weren't exactly planned. In fact, Binance made an announcement about the game being leaked ahead of time, followed by an apology for any inconvenience this might have brought.Moonbix still hasn't been officially launched, as the largest cryptocurrency exchange company wanted to perfect its application and provide players with an exceptional experience. They also asked their followers to kindly wait for the official release, the date of which will be revealed soon.However, Binance didn't want to keep its players completely in the dark. Thus, they went ahead and released the Terms and Conditions for its Telegram Mini App. Apart from that, the company also advised people to search for official news regarding the game on their channels. Binance's statement serves as an extra reminder that people should be aware of impersonation accounts, which is only one of the many cybersecurity risks individuals face anytime they are online.

Thanks to the AI tsunami, demand for AI chips from all sectors is continuing to surge. The Chip-on-Wafer-on-Substrate (CoWoS) architecture that dominates existing 2.5D and 3D packaging technologies is however held back by the number of chips that can be produced on 12" wafers. Demand for AI chips from the explosion of AI applications will therefore continue to outstrip supply for at least the next few years.The industry is now turning to Panel-level Packaging (PLP) to overcome problems such as low yield and high cost in AI chip production. Increasing the usable wafer area will greatly increase the production output of AI chips. It is true however that many challenges still remain in the commercialization process for PLP, be it the production process or materials.This is why Manz, a PLP pioneer and leading supplier of RDL production equipment, proposed the new Chip-on-Panel-on-Substrate (CoPoS) concept to achieve a breakthrough in production. Manz drew on its many years of experience with PCB, IC substrate, panel, and packaging processes to come up with the "CoWoS panelization" solution. Under the CoPoS packaging architecture, chips are laid out on a rectangular substrate instead of a circular substrate to eliminate a bottleneck in AI chip production.Panel-level packaging is the key to overcoming the AI chip production bottleneckManz Asia General Manager Robert Lin stated that advanced packaging architectures generally have three components : the Chip Layer, Silicon Interposer, and IC Substrate. Continued reductions in IC pin size and line width make finding the right substrate difficult. RDL technology is therefore needed to redistribute pin locations and make lines wider so they can be successfully connected to the PCB. RDL is therefore crucial to improving chip packaging yields.What future challenges will CoWoS face? As new generations of AI chips appear, the number of dies in a single AI chip package will naturally increase as well. The overall footprint of the packaging will naturally increase. For CoW AI chips of mainstream brands, their footprint will grow by 50x54mm in 2023 all the way to 66x68mm in 2026, and 80x80mm in 2027. The number of AI chipsets produced per 12" wafer will drop from 14 to 11 then 4 in response. The ongoing decline in CoW production output will continue to inflate the production costs of AI chipsets as well.According to Lin, 700x700mm, 600x600mm or even the smallest 510x515mm panel-level packages all offer several times the usable area of 12" wafers. Chip layouts are also easier to develop for the square substrates. It is therefore not hard to see why IC companies all believe that PLP will be the future and this will create a tremendous opportunity for CoPoS.Leverage experience with RDL R&D and mass production to overcome the challenges in the PLP processUnder the panelization concept, the interposer in the packaging is produced as panels instead of wafers. The IC substrate is also changed from organic substrate to glass substrate. Intel had previously announced in 2023 that glass will be the next-generation substrate. The Through Glass Vias (TGV) process will be used to form the conductive layer that connects the substrates of the chip's upper and lower circuits. Glass was chosen because it is more resistant to warpage and signal noise than organic substrates, and offers superior thermal dissipation.Manz is a long-time developer of RDL production equipment and is now developing production equipment for conductive layers on glass substrate. A full set of wet process equipment for cleaning, developing, etching, stripping, and electro-plating has now been progressively developed. Manz is also using its extensive experience to shorten the learning curve for the industry and help them realize the mass production of glass substrates faster.Transitioning from a circular to square packaging process requires extensive investment in R&D on materials and equipment. Lin believes that since panels have a larger area than wafers and very different production processes, the CoPoS concept is no doubt one of the best solutions to the problem of production capacity; on the other hand, problems such as warpage and evenness must still be overcome to achieve high-definition conductor patterns and this will represent a challenge for yield.The above challenges highlight the advantages offered by Manz and new opportunities. Manz has been investing in panel-level packaging process equipment for quite some time. The Company has not only accumulated extensive experience with the delivery of mass production solutions but is also familiar with customer concerns regarding warpage and evenness. For this reason, Manz works closely with electroplating solution, glass and other material suppliers to help customers resolve related production issues as quickly as possible. Manz has already developed key production modules for Fan-Out Panel Level Packaging (FOPLP) and TGV that are now being validated by customers for pilot and mass production.Manz's next move will be to conduct further R&D on breakthroughs in RDL layouts in order to meet customers' exacting requirements on minimization of line width/spacing for AI chips. Manz is aiming for a reduction from 10µm to 5µm or even to 2µm and 1µm in its role as a supporter of advanced processes.Manz has continued to develop new breakthroughs that will provide customers with even better quality products and servicesPhoto: Manz

DigiKey, a leading global commerce distributor offering the largest selection of technical components and automation products in stock for immediate shipment, was honored with Panduit's 2024 Top Global E-commerce Distributor Award for the seventh consecutive year.Panduit, a 25-year DigiKey partner, is a global leader in innovative electrical and network infrastructure solutions, serving as a trusted advisor to customers, addressing business challenges within data center, enterprise, and industrial environments."As a leader and continuous innovator in the ever-growing industrial automation ecosystem, DigiKey values its longstanding partnership with Panduit," said Eric Wendt, director, industrial automation for DigiKey. "As we continue our laser-focused approach to deliver superior execution and customer experience, we appreciate Panduit's reliability and expertise as a respected partner.""DigiKey's proactive alignment and commitment to driving growth initiatives have consistently elevated the Panduit brand within their ecosystem," said Jeanne Naughton, channel account manager at Panduit. "For the past seven years, DigiKey has maintained the highest compound annual growth rate (CAGR) in their channel with Panduit. We sincerely thank DigiKey for 25 years of steadfast partnership!"For more information about DigiKey, please visit the DigiKey website.Panduit representatives recently recognized DigiKey with its seventh consecutive top global e-commerce distributor award. Credit: DigiKey

In a world where globalization is more than just a buzzword, international transactions play a vital role in keeping economies connected. Traditional banking methods have served as the backbone of these transactions for decades. But with the rise of cryptocurrencies, particularly Bitcoin and Ethereum, a new era of cross-border payments has emerged. Cryptocurrencies promise faster, cheaper, and more secure transactions, but they also bring their own set of challenges. Let's explore both the benefits and hurdles of using cryptocurrency for international transactions.The Role of Crypto WalletsTo engage in cryptocurrency transactions, you need a secure way to store and manage your digital assets, and this is where finding the right crypto wallet is critical. It's important to choose a wallet such as those recommended by bestcryptowallet that is secure, easy to use, and can hold multiple types of crypto (if you intend to purchase more than one coin).So, what are crypto wallets useful? A crypto wallet allows users to send, receive, and store their digital coins. There are two types of wallets: hot and cold.Hot wallets are accessed online and make day-to-day transactions easier. However, they are also more prone to hacking.Cold wallets are offline storage solutions, making them more secure but less accessible for immediate transactions.Selecting the right type of wallet is crucial for those dealing in international transactions. For instance, a business engaging in daily cryptocurrency payments might prefer a hot wallet for quick access, whereas an individual looking to store large amounts of crypto for long-term use may choose a cold wallet.Benefits of Cryptocurrency for International TransactionsLower Transaction FeesOne of the primary benefits of using cryptocurrency for international transactions is the potential to save money on fees. Traditional banking systems charge hefty fees for wire transfers, especially when currency conversion is involved. Cryptocurrency transactions, on the other hand, eliminate the need for intermediaries, which can significantly reduce transaction costs.Faster Cross-Border PaymentsBank transfers can take several days to process, depending on the country and the banks involved. Cryptocurrency transactions, however, can be completed in a matter of minutes or hours, regardless of the geographical location. This speed is especially valuable for businesses that need to settle international invoices or for individuals sending money to family members abroad.Take Bitcoin, for example: a standard transaction can take about 10 minutes to confirm, while traditional banking systems may take 3-5 business days to process a cross-border payment. This speed makes crypto highly attractive for both personal and business purposes.Enhanced SecurityCryptocurrencies operate on blockchain technology, which is essentially a decentralized ledger. This technology provides a high level of security as it is nearly impossible to alter or manipulate transaction records. Each transaction is verified by multiple nodes in the network, ensuring that fraud is minimized. Furthermore, because cryptocurrencies are not tied to any government or financial institution, the risk of political instability affecting the transaction is considerably lower.Access to the Unbanked PopulationApproximately 1.4 billion adults globally are unbanked, according to the World Bank. Many of these individuals live in regions with limited access to banking services, making it difficult for them to participate in the global economy. Cryptocurrencies, which only require an internet connection, offer a way for these individuals to send and receive money internationally without needing a traditional bank account.Challenges of Cryptocurrency for International TransactionsSome of the main challenges of international crypto transactions include:VolatilityCryptocurrencies are notoriously volatile. The price of Bitcoin, for example, has seen dramatic swings, rising from $10,000 to nearly $65,000 in 2021, only to crash down to $35,000 shortly thereafter. This volatility makes it difficult for both businesses and individuals to predict the exact amount of money being sent or received.Regulatory IssuesCryptocurrency operates in a legal gray area in many countries. Some nations, such as El Salvador, have embraced Bitcoin as legal tender, while others, like China, have banned it outright. This inconsistency in regulation creates uncertainty for those wishing to use cryptocurrency for international transactions. There is also the risk that governments may impose new regulations or taxes on cryptocurrency transactions, which could reduce the benefits of using digital currency.Lack of Widespread AcceptanceAlthough cryptocurrencies are growing in popularity, they are still not universally accepted as a form of payment. Major financial institutions and governments remain cautious, and many businesses and individuals are hesitant to adopt a payment system they may not fully understand. This lack of widespread adoption limits the usefulness of cryptocurrencies for international transactions.In 2023, only about 23% of global businesses accepted cryptocurrency as a form of payment, according to a report by Deloitte. Until adoption rates increase, users of cryptocurrency for international transactions may still need to convert their digital assets to fiat currencies, incurring additional fees and potential losses due to conversion rates.ConclusionCryptocurrency offers numerous benefits for international transactions, including lower fees, faster payments, enhanced security, and access to unbanked populations. However, it is not without its challenges, particularly in terms of volatility, regulatory issues, and lack of widespread acceptance. Which is why risk aversion is critical. Additionally, choosing the right crypto wallet is essential for ensuring secure and efficient transactions. As cryptocurrency continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how these benefits and challenges balance out, potentially revolutionizing the future of international finance.The benefits and challenges of using cryptocurrency for international transactions