DIGITIMES: News and Insight of the Global Supply Chain

Jensen Huang resigns as Nvidia CEO; CFO Colette Kress named interim chief

DIGITIMES — Thu, 12 Nov 2026 14:15:37 GMT

Nvidia co-founder Jensen Huang resigned as president, CEO and board member on November 12, effective immediately, the company's board said. He had led the company for 33 years, since its founding.

Micron says it has not required waivers and will keep negotiating in Taoyuan labor dispute

DIGITIMES — Thu, 12 Nov 2026 14:05:14 GMT

Micron Technology has responded to an open letter from the Taoyuan Union, a labor group in Taiwan, about its ongoing contract talks. Taoyuan is a city in northern Taiwan where Micron has a large factory, and the dispute centers on a new employee bonus program that the union has been pressing the company to discuss.

Quanta shifts 2027 capex toward power, the new battleground for AI server ODMs

Lily Hess — Thu, 12 Nov 2026 08:56:09 GMT

Quanta Computer posted strong revenue and earnings in the third quarter of 2026 and expects operations to continue accelerating in the fourth quarter, driven by AI servers. The company also forecasts another growth year in 2027, planning capital expenditure (capex) of NT$40 billion (US$1.21 billion) to NT$45 billion, although it says spending will begin to moderate.

Pegatron targets multiyear AI server surge, with Nvidia Vera Rubin shipments set for 1H27

Levi Li — Thu, 12 Nov 2026 08:52:40 GMT

Pegatron said at its November 12 earnings briefing that 2026 would mark its first year of server shipments, with the business expected to contribute about 10% of consolidated revenue and grow severalfold in 2027. Its portfolio spans Nvidia's GB series and HGX platforms, as well as custom ASIC servers, while shipments of next-generation Vera Rubin systems are expected to begin in the first half of 2027.

Foxconn sees high-double-digit AI rack growth in 2027

Lily Hess — Thu, 12 Nov 2026 08:46:00 GMT

Foxconn reported third-quarter 2026 revenue of more than NT$3 trillion (US$91 billion) and raised its full-year outlook, while taking a "cautiously optimistic" view of 2027 and forecasting high-double-digit growth in AI rack shipments. The company expects to gain market share through diversified AI solutions and an expanding customer base, but warned that component supplies, geopolitical and economic conditions, inflation, and monetary policy will shape its 2027 operations.

Aleees makes Tainan plant launchpad for North American LFP expansion

DIGITIMES — Thu, 12 Nov 2026 08:45:00 GMT

Advanced Lithium Electrochemistry (Aleees), a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cathode-material maker, signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with a North American partner on November 12 to trial-produce LFP cathode materials through a joint venture, as demand for power batteries and energy storage rises and Europe and the US accelerate supply-chain localization.

Chinese universities obtain Nvidia chips despite US export controls

DIGITIMES — Thu, 12 Nov 2026 08:35:46 GMT

Several Chinese universities, including Northwestern Polytechnical University, one of China's "Seven Sons of National Defense," have successfully obtained Nvidia chips despite US export controls, according to Reuters. Procurement records show the university purchased two Nvidia H200 chips for CNY875,000 (approximately US$177,629) through a domestic supplier rather than directly from Nvidia.

Naver signs US$1.5 billion AI cloud deal with US firm

DIGITIMES — Thu, 12 Nov 2026 07:59:53 GMT

Naver said on November 12 it had signed a KRW2 trillion (approx. US$1.5 billion) AI computing services contract with a US-based AI inference company, securing its first major customer for the AI Factory business it is developing with Nvidia and Brookfield.

India's Tata Electronics reportedly seeks up to US$2 billion in loans

DIGITIMES — Thu, 12 Nov 2026 07:48:50 GMT

Tata Electronics is lining up fresh debt at a moment when nearly every leg of its expansion has run into friction: a flagship chip fab whose production start has moved from the end of 2026 to mid-2028 and will launch on an older process, losses that widened even as revenue doubled, and a run of incidents at its iPhone component plant in Tamil Nadu.

ByteDance plans to release Muse-like AI agent in coming weeks

DIGITIMES — Thu, 12 Nov 2026 07:48:39 GMT

ByteDance reportedly intends to release an AI agent similar to Meta's Muse within several weeks. The firm, whose AI assistant tool Doubao has seen wide adoption within China, seeks to catch up with leading US labs within a few years, even as its co-founder has called for reducing reliance on distillation techniques.

Synnex pivots to AI solution enabler, targets continued growth in 2027

DIGITIMES — Thu, 12 Nov 2026 07:25:00 GMT

Synnex Technology International Corp. posted record quarterly revenue in the third quarter of 2026 and expects continued growth and new highs in 2027, driven by AI semiconductors, AI servers and infrastructure, and its China AI server business. The company is also launching fundraising plans, including a cash capital increase, CD issuance and expanded bank credit lines, to meet its funding needs.

China's AI short-drama boom opens new token revenue opportunity for ByteDance's Seedance, Volcengine

Levi Li — Thu, 12 Nov 2026 07:01:06 GMT

China's AI-generated short-drama market is expanding rapidly, with surging content production and viewership making the sector an increasingly significant source of demand for AI computing resources.

SoftBank rejects Musk's default claim, books JPY597.2B data-center loss

DIGITIMES — Thu, 12 Nov 2026 06:57:38 GMT

SoftBank Group (SBG) has denied SpaceX CEO Elon Musk's claim on X that the company defaulted after ordering turbines, while saying its AI infrastructure plans remain on track. However, SBG recorded a JPY597.2 billion (US$3.73 billion) loss in the second quarter of fiscal 2026 (July–September 2026) after reviewing purchases of power-generation equipment for US data centers, though it said the loss was unrelated to Project Stargate Ohio.

Amtran's 3Q26 profit tops 1H26 total as non-TV shipments surge

DIGITIMES — Thu, 12 Nov 2026 06:55:00 GMT

Amtran Technology reported a sharp profit increase in the third quarter of 2026, driven by stronger shipments of high-value non-TV products and an optimized product mix. Third-quarter earnings per share reached NT$0.59 (US$0.018), up 103% quarter-over-quarter, while earnings for the first three quarters rose 27% year-over-year to NT$1.03 per share.

Sharp sells LCD color filter plant to Nitto Denko for JPY22.2B

Charlene Chen — Thu, 12 Nov 2026 06:55:00 GMT

Sharp is accelerating efforts to address its loss-making display component business. According to Nikkei, Sharp will sell its Hisai plant in Tsu, Mie Prefecture, Japan, which produces color filters for LCD panels, to Nitto Denko. Sharp officially announced the sale on the morning of November 12. The transaction is valued at JPY22.2 billion (approximately US$139 million) and is expected to close on December 24.

Sam Altman warns Samsung of short-term AI demand volatility

DIGITIMES — Thu, 12 Nov 2026 06:45:03 GMT

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman warned Samsung Electronics executives that AI memory demand could fluctuate in the short term, with the market potentially counting the same demand more than once. He nevertheless expects long-term AI demand to surge, creating shortages of chips and data centers and underscoring the need for greater supply chain investment.

Chinese media question timing of Huang allegations amid chip controls

DIGITIMES — Thu, 12 Nov 2026 06:44:54 GMT

With Chinese and US leaders expected to meet on October 18 during the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting, allegations involving Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang's extramarital affair and supposed links to Chinese espionage continue to escalate. China's state-run Global Times questioned whether the closely timed media reports and congressional actions reflect political maneuvering behind US technology policy toward China.

Meta infrastructure chief to hand over AI compute role in 2027

DIGITIMES — Thu, 12 Nov 2026 06:44:41 GMT

Meta Platforms' longtime infrastructure chief Santosh Janardhan will leave after the end of 1Q27, with former Amazon Web Services (AWS) vice president Dave Brown set to succeed him. The leadership transition comes as Meta accelerates its AI strategy and expands data centers and in-house chip development.

Kwang-Hwa swings to profit in 3Q26 as EPF film line nears launch

Jingyue Hsiao — Thu, 12 Nov 2026 06:44:41 GMT

Kwang-Hwa Electronic reported consolidated revenue of NT$1.315 billion in the third quarter of 2026, down 2.78% quarter-on-quarter and 3.01% year-on-year. Gross profit was NT$324 million, up 8.61% quarter-on-quarter but down 9.07% year-on-year. Supported by foreign-exchange gains, the company swung to a net profit attributable to its parent of NT$1.98 million, or NT$0.03 per share.

Taiwan's electronics industry targets four overseas tech parks under TEEMA's global expansion plan

Levi Li — Thu, 12 Nov 2026 06:37:05 GMT

The Taiwan Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers' Association (TEEMA) released its first industry white paper in 78 years on November 11, proposing a "Taiwan+N" global expansion strategy centred on overseas technology parks, supply chain integration and stronger domestic manufacturing capabilities.

Samsung and Hyundai forge AI alliance

Charlene Chen — Thu, 12 Nov 2026 06:35:00 GMT

Samsung Group and Hyundai are deepening their strategic partnership, exploring opportunities in robotics, energy and physical AI alongside existing cooperation in automotive semiconductors, batteries and displays. More than 100 senior executives from the two conglomerates met in Yongin, Gyeonggi-do province, South Korea, on November 9 to map out collaboration in future mobility and industrial applications.

Chinese models capture 89% of US corporate spending in open-source AI

Charlene Chen — Thu, 12 Nov 2026 06:33:12 GMT

Chinese AI models have taken a dominant position as demand for open-source models grows among US businesses. According to the "2026: The State of Enterprise AI" report released in early November by US venture capital firm Menlo Ventures, Chinese models accounted for 89% of US corporate spending on open-source AI models.

Huawei's new OSTA smartphone brand targets wider displays, AI features ahead of November 20 debut

Levi Li — Thu, 12 Nov 2026 06:21:14 GMT

Huawei is preparing to introduce a new smartphone sub-brand, OSTA, at a product launch event on November 20, potentially expanding its portfolio with a wider-format candybar smartphone featuring AI capabilities.

Toyota to assemble and sell Japanese light-duty trucks in the US, with sales starting in 2H27

Eifeh Strom — Thu, 12 Nov 2026 06:15:08 GMT

Japanese automaker Toyota has announced plans to revive the Scion brand, which was discontinued nearly a decade ago, with the launch of its first model, the KEI-01, in the second half of 2027. The light-duty truck (kei truck) will be assembled in Indiana and sold in the US market, targeting short-distance transportation needs at farms, ranches, small businesses, and corporate campuses. Based on Daihatsu Motor's Hijet Jumbo light commercial mini pickup truck, the KEI-01 will be Toyota's first kei truck manufactured in the US.

Intel China wants to turn untapped renewable energy into AI tokens with computing pods slated for 1H27

Levi Li — Thu, 12 Nov 2026 05:58:38 GMT

As demand for AI computing expands across industries and applications, chipmakers are seeking opportunities beyond conventional data centers, extending into enterprise deployments and personal devices. At the ninth China International Import Expo (CIIE) in 2026, Intel China showcased three AI computing solutions: green computing pods for large data centers and enterprise campuses, integrated AI inference systems for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and AI Agent PCs for individual users.

Samsung moves up HBM packaging plant opening to June 2028

DIGITIMES — Thu, 12 Nov 2026 05:57:08 GMT

Samsung Electronics said on November 12 it had moved up the planned opening of its new high-bandwidth memory (HBM) packaging plant in South Korea by one year to June 2028 to meet rising demand for AI server memory.

DIGITIMES Insight: Entering glass substrate era, core layers are no longer an exclusive process for substrate makers

Charlene Chen — Thu, 12 Nov 2026 04:48:21 GMT

DIGITIMES observes that as AI accelerators continue to grow in size, substrate dimensions are gradually moving beyond 100x100mm. Warpage issues in organic substrates have also become increasingly pronounced, prompting industry players to invest in the development of different core-layer materials. Glass, which offers excellent flatness and an adjustable coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) that can be brought closer to that of silicon, can help reduce warpage. As a result, it has emerged as a closely watched core-layer solution and a key focus of future technology development.

DFI targets industrial edge AI, with automation leading 42% of opportunities

DIGITIMES — Thu, 12 Nov 2026 04:27:04 GMT

Industrial computer (IPC) maker DFI reported higher revenue and profit in the third quarter of 2026, with earnings per share (EPS) reaching NT$1.29 (US$0.039), up sharply from NT$0.66 in the same period of 2025. The company is focusing on industrial automation, semiconductors and industrial equipment, and mission-critical applications as it expands from boards to systems and scales industrial edge AI deployments.

South Korea’s HBM demand drives 54% surge in Taiwan glass fiber exports

DIGITIMES — Thu, 12 Nov 2026 04:24:49 GMT

Taiwan’s glass fiber exports to South Korea rose 54.0% year-over-year in the first nine months of 2026 as demand for high-bandwidth memory (HBM) and advanced packaging expanded. South Korea has also become Taiwan’s largest trade deficit partner, with Taiwan’s deficit reaching US$59.37 billion in the first 10 months of 2026, more than double its US$25.39 billion deficit with Japan.

AI bottleneck shifts from compute to power; European supply chain sees power semiconductors as next shortage

Yunnie Cheng — Thu, 12 Nov 2026 04:24:37 GMT

At the opening panel of electronica 2026 in Munich on November 10, industry leaders agreed that the primary bottleneck in artificial intelligence is shifting from computing power to energy delivery. Panelists warned that power semiconductors are quickly becoming the tech sector's next critical supply chain gap as AI data centers scale to hundreds of megawatts, or even gigawatts, straining grids and power delivery architectures never built for such concentrated loads.

DB HiTek 3Q26 shows power-chip demand lifts operating profit, but net income falls

DIGITIMES — Thu, 12 Nov 2026 04:22:39 GMT

DB HiTek's third-quarter 2026 results point to continued strength in its core foundry operations, even as a steep decline in net income shows that operating momentum did not carry through to the bottom line. The South Korean chipmaker said demand for power semiconductors kept utilization at virtually full levels, while a richer mix of high-voltage products supported selling prices. It is now preparing to add capacity, though the ramp will depend on customer demand and investment decisions.

Taiwan PCB equipment maker Ta Liang's four-digit backlog sets stage for high-margin TM4 growth

Levi Li — Thu, 12 Nov 2026 04:21:26 GMT

Taiwan-based Ta Liang Technology, a printed circuit board (PCB) equipment manufacturer, said its order visibility for PCB and semiconductor equipment extends through 2027, with its PCB equipment backlog reaching four digits and production scheduled for every month of next year. Average lead times stand at five to six months, while the book-to-bill ratio for semiconductor equipment remains above 2.

Taiwan's quantum push gathers momentum as Asus, Compal and global tech giants join forces

Levi Li — Thu, 12 Nov 2026 04:19:32 GMT

Taiwan is strengthening its quantum technology ecosystem through coordinated government research and industry collaboration, bringing together international technology companies, academic institutions and domestic suppliers to accelerate the development of quantum computing and related applications.

Mitsubishi Gas Chemical bets on AI packaging with Thailand BT materials line

DIGITIMES — Thu, 12 Nov 2026 04:12:02 GMT

Mitsubishi Gas Chemical (MGC) announced on November 10 that it will expand manufacturing and shipment-inspection equipment at its Thailand subsidiary to increase capacity for BT (Bismaleimide-Triazine) laminates used in semiconductor packaging. The new line is scheduled to begin construction in April 2027 and start operations in October 2028, targeting growing demand from data centers, servers and high-density IC substrates.

IBM plans 1,040-qubit quantum system for 2027

DIGITIMES — Thu, 12 Nov 2026 04:00:56 GMT

IBM plans to build its next-generation Nighthawk r3 quantum processor to run 10,000 operations across 520 qubits, advancing larger workloads for scientific and industrial users worldwide. The company also plans to link two processors in 2027 to create a 1,040-qubit system, and to integrate quantum machines with classical computing resources.

Exclusive: A world where everything has a chip—Pragmatic reimagines the boundaries of everyday intelligence

DIGITIMES — Thu, 12 Nov 2026 04:00:28 GMT

A semiconductor chip no thicker than a fraction of a human hair might seem insignificant beside the powerful silicon processors driving the world's AI revolution. Yet at Pragmatic Park in North East England, these tiny, flexible devices represent a different vision of computing: one where intelligence gradually becomes embedded in the objects people touch, wear, and use every day.

Tekscend's cost strategy and global edge

DIGITIMES — Thu, 12 Nov 2026 03:59:24 GMT

As global foundry capacity expands and market dynamics shift, competitive pressures have intensified significantly across major manufacturing regions, particularly in mature process nodes, where regional suppliers are rapidly building domestic production capacity. In an interview with DIGITIMES, Jun Kotani, director of business strategy at Tekscend Photomask, shared detailed insights into how the company is defending its commercial leadership through a combination of cost optimization, technical innovation, and strategic geographic positioning.

Innovation, AI investments will shape the future, says Kinpo president Hsu

Kevin Wang — Thu, 12 Nov 2026 03:54:07 GMT

The award ceremony for the fourth K. T. Li Award was held in Taipei on November 10, with this year's awards presented by former President Ing-wen Tsai to Kinpo-Compal Group president Rock Hsu and Quanta Computer founder Barry Lam.

The China chip self-sufficiency paradox: YMTC eyes 2027 IPO as restricted Nvidia GPUs reach Chinese universities

DIGITIMES — Thu, 12 Nov 2026 03:50:12 GMT

China is advancing its domestic semiconductor ambitions while continuing to access restricted US AI processors, exposing the limits of Washington's export controls and the challenges facing Beijing's pursuit of technological self-sufficiency.

AUO and Innolux target 2028 commercial breakthrough in semiconductor packaging

Yunnie Cheng — Thu, 12 Nov 2026 03:46:37 GMT

Faced with sluggish end-user demand, chronic overcapacity, and intensifying market competition, global display manufacturers are under pressure to reinvent themselves. In Taiwan, leading panel makers are accelerating asset optimization and cross-domain technology integration to unlock new growth drivers.

Samsung Display, BOE weigh low-cost OLED panels as phone sales fall

DIGITIMES — Thu, 12 Nov 2026 03:43:40 GMT

Samsung Display, BOE Technology Group and Tianma Microelectronics are considering cheaper OLED panels for budget smartphones to boost factory utilization as handset sales decline, ZDNet Korea reported on November 9, citing industry sources.

Apple, Samsung reportedly developing new foldable glass for 2028

DIGITIMES — Thu, 12 Nov 2026 03:34:52 GMT

Apple and Samsung Electronics are working with suppliers on foldable phone glass that is thinner at the hinge and thicker elsewhere, a design they are considering for 2028 models, ZDNet Korea reported, citing industry sources.

TSMC sees surging AI chip demand, highlights advanced packaging and physical AI opportunities

DIGITIMES — Thu, 12 Nov 2026 03:32:13 GMT

TSMC is facing unprecedented demand for its advanced chips as artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure investment accelerates, with advanced packaging and emerging physical AI applications expected to create additional growth opportunities, according to company executives.

Nvidia spy case puts Jensen Huang's family in spotlight amid lack of succession plan

DIGITIMES — Thu, 12 Nov 2026 03:31:49 GMT

Nvidia CEO Jensen's Huang's affair with an alleged Chinese spy has raised questions about national security, corporate governance, and even whether he will keep his job. Beyond his outsized role within the company, the case has also brought attention to his family members' roles within the firm and their influence over a public company that is currently the singular force behind the AI revolution.

Lite-On eyes CPO expansion as advanced optocouplers drive 2027 growth

Yunnie Cheng — Thu, 12 Nov 2026 03:22:43 GMT

Despite soaring costs and intense competition capping overall LED market growth at a modest 3% to 4%, Lite-On Technology's Optoelectronics Business Unit is poised for 20% to 30% growth in 2026. This growth is powered by surging demand for advanced optocouplers and infrared sensing applications. Advanced optocouplers already account for over 30% of the unit's revenue.

Electronica forum identifies wages, energy as Europe's tech bottlenecks

Charlene Chen — Thu, 12 Nov 2026 03:11:44 GMT

The biennial Electronica trade show opened in Munich on November 10, 2026, with industry leaders warning that high wages, energy prices, and bureaucracy continue to undermine Europe's technology competitiveness and manufacturing revival. A roundtable held during the opening examined Europe's industrial position in the AI era.

iPhone Duo reshapes foldable smartphone landscape, projects 25.9% market share in 2026

DIGITIMES — Thu, 12 Nov 2026 03:05:42 GMT

DIGITIMES observes that the global smartphone market has entered a mature phase. Although foldable smartphones continue to post strong growth, foldable shipments are projected to account for less than 3% of total smartphone shipments in 2026, with high pr

AI server tracker: ODM/EMS giants scale up, but optical suppliers show who captures the next wave

DIGITIMES — Thu, 12 Nov 2026 03:01:10 GMT

Taiwan's AI infrastructure expansion is producing different growth patterns across system manufacturers and optical suppliers. All six original design manufacturers and electronics manufacturing services providers (ODM/EMS) tracked surpassed their full-year 2025 revenue during January–October 2026. Among optical suppliers, LandMark nearly doubled last year's total, while FOCI's strong October growth brought cumulative revenue only marginally above the previous year's corresponding period.

TECO pivots to AI infrastructure services with Japan project

DIGITIMES — Thu, 12 Nov 2026 02:51:38 GMT

TECO Electric & Machinery is expanding into global AI computing infrastructure, announcing on the November 11 that it will partner with AI cloud service provider GMI Cloud and KSDI to build an modular AI data center in Satsumasendai, Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan. TECO will serve as the modular data center contractor, handling design, electromechanical systems integration, and technical guidance, with the first 6.4MW phase scheduled for delivery within nine months.

ABF substrate shortage to last through 2028 as Wah Lee targets next-gen products

DIGITIMES — Thu, 12 Nov 2026 02:39:05 GMT

Demand for AI, high-performance computing (HPC), and semiconductors continued to rise, driving Wah Lee Industrial's 3Q26 profit to record-high levels. Gross profit reached NT$2.06 billion (US$62.7 million), up 28.7% year-on-year, while earnings per share (EPS) reached NT$3.46; cumulative EPS for the first three quarters rose to NT$9.4, also a record for the period.

Samsung, AMD team up to upgrade chip testing

DIGITIMES — Thu, 12 Nov 2026 02:32:25 GMT

Samsung Electronics and AMD are teaming up to upgrade the Korean chipmaker's semiconductor manufacturing test infrastructure, combining AMD's new EPYC Embedded 9006 processors with Samsung memory and storage technologies, according to AMD's November 10 announcement.

Wolfspeed returns to GaN as CEO touts vertical integration

Eifeh Strom — Thu, 12 Nov 2026 02:13:58 GMT

US silicon carbide (SiC) giant Wolfspeed will re-enter the gallium nitride (GaN) market through a vertically integrated model and expand into the GaN-on-silicon (GaN-on-Si) power device market, according to company CEO Robert Feurle. The announcement, made at a media event during the Electronica 2026 trade fair in Munich, Germany, stated that the company will initially target low-voltage applications below 650V.

PCB giant Zhen Ding targets 2028 for 50% AI business revenue share

Lily Hess — Thu, 12 Nov 2026 01:53:10 GMT

Zhen Ding Technology said strong seasonal demand for mobile communications products and robust demand for high-end AI applications drove its third-quarter 2026 revenue to a record high. Rising shipments of high-end products and an optimized product mix also lifted gross margin 5.7 percentage points year-over-year to a record 27.7%.

Ennoconn posts record third-quarter revenue, targets 20% ROE by 2030

DIGITIMES — Thu, 12 Nov 2026 01:50:24 GMT

Taiwan industrial PC maker Ennoconn Technology reported record revenue and profit for the third quarter of 2026. It said it expects strong growth in both measures in 2027, supported by Physical AI applications and deeper integration with Kontron. The company also outlined a goal of lifting return on equity (ROE) to 20% by 2030, while emphasizing capital discipline and higher-margin solutions.

Samsung explores electronic skin for humanoid robot hands

DIGITIMES — Thu, 12 Nov 2026 01:37:48 GMT

Samsung Electronics is testing electronic skin on the hands of its humanoid robots with South Korean startup Midas H&T, seeking to overcome a key commercialization barrier: combining powerful gripping with precise force control.

China spy allegations intensify as Taiwan revokes Alice Huang's entry permit

Charlene Chen — Thu, 12 Nov 2026 01:36:16 GMT

The FBI has launched an investigation following an alleged extramarital affair involving Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang and Alice Huang, a former executive at Singapore-based Megaspeed who has been accused of having ties to Chinese intelligence. Taiwan's Ministry of the Interior said it has revoked Alice Huang's entry documents over the espionage allegations, barring her from entering Taiwan in the future.

Commentary: AI trend holds despite looming funding squeeze

Lily Hess — Thu, 12 Nov 2026 01:36:09 GMT

The US midterm election results, which delivered a major Democratic victory, and national security concerns surrounding an affair between an alleged Chinese spy and Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang have raised fears that AI data-center construction in the US could be disrupted. While few in the industry doubt AI's long-term growth, the impact of funding displacement warrants close attention.

Mitsui Kinzoku bets on AI copper foil with JPY190 billion investment in Malaysia plant

DIGITIMES — Thu, 12 Nov 2026 01:35:56 GMT

Mitsui Kinzoku will invest about JPY190 billion (approx. US$1.2 billion) to build a copper foil plant near its existing Malaysia site, targeting demand from optical communications components and advanced chips used in AI data centers. The facility will begin phased operations from April 2031.

MTI seeks private placement after 5G ORAN, LEO plans falter

DIGITIMES — Thu, 12 Nov 2026 01:35:49 GMT

Satellite communications company Microelectronics Technology Inc. (MTI) reported negative net worth of NT$244 million (US$7.42 million), a 109% debt ratio, and a 65% current ratio for the third quarter of 2026, as 5G open radio access network (Open RAN) and low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite businesses failed to develop as expected. With approval from the Taiwan Stock Exchange (TWSE), MTI suspended stock trading on November 9 and is pursuing a private placement to raise capital and improve its financial structure.

US data center policy clouds AI capacity outlook, MetaAge says

DIGITIMES — Thu, 12 Nov 2026 01:35:41 GMT

Global AI data center construction continues to drive demand for GPUs, memory, and other critical hardware, but tight computing capacity, rising material costs, and longer lead times are complicating large-scale AI project delivery. MetaAge general manager Jason Shih said the imbalance between global AI hardware supply and demand will be difficult to resolve in the short term, even as enterprise AI investment continues and demand is expected to grow through 2027.

AP Memory sees IPD silicon capacitor orders booked through 2H27, pursues dual-track strategy with UMC

Yunnie Cheng — Thu, 12 Nov 2026 01:35:24 GMT

AP Memory Technology reported record-breaking third-quarter 2026 revenue and net profit, driven by surging demand for its integrated passive device (IPD) silicon capacitors under the S-SiCap product family. Order visibility now extends through the second half of 2027. The company projects that as manufacturing capacity expands, silicon capacitor revenue will experience multi-fold growth and surpass its core IoT RAM revenue in 2027.

Asia Vital posts record 3Q26 profit on AI server cooling demand

DIGITIMES — Thu, 12 Nov 2026 01:35:17 GMT

Thermal module manufacturer Asia Vital reported record revenue and profit for the third quarter of 2026, driven by rising demand for high-end cooling products used in AI servers. Its gross margin increased 7.29pp from the previous quarter as revenue expanded, improving overall profitability.

Taiwan mobilizes academic R&D to address post-Moore semiconductor equipment gaps

Willis Ke — Thu, 12 Nov 2026 01:35:10 GMT

Taiwan is stepping up efforts to develop next-generation semiconductor research equipment, as conventional commercial tools increasingly fall short of emerging R&D requirements for process flexibility, precision parameter control, functional integration, and advanced technology validation. The National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) is seeking equipment development proposals in three priority areas: sub-nanometer silicon-based semiconductors, non-silicon semiconductors, and silicon photonics coupling.

SoftBank takes JPY768 billion AI hit, rethinks equipment strategy

DIGITIMES — Thu, 12 Nov 2026 01:35:03 GMT

SoftBank Group (SBG) posted a JPY768 billion (approximately US$4.85 billion) net loss for the first half of fiscal 2026, from April to September 2026, its first loss in nearly two years after booking a US$3.7 billion impairment on a US data-center project and absorbing the impact of falling global AI valuations.

HKC’s Mianyang Gen 6 OLED investment faces delays

DIGITIMES — Thu, 12 Nov 2026 01:34:55 GMT

China’s HKC has again stalled its OLED expansion, with equipment orders for its Gen 6 OLED line in Mianyang, Sichuan, yet to be placed despite plans for deposition equipment to arrive in March 2027. Industry sources attribute the delay to weak OLED demand and technology challenges, warning that the investment could ultimately be canceled.

Meta launches Muse Ember for repetitive AI workloads

DIGITIMES — Thu, 12 Nov 2026 01:34:48 GMT

Meta has launched Muse Ember, its smallest model, to handle repetitive tasks at lower cost. Muse Ember features a 1-million-token context window, can generate up to 512,000 tokens per request, and supports text, images, audio, and video.

iPhone, enterprise ICT lift Taiwan's telecom trio in October

DIGITIMES — Thu, 12 Nov 2026 01:34:38 GMT

Strong iPhone sales and 5G upgrades, combined with continued revenue recognition from AI data center (AIDC), cloud, and enterprise information and communications technology (ICT) projects, drove sustained growth for Taiwan's three major telecom operators in October.

Quanta founder Bai-li Lin honors Kwoh-ting Li's role in Taiwan's tech rise

DIGITIMES — Thu, 12 Nov 2026 01:34:31 GMT

The fourth K.T. Li Award ceremony was held at the Far Eastern Shangri-La in Taipei on November 10, with former President Ing-wen Tsai delivering remarks and presenting the awards. Quanta Computer founder and chairman Barry Lam and Kinpo-Compal Group president Rock Hsu jointly received this year's honor for their long-standing contributions to industry, corporate innovation, Taiwan's technology growth, and international competitiveness.

Kia plans US$1.5 billion India plant expansion, spurring Korean suppliers

DIGITIMES — Thu, 12 Nov 2026 01:34:20 GMT

Kia is considering investing about US$1.5 billion to expand its plant in Andhra Pradesh, India, while South Korean auto-parts makers have pledged follow-on investments. If approved, the project would establish an integrated vehicle manufacturing and parts-supply chain in the state.

Universities aren't factories: Can a hot-rodding spirit drive semiconductor innovation?

DIGITIMES — Thu, 12 Nov 2026 01:34:14 GMT

The National Science and Technology Council's Department of Engineering and Technologies recently issued a call for proposals encouraging academia to modify expensive semiconductor equipment through design changes, creating new pathways for talent development and next-generation technology research. Such freedom and flexibility are difficult to achieve at commercial semiconductor companies, but universities have greater autonomy, face no immediate customer delivery pressure, and do not need to prioritize yield at once—allowing a hot-rodding approach to take root in teaching and research.

Jensen Huang scandal could reshape China's AI chip landscape

DIGITIMES — Thu, 12 Nov 2026 01:34:06 GMT

"Jensanity" has helped fuel the global artificial intelligence (AI) boom, but reports linking Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang to an alleged extramarital relationship involving a suspected Chinese spy are putting the company's corporate governance under greater scrutiny. While the controversy could benefit Huawei Technologies and other Chinese competitors, tighter US chip export controls could ultimately inflict greater damage on China's AI industry.

E Ink Holdings expands Spectra 6 to 9 colors for Aura's 10-inch frame

DIGITIMES — Thu, 12 Nov 2026 01:33:58 GMT

E Ink Holdings (EIH) has launched an upgraded version of its E Ink Spectra 6 platform, expanding its base colors from six to nine to deliver smoother, more natural full-color images. The technology will power Aura Ink, a new 10-inch e-paper smart frame from Aura, a US premium digital-frame brand.

AMD targets lower DRAM use with AI-predictive memory management

Charlene Chen — Thu, 12 Nov 2026 01:33:50 GMT

As AI servers and data centers expand, rising DRAM demand is driving up memory prices and supply pressures, making memory an increasingly important infrastructure cost. AMD has introduced AI-predictive memory management technology that tiers DRAM and NAND flash, forecasts application data-access needs, and moves data from Flash to DRAM before CPUs require it, reducing reliance on costly DRAM capacity.

China's US$225 million space computing venture confronts cost of taking data centers into orbit

DIGITIMES — Thu, 12 Nov 2026 01:33:37 GMT

Zhongke Nebula has registered in Hefei with CNY1.5 billion (approx. US$225 million) in committed capital, bringing state-backed investors and domestic technology suppliers together to develop space computing infrastructure. Commercial viability remains unproven.

Taiwan's overseas cloud backups strengthen government resilience

DIGITIMES — Thu, 12 Nov 2026 01:31:43 GMT

Taiwan has completed encrypted, split backups of national and local tax data on overseas cloud platforms, part of a broader effort to keep government services operating during emergencies. The move extends the government's data-resilience planning beyond domestic backup sites. At the same time, a separate satellite and optical-network effort is intended to provide alternative communications and links to computing resources.

Foxconn's in-person briefing to focus on AI deliveries, 2027 orders

Jingyue Hsiao — Thu, 12 Nov 2026 01:31:28 GMT

Hon Hai Precision Industry (Foxconn) will hold its third-quarter 2026 investor briefing in person at the Mandarin Oriental, Taipei, on November 12, as investors seek clarity on 2027 orders, AI server deliveries, and whether growth can translate into higher profits.

Former Nvidia customer Megaspeed's liabilities balloon to nearly US$3 billion

DIGITIMES — Thu, 12 Nov 2026 01:26:11 GMT

Singapore-based cloud provider and former Nvidia customer Megaspeed International saw its assets surge about 90-fold in 2024, but liabilities grew even faster, exceeding total assets by US$10.08 million, according to company filings reviewed by Singapore's Lianhe Zaobao.

Taiwan proposes expanding protected technology list to 46 items

DIGITIMES — Thu, 12 Nov 2026 01:21:31 GMT

Taiwan's National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) has proposed expanding the list of national core key technologies from 42 to 46 items, with four additions covering satellite communications, AI chip substrates, drones, and biotechnology. The draft is still under public consultation and must be reviewed by a committee before the Executive Yuan can promulgate it, the council said on November 11, 2026.

Wistron posts record third-quarter revenue and profit, approves AI capacity investments

DIGITIMES — Thu, 12 Nov 2026 01:05:10 GMT

Wistron Corp. reported record revenue and profit in the third quarter of 2026 and approved new investments to expand AI server capacity. Consolidated revenue reached about NT$1.15 trillion (US$34.91 billion), up 28.3% quarter on quarter and 102% year on year. Net income attributable to the parent company rose 24.1% from the previous quarter and 149% from a year earlier to NT$18.402 billion. Earnings per share were NT$5.74.

Quanta's AI server boom pushes 3Q26 gross margin below 5%

DIGITIMES — Thu, 12 Nov 2026 00:59:54 GMT

Quanta Computer Inc. delivered record revenue and strong earnings in the third quarter of 2026, while its gross margin fell to 4.75% as notebook material costs rose and the mix of higher-priced AI servers pressured profitability. CFO Elton Yang said it was basically impossible to improve gross margin while keeping revenue from falling, and the company expects the margin to decline further in the fourth quarter.

Aleees splits LFP cathode production between Taiwan and US

DIGITIMES — Thu, 12 Nov 2026 00:39:36 GMT

Advanced Lithium Electrochemistry (Aleees) plans to make lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cathode material precursors in Taiwan and process them in the US under a North American customer agreement, as it seeks to diversify battery supply chains away from China. The company reported a loss for the first nine months as construction-related expenses increased, while planned shipments from 2027 remain subject to execution and customer demand.

Fitpower sees AI, e-paper, and power ICs driving growth into 2027

DIGITIMES — Thu, 12 Nov 2026 00:36:58 GMT

IC design house Fitpower Integrated Technology reported third-quarter revenue of NT$6.253 billion (US$189.81 million), up 16.09% quarter on quarter and 46.38% year on year, and said AI chips, electronic paper products, and power management ICs were the main growth drivers.

Nvidia board meets on Jensen Huang's future as succession gap comes into focus

DIGITIMES — Thu, 12 Nov 2026 00:29:18 GMT

Nvidia's board met on November 11 to weigh the future of Jensen Huang, the only chief executive the company has ever had. The stakes go beyond one career: the company at the center of the AI buildout has no publicly named successor, and the scandal is feeding a push in Washington to tighten control over its chips.

Moonshot AI reportedly accessed restricted Nvidia chips in China despite US ban

DIGITIMES — Wed, 11 Nov 2026 09:18:11 GMT

Moonshot AI reportedly accessed advanced Nvidia chips this summer, according to documents filed with Chinese regulators. The finding shows that advanced US chips continue to make their way into China despite Washington's export restrictions. It also reveals Moonshot's continued reliance on American chips even as Beijing seeks to bolster domestic chipmaking.