Singapore is investing SGD150 million (US$114.2 million) in a government-led "Enterprise Compute Initiative" to boost enterprise computing capacity and accelerate advanced AI development. This strategic investment reinforces Singapore's position as a hub for AI deployment, especially when compared to Taiwan's hardware-heavy ecosystem, which focuses on GPU production and AI server manufacturing

Following the US government's reciprocal tariff measures aimed at curbing trade surpluses and recalibrating supply chains, Asian countries are intensifying efforts to crack down on "source washing"—a growing concern tied to tariff evasion and escalating geopolitical tensions between Washington and Beijing

The US has imposed retaliatory tariffs on imports from China and Vietnam at rates of 125% and 46%, respectively. This has disrupted the supply chain strategies of major electronics manufacturers like Samsung Electronics, which has substantial production facilities in both countries. As a result, Samsung is reportedly considering shifting some of its smartphone manufacturing from Vietnam to India, following similar moves by other tech giants like Alphabet

As the ripple effects of potential reciprocal tariffs loom, industrial PC (IPC) manufacturers report they remain in close communication with customers and have already adjusted pricing to reflect anticipated cost increases

Glass processing manufacturer G-Tech Optoelectronics (GTOC) announced a board resolution to invest an additional NT$1.385 billion (US$42.6 million) in its Vietnam project. The board also approved the purchase of equity in SD Global Vietnam Limited Liability for US$10 million, bringing the total investment in Vietnam to NT$1.709 billion

Malaysia-based EMS provider Nationgate has stated that the US's latest export ban on Nvidia's H20 to China has not impacted its business operations. According to The Edge Malaysia, Nationgate is the only contract manufacturer in Southeast Asia collaborating with Nvidia. The company handles AI data center server businesses

According to Reuters and Yonhap, South Korea's LG Energy Solution announced on April 21, 2025, that it has formally withdrawn from a major US$8.45 billion electric vehicle battery development project in Indonesia, citing shifts in market conditions and the investment climate

The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), once shadowed by international concerns over China's overseas expansion, is now entering phase 2.0 amid the intensifying US-China trade war and global supply chain restructuring. Chinese President Xi Jinping has recently made frequent visits to Southeast Asia, with his state visit to Malaysia opening doors for the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC) to enter the ASEAN market

Chinese battery manufacturer Sunwoda, an Apple product supplier, is set to increase its investment in Bac Giang, Vietnam. According to The Investor, environmental assessment data from the local Bac Giang government reveals that Sunwoda will inject an additional US$22.5 million into the project, bringing the total capital investment to US$30.2 million

The US set new duties as high as 3,521% on solar imports from four Southeast Asian countries, delivering a win for domestic manufacturers while intensifying headwinds already threatening the country's renewable power development

Tong Hsing Electronic, a major backend services provider for CMOS image sensors (CIS), reported that while first-quarter operations saw a slight year-over-year decline, performance nonetheless exceeded internal expectations. Looking ahead, the company anticipates stronger results in the second quarter, with optical communication products within its RF module segment poised to deliver the most robust growth. Demand for ceramic substrates and high-end CIS is also expected to recover gradually

Taiwan's supply chain firms are navigating a turbulent landscape as the US continues to recalibrate its tariff policies. While recent exemptions for smartphones, laptops, and other electronic devices have offered temporary relief to major brands like Apple, wearables such as the Apple Watch and AirPods remain excluded from these lists. This exclusion injects new uncertainty into the market, particularly for suppliers already grappling with razor-thin profit margins

Aeon Motor has expanded internationally by opening a new manufacturing plant in Vietnam despite rising tariff challenges. The company noted that the 10% tariff applies worldwide, except Chinese vehicles, which face tariffs of up to 145%. This gives Aeon Motor a cost advantage in key markets like North America. Coupled with its vertically integrated ODM model, Aeon Motor offers comprehensive vehicle development and production, boosting its appeal to global clients

China and Malaysia struck 31 cooperation agreements during Chinese President Xi Jinping's state visit, part of his push to deepen ties in Southeast Asia to counter mounting pressure from the US

Aeon Motor has officially entered a new phase in its global expansion strategy, breaking ground on a new smart manufacturing facility in Vietnam. The factory, inaugurated on April 7, marks the company's first major overseas production base and has begun mass production with the launch of the US-spec META 300—an adaptation of the STR300 originally sold in Taiwan. Deliveries to the US market are expected to begin in the second quarter