Data centers are often seen as battlegrounds among the three major CPU architectures (x86, Arm, RISC-V) and GPUs from Nvidia, AMD, and specialized ASIC vendors. The Arm architecture has already replaced Intel and AMD in the data processing unit (DPU) market, leveraging its efficient cores used in SmartNICs to dominate the ecosystem.
South Korean telecom giant SK Telecom (SKT) is doubling down on its artificial intelligence (AI) investments in the wake of a major hacking incident. The company has officially begun construction of a large-scale AI data center in Ulsan, South Korea, which will become the country's largest dedicated AI facility outside the capital region.
With the artificial intelligence (AI) wave driving strong demand for AI server hardware products, the energy, power supply, and electromechanical industries have also benefited, due to the high power requirements of AI computing. Beyond technological advancements, providing an adequate supply of talent remains a crucial cornerstone for industry development.
With an increasing number of industries integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into their operations, retail and food services are now using image recognition technology to enhance efficiency, and companies such as Flytech, Posiflex, and Advantech have been developing solutions targeting opportunities in this emerging market.
The rapid advancement of GPU power is driving demand for faster, higher-frequency data links in AI servers and hyperscale data centers. With transfer rates pushing 32 gigatransfers per second, PCB traces are hitting their physical limits, shifting the industry toward high-speed copper cabling and purpose-built connectors.
The Trump administration's tariff policy announced in April 2025 is reshaping global server supply chains, prompting Taiwan's leading EMS firms—Foxconn, Wistron, Quanta, Inventec, and Mitac—to accelerate US expansion. Concentrating investments in Texas and California, these companies aim to localize high-margin components while navigating rising costs and tariff-driven uncertainties.
Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) reported third-quarter fiscal year 2025 revenue of US$9.1 billion, surpassing analyst estimates, driven by strong demand for AI servers and networking products. The company also announced the completion of its acquisition of Juniper Networks.
Japan's Anritsu has teamed up with US chipmaker AMD to launch an automated testing platform for next-generation high-speed transmission, targeting the surging demand from AI data centers. The solution, called System Board Passive Channel (SBPC) Analysis Master, enables consistent validation across diverse devices and environments.
Taiwan-based Far EasTone Telecommunications (FET) is strengthening its international and cloud strategy through its cloud business, Nextlink. FET has announced it has signed a 100% share acquisition agreement with Hong Kong-based cloud service technology firm Renova Cloud, through which FET will gain control of Renova Cloud's subsidiary in Vietnam.
With global smartphone sales leveling off, Qualcomm and MediaTek are taking their long-running rivalry into the fast-growing cloud AI ASIC market. DIGITIMES Research estimates MediaTek controlled 37% of the smartphone application processor market in 2024, ahead of Qualcomm at 27%. Together, the two suppliers accounted for more than 60% of shipments. With handset growth expected to remain stuck in the low single digits, both companies are turning to cloud computing chips as a new source of expansion.
China is ramping up efforts to build an integrated nationwide computing network as the global race for artificial intelligence (AI) intensifies. The State Council's "AI+" strategy aims for AI adoption across more than 70% of industries by 2027 and above 90% by 2030. Analysts estimate that by 2035, AI could contribute over CNY11 trillion (approx. US$1.54 trillion) to GDP, equivalent to 4-5% of the economy.
As artificial intelligence transforms data centers worldwide, the spotlight has expanded beyond computing and networking to power semiconductors. AI chips draw enormous amounts of electricity, and each percentage point of efficiency matters. Even a 1% gain can translate into millions of dollars in savings and reduce pressure on grid infrastructure.
Japanese fiberglass cloth giant Nitto Boseki (Nittobo) announced plans to invest JPY15 billion(US$101.87 million) to expand its production facilities to meet surging demand from AI server customers. The group will build a new factory equipped with advanced fiberglass fabric manufacturing capabilities. Production is expected to begin gradually, starting from the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2026 at the earliest, which ends March 2027.
Semiconductor and electronics supply chains are undergoing a major transformation, driven by the rapid growth of artificial intelligence (AI), changing market leadership, and global supply chain relocation, according to DIGITIMES.
In the biggest US antitrust case in almost three decades, a judge ruled that Google will be required to share online search data with rivals, but avoided harsher penalties, including the forced sale of its Chrome business. This order could offer a blueprint for other judges who may end up weighing similar choices in cases against Meta, Amazon, and Apple.
The appreciation of the New Taiwan dollar in the second and third quarters of 2025 has exerted significant pressure on Taiwan's export industries, with many manufacturing sectors falling into recession, according to a survey by the Taiwan Institute of Economic Research (TIER).
Japanese Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd. has signed a cooperation agreement with Taiwan's Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) to enhance research and development in robotics, drones, and sustainable green technologies.
OpenAI is exploring plans for a massive data center in India that would rank among the country's largest facilities, according to Bloomberg. The proposed site would feature at least 1 gigawatt of capacity, with details on location and timeline expected during CEO Sam Altman's upcoming visit to India.
Alibaba Group is reportedly making progress in its development and supply strategies for AI chips. There are mixed reports regarding the company’s procurement of computing power chips. Some foreign and Chinese media sources have suggested that Alibaba's next-generation AI chip is currently in the testing phase and is compatible with Nvidia products. However, reportedly, this chip may not be manufactured by TSMC anymore and could instead be produced by a domestic Chinese foundry. Alibaba has not publicly confirmed these claims.
Taiwan-based slide manufacturer Nan Juen International (Repon) announced its earnings results for July 2025, reporting continued improvement in gross margin driven by the rising proportion of server shipments. The company achieved a gross margin of 33.62%, marking the second-highest level in its history.
Google Cloud has recently attracted two major clients, OpenAI and Meta Platforms Inc., marking a significant positive shift in its cloud business after years of losses. The company attributes this success primarily to its resilient infrastructure, extensive AI technology offerings, and commitment to an open ecosystem.
Artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics have long evolved on separate tracks, but the lines are now blurring. Miller Chang, president of Advantech's Embedded Sector, said the two fields are converging as technologies mature and market demand grows. The rise of edge AI, he added, is making robots more practical and boosting the profile of the broader robotics industry. Advantech is positioning itself as a key enabler by integrating hardware and software ecosystems.
Nvidia is extending its AI reach beyond hyperscale cloud providers with the launch of the RTX Pro server series, aimed at converting existing enterprise clusters into "AI factories" with minimal infrastructure changes. Early adopters such as Foxconn, TSMC, SAP, and Hyundai Motor Group are already deploying the platform, which supply chain executives expect to fuel additional growth in the AI server market during the second half of 2025.
Samsung Electro-Mechanics (Semco) CEO Duckhyun Chang reportedly met Boston Dynamics CEO Robert Playter at the company's Suwon headquarters in late July to discuss potential cooperation on next-generation robotics, including humanoid robots.
Sylvain Cazard, president of Broadcom Asia Pacific and Japan (APJ), along with Barry Chen, general manager for Broadcom Taiwan and Hong Kong, shared insights in an exclusive interview at the close of VMware Explore 2025. They discussed customer adoption of VMware Cloud Foundation (VCF) in the Asia Pacific market, AI application development, and acceptance of subscription-based models.