DIGITIMES Asia news

Wednesday 2 April 2025

Vivo swerves EV hype for home robots as China ages

Vivo, China's top smartphone brand from 2021 to 2024, is making a surprising pivot into the home robotics market. While global tech giants double down on electric vehicles (EVs) amid a saturated smartphone landscape, Vivo is betting its future on consumer-grade robots for personal and household use

Wednesday 2 April 2025

TSMC's JASM doubles workforce amid production delays

On April 1, 2025, TSMC's Japanese subsidiary, JASM, hosted its annual new employee enrollment ceremony, a tradition for many Japanese companies, at its headquarters in Kikuyo Town, Kumamoto Prefecture, Kyushu. Despite delays in the installation of some equipment at JASM's first wafer plant and a postponed construction schedule for the second plant, the company saw a significant increase in the number of new hires this year

Wednesday 2 April 2025

Made in China, built to compete: Loongson's 64-core server takes on Intel in HPC race

At the 2025 ZGC Forum, Chinese chipmaker Loongson introduced the 3C6000/D—its first dual-socket 2U server fully designed and manufactured in-house. The launch highlights China's efforts to advance homegrown high-performance computing (HPC) technologies amid tightening US export restrictions and signals progress in building domestic alternatives to foreign server chips

Wednesday 2 April 2025

Towa's HBM4 packaging breakthrough powers ambitious growth plan

Towa, a prominent name in Japan's semiconductor manufacturing equipment industry, has introduced a new technology specifically designed for the sixth-generation high bandwidth memory (HBM4) advanced packaging. In addition to this development, the company revealed a strategic three-year midterm plan set to culminate in March 2028. The aim is to expand its sales channels throughout Asia for its leading equipment. Towa forecasts a 31% increase in consolidated revenue from March 2025 figures, expecting it to reach JPY71 billion (US$473.97 million), while net profit is projected to rise by 39% to JPY10.9 billion

Wednesday 2 April 2025

China hits its 'ChatGPT moment' with DeepSeek, says 01.AI CEO Kai-Fu Lee

At the 2025 ZGC Forum in Beijing, held from March 27 to 31, artificial intelligence (AI) dominated the agenda. At the event's flagship "Future AI Pioneer Forum," 01.AI CEO and Sinovation Ventures founder Kai-Fu Lee shared his perspective on the trajectory of generative AI in China

Wednesday 2 April 2025

Apple faces AI challenge in China as local competition intensifies

As China rapidly advances in artificial intelligence, local smartphone brands are integrating AI technology to strengthen their market positions. Meanwhile, Apple has yet to launch its AI chatbot in China, raising questions about its ability to compete. Given China's strong demand for AI services, Apple must collaborate with local firms to meet regulatory requirements and remain relevant in the market

Wednesday 2 April 2025

Rapidus faces yield and customer challenges for 2nm chip ambition despite launching first fab

Rapidus officially launched its IIM-1 semiconductor fab in Chitose City, Hokkaido, on April 1, marking a major milestone in Japan's ambition to produce cutting-edge 2nm chips. However, company executives caution that improving yield rates and securing future customers remain key challenges, reports Nikkei and Bloomberg

Wednesday 2 April 2025

China's Luxshare reportedly mulls US$2–3 billion Hong Kong listing in 2025

Luxshare Precision Industry, a Shenzhen-listed supplier to Apple and assembler of AirPods, is weighing a Hong Kong listing later in 2025. The potential move reflects a broader trend of mainland Chinese firms turning to Hong Kong for fundraising amid shifting geopolitical and market dynamics

Wednesday 2 April 2025

Talent shortage and operational challenges loom in Southeast Asia expansion for PCB industry

Looking ahead to 2025, the global PCB market is expected to maintain steady growth, driven by demand from AI servers and electric vehicles (EVs). As geopolitical tensions continue to reshape global supply chains, the PCB industry is increasingly focusing on expanding operations in Southeast Asia, leading to a rising demand for international talent

Wednesday 2 April 2025

Foxconn buys Apple equipment as production ramps up in India

Foxconn (Hong Hai) revealed that its Indian subsidiary will procure equipment from Apple's subsidiary, signaling an expansion of Apple product production in India, which is rapidly emerging as a key manufacturing hub for the company

Wednesday 2 April 2025

Chinese automakers push autonomous driving forward, challenging Tesla

Chinese companies like BYD are now leaders in autonomous driving technology, bolstered by a strong ecosystem and government support, putting significant pressure on Tesla

Wednesday 2 April 2025

Lee Jae-yong reportedly brought Samsung's chip and display chiefs along on China trip; signals strategic reset

Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong was recently joined by senior executives from the company's semiconductor and display departments on a rare visit to China. Industry analysts in South Korea say the joint trip is highly unusual and likely points to a strategic pivot in Samsung Group's China operations

Wednesday 2 April 2025

Rapidus targets swift 2nm chip delivery with initial 50% yield goal

Rapidus, a Japanese company focused on semiconductor innovation, officially opened its first facility, IIM-1, in Chitose City, Hokkaido, on April 1, 2025. Aiming to advance in the production of next-generation semiconductors, the company has commenced operations on a trial production line dedicated to 2nm chips

Wednesday 2 April 2025

Hanmi Semiconductor hikes key HBM equipment price, likely impacts SK Hynix

Hanmi Semiconductor has increased the price of its thermal compression bonder (TC Bonder; TCB), a critical piece of equipment for high-bandwidth memory (HBM) production, by 25% starting April 1. This marks the company's first price hike for TCB equipment, according to reports from South Korean media outlets ET News and Money Today

Wednesday 2 April 2025

China's electronic product trade-in policy boosts high-end smartphone sales

China's electronic product trade-in initiative is driving stronger electronics sales in the first half of 2025, with the smartphone sector showing particular strength. Industry sources report that Chinese smartphone sales are growing compared to the same period in 2024, with flagship models capturing an increased market share

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Apr 28, 15:40

In the last five years, Alberta's digital economy has created over 60,000 jobs and raised employment to nearly 36% above pre-pandemic levels

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