Intel, historically a leader in the semiconductor sector, is encountering a significant crisis following the reportedly forced retirement of its former CEO. The challenge lies in revitalizing Intel Foundry, potentially with help from TSMC's retired executives.

NXP Semiconductors NV and a TSMC affiliate are discussing an expansion of their US$7.8 billion Singapore venture, recognizing a need to diversify chip production in anticipation of growing US-Chinese tensions over technology.

The World Semiconductor Trade Statistics (WSTS) has issued an optimistic outlook for the semiconductor industry, revising its 2024 predictions upward. The forecast anticipates a robust 19.0% growth compared to 2023 in the sector, with the global market value expected to reach US$627 billion. This positive adjustment is attributed to better-than-expected performances in the second quarter and the third quarter of 2023, especially within the computing sector.

Merck has fundamentally reshaped its business strategy, evolving over a decade from a display-focused powerhouse into a crucial semiconductor materials supplier. Following its recent acquisition of Unity-SC, the German materials giant plans to rebrand its "Display Technology Solutions" business unit as "Optoelectronics" in 2025. The company's semiconductor segment currently generates 80% of its revenue, marking a dramatic shift from its display-centric past.

Amazon Web Services (AWS) has announced three significant reforms in data center technology, including the streamlining of power distribution and structural design, the introduction of liquid cooling systems, and enhancements to energy efficiency. The company is also collaborating with Nvidia to advance the design of liquid-cooled server racks.

Workstations are the latest hardware category to see an AI-related boom. As noted by James Huang, chairman of rugged industrial PC (IPC) specialist Getac Technology, the company has seen strong sales of its X600 Server, a fully rugged command server, due to enterprise demand for AI functions. In addition, Quanta executive VP Alan Tsai has recently noted untapped potential in workstations.

Apple is facing significant challenges in China, where its smartphone sales have been hit hard. Despite the launch of the iPhone 16 series in October 2024, the brand is under increasing pressure from domestic competitors. While Apple still managed to secure nearly 20% of China's market in October, this is a far cry from its previous dominance. Industry experts forecast that upcoming premium releases, such as Huawei's Mate 70, along with AI-driven devices from Oppo, Xiaomi, and Vivo, will further erode iPhone sales.

China's satellite navigation ambitions are accelerating, with plans for a next-generation BeiDou system taking shape amid growing commercial adoption of the technology. The expansion comes as Chinese tech giants leverage satellite capabilities in their latest devices, exemplified by Huawei's satellite-enabled Mate 60 smartphone and its new Mate X6 foldable flagship, which features innovative three-network satellite connectivity.

Global smartphone shipments have slowed in recent years due to high inflation, market saturation, and extended replacement cycles. However, the surge in generative AI (GenAI) has injected new life into the stagnant market, with global smartphone demand projected to grow 5% year-over-year, reaching nearly 1.2 billion units in 2024.

With China maintaining its position as the largest electric vehicle (EV) market globally, the semiconductor supply chain is intensifying its focus on the region. Industry leaders are actively collaborating with Chinese automakers to advance BCD (Bipolar-CMOS-DMOS) process manufacturing, seeking to enhance chip efficiency and integration capabilities.

Leading tier 1 European automotive suppliers, including Bosch and ZF, have laid off more than 50,000 workers in 2024, surpassing layoffs during the COVID-19 pandemic. This is mainly attributed to difficulties in the shift to electric vehicles in the European auto industry, lower-than-expected demand, and the poor economic outlook.

As a new member of the SEMI Silicon Photonics Industry Alliance (SiPhIA), Brightek is actively expanding its international presence, promoting its latest EVO ICLED products in markets such as China, the US, Germany, and South Korea. Despite lower-than-projected automotive and notebook demand in 2024, the company plans to deliver samples of its next-generation ICLED to automotive customers by year-end, targeting integration into new vehicle models launching by the end of 2025.

Following multiple typhoons in 2024, Taiwan faces significant challenges to its power grid. Taiwan Power Company (Taipower) Vice President and CEO Ming-Shu Chen highlighted the increasing unpredictability of climate change's impact on Taiwan, stressing the need to enhance the resilience of power infrastructure and improve cross-agency collaboration to tackle extreme weather events effectively.

The US Department of Commerce announced on November 29, 2024, its preliminary findings in antidumping duty investigations targeting crystalline photovoltaic cells and modules from Cambodia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Danish officials are pressing Taiwan to accelerate its green energy transition, warning that mounting global competition for renewable resources could threaten the island's ability to meet its 2030 climate goals and maintain industrial competitiveness. Denmark, which became Taiwan's largest foreign investor in 2022 largely due to renewable energy investments, is leveraging its expertise in green technology to help guide Taiwan's path to net-zero emissions. Danish companies have already contributed to more than half of Taiwan's offshore wind capacity.

The 2024 Taiwan International Assembly of Space Science, Technology, and Industry (TASTI 2024), held from November 30 to December 4 at the Kaohsiung Exhibition Center, witnessed the inaugural participation of a British delegation, which established a "National Pavilion," drawing significant attention from industry stakeholders.

Space technology executives warn that small satellite launch companies face mounting pressure from both established players and market dynamics, despite new opportunities emerging in lunar missions and space manufacturing.

The largest US drone maker struggles with supply chain disruption after selling drones to Taiwan's fire departments, with current inventory projected to last until spring 2025.

Since late August, China's "trade-in" policy has gradually revitalized demand for LCD TV panels, easing the decline in prices. As a result, global TV shipments are expected to see slight growth in 2024. Reports suggest that China's subsidies may continue through 2025, potentially driving further demand for LCD panel restocking.

The fierce competition in the display industry has prompted companies like AU Optronics (AUO), Innolux, and Qisda to diversify into the healthcare sector. These industry leaders will showcase their latest medical innovations at the Taiwan Healthcare+ Expo, running December 5-8 at the Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center, as they seek to establish footholds in the expanding medical market.

The visibility of automotive product orders for LED manufacturer Edison is projected to extend throughout 2025, instilling confidence in the growth momentum of automotive orders. The company anticipates that both its LED lighting and automotive businesses will experience double-digit growth in 2025, particularly with finished product applications expected to achieve a compound annual growth rate of 20%.