Intel is grappling with an operational crisis as its IDM 2.0 transformation plan has yet to yield results, casting doubt on when its foundry business might finally become profitable. This raises the question of whether Intel should consider abandoning its IDM model and separating its product design and manufacturing divisions—a move with both potential advantages and drawbacks. Industry leaders, including former board members, are offering advice in hopes of helping Intel find a viable path forward. However, the conflicting nature of their advice highlights the complexity of the company's dilemma
China's technological advancement remains a central focus of global attention, with social media frequently showcasing local tech applications and innovations. Yet for many outside observers, the actual situation in China continues to fuel curiosity and skepticism, prompting many to wonder what lies beneath the polished surface
TSMC reported a record net profit of NT$452.3 billion (approx. US$14.8 billion) in the third quarter of 2025, surpassing expectations and pushing its first nine months' earnings to NT$1.21 trillion, already exceeding the full-year 2024 total of NT$1.17 trillion. However, Chairman C.C. Wei's demeanor marked a notable shift from previous years, emphasizing disciplined expansion amid strong AI demand
Since Lip-Bu Tan took over as CEO in March 2025, Intel has experienced a historic year of upheaval, becoming the center of attention in the global tech community
As South Korea prepares to host APEC 2025 Korea in Gyeongju on October 31, attention is focused on a potential high-stakes meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. However, rising tensions over China's expanded REE export controls and special port fees imposed on US-flagged vessels have intensified the trade conflict ahead of the summit. If unresolved through negotiation, these escalating trade barriers risk inflicting severe economic damage that could leave both the US and China worse off, while also harming Taiwan, Japan, and South Korea as collateral victims
China tightened rare earth export controls after its National Day holidays, using its dominant production capacity to pressure US firms and advanced chipmakers amid rising supply chain risks
Taiwanese President Ching-te Lai remarked that the US takes 80% of semiconductor profits. While TSMC leads in manufacturing, US firms dominate IC design. The US seeks a balanced production split with Taiwan, but Taiwan hesitates amid US-China tensions
Larry Ellison, the 81-year-old head of long-standing Silicon Valley tech giant Oracle, has surpassed Elon Musk to become the world's richest person. Ellison transformed the company overnight from a declining database business into an AI powerhouse and potentially the biggest winner in the future TikTok equity deal
China's development of through glass via (TGV) technology, crucial for advanced semiconductor packaging in AI and high-performance computing chips, encounters significant hurdles, including high process complexity, reliance on imported equipment, cost-yield balance issues, fragmented supply chains, patent barriers dominated by Japan, South Korea, and the US, and long research and development cycles
AMD has a multibillion-dollar AI chip deal with OpenAI to boost its presence against Nvidia and Intel, but concerns about leverage and market demand persist. The partnership highlights both growth potential and risks in the evolving AI landscape
Global PC giant Hewlett-Packard (HP), the world's second-largest PC brand, is undergoing a major leadership upheaval that has sent ripples through its extensive Taiwan supply chain. Reports indicate that Alex Cho, president of HP's Personal Systems Group (PSG), will step down, with senior vice president Ketan Patel set to take over
United Microelectronics Corp. (UMC) is demanding its upstream materials suppliers cut prices by at least 15%, a rare and aggressive move that has sent shockwaves through the semiconductor industry. The chipmaker issued a formal notice requiring partners to submit cost-reduction plans within one month. The new pricing is scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2026
The 2025 Tokyo Game Show (TGS) set new records in both attendance and exhibition scale, marking a clear shift from a consumer showcase to a business-focused platform. Taiwanese gaming hardware and content companies were prominently present, with top executives leading efforts to secure cross-border partnerships
Huatie's CNY3.69 billion (US$518.3 million) computing contract ended without delivery, indicating potential cancellations in China's computing market. Speculative contracts amid rising AI demand and US GPU restrictions have led to supply shortages and financial risks, possibly benefiting Taiwan's server and cloud sectors
The Trump administration's investigation into semiconductor imports has unleashed deep uncertainty across the global tech industry—and the fallout may hit American companies the hardest, instead of their Taiwanese counterparts
At Xiaomi's 2025 annual conference, founder Lei Jun spoke with calm restraint about the company's self-developed Xring O1 chip. Yet beneath that composure were moments of risk and suspense: the US$20 million bill for the first TSMC 3nm tape-out, engineers guarding chip samples in an unmarked paper bag at the airport, and the late-night message, "system lit up." When Lei answered his first call powered by the Xring O1, the wave of emotion was indescribable, the kind only insiders could fully understand
