DIGITIMES Asia: News and Insight of the Global Supply Chain

Sovereign AI drives CSPs and telcos toward decentralized architectures for monetization

Lily Hess — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 08:52:31 GMT

At the recently concluded GITEX AI Asia conference, executives from Nokia, AI chip innovator Blaize, and Indonesian telecom provider Datacomm discussed the evolution of AI infrastructure. In an exclusive interview with DIGITIMES, they highlighted that while training remains centralized in low-cost remote locations, inference architectures are rapidly shifting toward edge decentralization to enhance response times and data sovereignty.

Vietnam-China talks target energy security, telecom, infrastructure deals

Levi Li — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 08:37:49 GMT

Vietnamese Communist Party General Secretary and State President To Lam will pay a state visit to China from April 14-17, where he is set to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping. Against the backdrop of ongoing conflict in the Middle East, both sides are expected to prioritise energy security and expand bilateral trade cooperation.

China's 2nm AI GPU hits prototype, production unclear

DIGITIMES — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 07:05:43 GMT

Shanghai Dishan Technology has advanced its 2nm-class AI GPU into the prototyping stage, marking a rare push by a China-based designer into cutting-edge AI silicon — though manufacturing access and software readiness remain major hurdles.

Samsung begins P4 equipment orders as 1c DRAM investment enters execution

DIGITIMES — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 07:02:58 GMT

Samsung Electronics has begun procuring semiconductor equipment for its P4 facility in Pyeongtaek, marking the transition of its planned 1c nanometer DRAM investment into the execution phase, according to South Korean media reports.

Exclusive: Edge AI inference set for 10x growth; Nokia, Blaize advance hybrid AI compute

Levi Li — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 06:58:00 GMT

As generative AI demand shifts from centralized cloud training to edge inference, Nokia and AI chip startup Blaize have expanded their partnership in Singapore, unveiling a full-stack solution for hybrid heterogeneous computing at GITEX AI Asia.

Samsung Electro-Mechanics reportedly to expand AI packaging with MLCC embedded substrate line in Vietnam

Charlene Chen — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 06:52:20 GMT

As AI chips demand higher performance and denser integration, advanced packaging and substrate technologies have become critical in the semiconductor race. Samsung Electro-Mechanics (Semco) is reportedly establishing a new production line for multilayer ceramic capacitor (MLCC) embedded semiconductor substrates at its Vietnam facility to strengthen its position in the AI semiconductor supply chain.

Search engines enter AI agent era as daydream raises US$15M, iKala expands GEO platform

Charlene Chen — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 05:54:31 GMT

Google has transformed its search engine by adding an AI mode feature on the search page that semantically understands user queries to provide AI-generated summaries. This shift has disrupted traditional search and its associated business models and rules. Meanwhile, the parallel evolution of SEO and GEO has created vast new business opportunities, attracting multiple companies to invest in related developments.

Microsoft plans Copilot overhaul with OpenClaw-like agentic features to win over enterprise clients

DIGITIMES — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 04:40:46 GMT

Microsoft is developing new OpenClaw-like features for its AI assistant Copilot, according to The Information. The updated tool would be targeted at enterprise customers as a safer version of the popular – but famously risky – OpenClaw agent that has shaken the AI industry in recent months.

Taiwan's auto suppliers pivot to AI and system integration in EV transition, says DIGITIMES Research

Elaine Chen — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 04:31:27 GMT

The annual "360°MOBILITY Mega Shows," a major gathering for the auto parts and mobility industry, opens on the 14th, drawing heightened attention to the growing role of Taiwan's suppliers in next-generation automotive technology. As software-defined vehicles (SDVs) emerge as a central industry direction, the share of automotive semiconductors and software in vehicle development is rising rapidly, according to a DIGITIMES Research report.

AI infrastructure boom triggers NAND shortage, memory profits seen rising 2–3x, Silicon Motion says

Charlene Chen — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 04:19:31 GMT

Silicon Motion's president, Wallace Kou, said the memory industry is undergoing an irreversible structural shift driven by AI infrastructure growth. Since August 2025, NAND flash prices have surged 4–10x, and module makers' profits are expected to grow 2–3x in 2026 as this becomes the new normal.

Panel makers lift 1Q26 sales on early orders; demand outlook turns cautious

DIGITIMES — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 04:15:24 GMT

Front-loaded orders, fewer February working days, and a low base lifted Taiwanese panel makers' March revenue. In the first quarter of 2026, Innolux, GiantPlus, and Hannstar Display all posted year-over-year growth, while AUO lagged.

Qualcomm broadens automotive push with Bosch ADAS deal

Elaine Chen — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 03:59:14 GMT

Qualcomm said it was expanding its partnership with Bosch in automotive electronics, broadening a collaboration that had previously focused on in-vehicle cockpit systems to now include advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS).

Samsung 2nm yields reportedly remain below mass production threshold

DIGITIMES — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 03:42:40 GMT

Samsung Electronics is nearing a technical milestone for its 2nm process, but yields are reportedly still below the level required for stable mass production, raising questions about its ability to secure major foundry customers for the next-generation node.

JCET CEO sees robotics extending automotive semiconductor growth

Levi Li — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 03:32:17 GMT

China's leading OSAT provider JCET has sustained steady growth in automotive electronics, driven by the rapid expansion of new energy vehicles and vehicle intelligence. As cars become more software-defined, semiconductor content and system complexity are rising, while electronic architectures shift from distributed systems toward centralized, platform-based designs.

Apple increased foldable display inventory by 20% ahead of iPhone Fold launch

Charlene Chen — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 03:30:00 GMT

Despite slowing growth in the foldable smartphone market, Apple has reportedly increased its foldable display panel inventory by 20% for its first foldable phone, the iPhone Fold, signaling a significant boost to the segment. Industry and consumer attention now centers on how Apple will tackle the persistent screen crease issue.

Glass substrates move toward mass production as Intel, Samsung Electro-Mechanics step up efforts

DIGITIMES — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 03:15:00 GMT

Glass substrates are entering a critical pre-mass production phase as demand for high-performance AI chips accelerates. As AI workloads require larger chip sizes and higher bandwidth, the industry is shifting its focus toward mass production timelines and yield stability, according to industry sources and reports by ChosunBiz.

Huawei backs optical chip push through photonics supplier investment

Levi Li — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 03:00:00 GMT

AI data centre and high-speed computing demand are pushing optical communications and photonic chips into focus, as data transmission bottlenecks reinforce the strategic role of photonics. Against this backdrop, Huawei is expanding its photonics ecosystem through in-house chip development, capital investment, and global talent recruitment.

Winmate shifts to AI platform with defense and edge computing as dual engines

Jingyue Hsiao — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 02:51:42 GMT

Winmate's focus on edge AI and defense markets could reshape its global footprint, promising higher-margin sales and expanded production in Europe, the US, Japan, and Thailand. Customers and investors may see stronger order visibility, a diversified supply chain and volume growth from 2026 as edge AI shifts to integrated solutions.

Silicon Motion breaks ground on Taipei HQ, targets 2030 opening to anchor dual-site operations

Lily Hess — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 02:40:00 GMT

Silicon Motion Technology held a groundbreaking ceremony on April 13 for its new corporate headquarters in Taipei, marking a key step toward expanding its operational footprint. The company plans to connect its two major sites — in Taipei and Zhubei, a major tech hub in northern Taiwan — through the new Taipei facility, which is expected to open by 2030.

March 2026 revenue for ODM/EMS surged on back of AI server demand

Charlene Chen — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 02:33:04 GMT

Taiwan's ODM and EMS sectors saw a surge in revenue in March 2026, driven primarily by strong AI server demand alongside seasonal quarter-end restocking. Notably, growth extended beyond AI servers to general-purpose servers and network switches, signaling broad-based momentum across product lines.

Ghost Robotics targets Taiwan production hub to cut costs, reduce China supply chain exposure

Sherri Wang — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 02:28:38 GMT

Ghost Robotics, a US supplier of quadruped robots to the Department of Defense, is partnering with Taiwanese manufacturers to localize production. The collaboration aims to reduce reliance on Chinese supply chains and has completed an initial review of Taiwan's manufacturing base, according to industry sources. The partnership is expected to enter a joint development phase later this year.

Starlink's growth trajectory takes center stage ahead of SpaceX IPO

DIGITIMES — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 02:21:06 GMT

As SpaceX weighs a potential initial public offering at a targeted valuation of up to US$2 trillion, new financial data suggest that investor appetite will likely hinge on whether its Starlink satellite internet business can sustain its rapid growth while offsetting losses elsewhere in the company.

JCET advances CPO, glass substrates to capture AI packaging demand

DIGITIMES — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 02:21:05 GMT

JCET, China's leading outsourced semiconductor assembly and test (OSAT) provider, is accelerating its push into advanced packaging, sharpening its position in AI servers, data centres, and high-performance computing.

UK confirms GBP380 million support for Tata battery plant in Somerset

DIGITIMES — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 02:09:26 GMT

The UK government has confirmed GBP380 million (US$510 million) in funding to support a new electric vehicle battery plant being built in southwest England by Tata Group's battery unit, Agratas, according to Bloomberg and Reuters.

TCL reportedly explores stake sale in India TV unit

DIGITIMES — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 02:06:02 GMT

TCL Electronics Holdings Ltd. is considering selling a stake in its Indian television manufacturing unit to local investors as part of efforts to expand its business in the country, according to people familiar with the matter, as cited by Bloomberg.

Asus exceeds expectations with 2x server revenue and growing notebook shipments

Emily Kuo — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 01:57:06 GMT

Asus has recently unveiled two major surprises in its business outlook. According to supply chain sources, the company's newly set internal targets for 2026 notebook shipments and AI server revenue have both exceeded market expectations.

Passive component demand splits in 2026; AI and autos hold firm

Levi Li — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 01:41:45 GMT

The passive components sector is emerging from its inventory slump, with Yageo and Walsin Technology flagging a pickup in both commodity and high-end components, driven by AI servers and automotive electronics.

China's auto market stumbles as EV momentum slows

Elaine Chen — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 01:32:10 GMT

China's auto market entered the year with a sharp jolt. In the first quarter, the long-dominant new energy vehicle (NEV) segment saw its market share slip to 45.1%, down from 47.7% in 2025, while sales of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) also contracted. The shift suggests that as Beijing scales back subsidies and tightens oversight to curb dumping, the market is reverting to more disciplined commercial dynamics.

AUO drives energy business corporatization to boost integration efficiency

Charlene Chen — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 23:49:44 GMT

AUO has announced that its Board of Directors has approved a restructuring plan for its energy business's organization and investment framework, aiming to consolidate internal and external energy-related resources within the group. By corporatizing the energy business into a more specialized and focused platform, AUO seeks to enhance operational efficiency and market competitiveness.

Nanya Technology posts NT$26 billion profit in 1Q26 as DRAM prices surge over 70%

Eifeh Strom — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 23:49:19 GMT

Nanya Technology reported strong financial results for the first quarter of 2026, driven by a significant rise in DRAM prices and artificial intelligence (AI)-fueled demand across key market segments.

Samsung Foundry advances space semiconductor chip and technology development

Lily Hess — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 23:48:46 GMT

As global companies unveil plans for space AI data centers, South Korean firms are prioritizing space-related technology as a new growth driver. Samsung Electronics' foundry division is reportedly actively developing space semiconductors and related foundry technologies.

King Yuan Electronics posts record 1Q26 revenue, raises capex to NT$50 billion

Eifeh Strom — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 23:48:17 GMT

Benefiting from continued demand driven by artificial intelligence (AI), high-performance computing (HPC), and application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC), semiconductor testing company King Yuan Electronics (KYEC) reported a strong first quarter of 2026 despite the typical seasonal slowdown.

Phison eyes US$1.4B fundraising to tackle severe NAND shortage in 4Q26

Lily Hess — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 23:47:51 GMT

Phison Electronics founder and CEO Pua Khein-Seng warned that the current NAND Flash shortage will worsen significantly in the second half of 2026, with an acute supply crunch expected in the fourth quarter of 2026, where "even money can't buy stock." To secure inventory amid this tight market, Phison has broken its no-debt tradition by launching a syndicated loan in March and plans to issue US$800 million in Euro-convertible bonds (ECB), targeting over NT$43 billion (US$1.4 billion) in total fundraising for 2026.

Samsung boosts Galaxy S26 production by 600,000 units in April

Lily Hess — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 23:47:32 GMT

Samsung Electronics has raised its production plans for the Galaxy S26 series in April 2026 from 2.4 million to 3 million units, driven mainly by strong demand for its top-tier Galaxy S26 Ultra model, which accounts for 60-70% of sales and serves as a key growth driver.

Yaskawa Electric sees AI robot, chip demand boost profits

DIGITIMES — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 23:47:09 GMT

Japan's Yaskawa Electric is pointing to a turning point in its earnings trajectory, with AI-driven robotics and semiconductor equipment demand converging to lift orders, margins, and outlook.

Taiwan's Rapidtek signs satellite pact with India's HEX20

Elaine Chen — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 23:46:52 GMT

Rapidtek Technologies said it had signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Indian satellite firm HEX20 during Paris Space Week, marking the start of a new phase of Taiwan-India collaboration in satellite development.

Google and Intel expand CPU partnership, boosting ASIC and startup opportunities

Charlene Chen — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 23:46:28 GMT

Google recently announced an expanded collaboration with Intel to increase the deployment of Xeon processors in its cloud AI data centers. This move reflects the rapidly growing demand for CPUs in AI infrastructure, prompting Google to secure supply chains early to avoid future chip shortages that could hinder AI investments.

Alibaba boosts fusion startup NovaFusionX in bid to secure AI energy edge

Charlene Chen — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 23:46:03 GMT

As generative AI and large-scale computing infrastructure continue to expand, the industry is coming to recognize "power as the limit of compute." With AI data centers demanding a high-intensity, stable power supply, Chinese tech giants are accelerating their expansion into the energy sector.

DDR5 dethrones HBM as memory's top profit engine

Charlene Chen — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 23:45:26 GMT

The AI boom has reshuffled memory industry priorities. DDR5 modules have overtaken high-bandwidth memory (HBM) as the primary profit source for manufacturers — a reversal few anticipated. Once hailed as the core product of the AI era, HBM is now weighed down by yield difficulties and capacity constraints. DDR5, meanwhile, has quietly become the margin champion.

Analysis: Southeast Asia's language barrier is reshaping AI

Sherri Wang — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 23:44:59 GMT

As the global generative AI boom shifts from scale to localization, Southeast Asia is emerging as a critical testing ground for the next phase of development. The region's linguistic diversity and complex cultural landscape are pushing developers to rethink model design, fueling the rise of localized large language models and smaller, more efficient systems tailored to specific use cases.

Global chip equipment sales reach record US$135 billion as AI drives investment surge

DIGITIMES — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 09:22:17 GMT

Worldwide semiconductor manufacturing equipment sales rose 15% to a record US$135.1 billion in 2025 from US$117.1 billion a year earlier, driven by investment in advanced logic, memory, and AI-related capacity expansion, SEMI, the global semiconductor industry association, said.