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Semiconductorsi

Semiconductors are the cornerstone technology of the information age. These tiny electronic devices, usually smaller than a postage stamp, power the modern economy by acting as data-processing brains for products, from smartphones to cars and spacecraft.

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Samsung Electronics, the world’s No. 1 memory-chip maker, unveiled a number of forthcoming advancements to its technology aimed at luring makers of AI chips to its manufacturing business.

Company executives and analysts dissect why major Taiwanese tech firms have been shifting toward South and Southeast Asia, rather than expand at home or in mainland China.

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A reported US move to restrict China’s access to a new chip architecture and high-end memory for AI applications could cut off the country’s access to leading overseas wafer foundries.

The Shanghai Stock Exchange has barred S2C, a local chip maker, from listing its shares in the next five years, the first such moratorium since China rolled out its registration-based IPO system across the board in 2023.

US-sanctioned Moore Threads is catching the attention of Chinese gamers with performance they claim is on par with Nvidia for the older titles they love.

Taiwan’s trade data already reflects the rising global popularity of AI-optimised consumer electronics – a point hammered home at the recent Computex Taipei trade show.

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Friday’s collective action included headquarter employees, and the union does not rule out an “all-out general strike” if management fails to communicate “openly”.

AmCham Taiwan’s annual paper flags urgent need to address natural disasters and talent shortages, with a desire to see continued defence support from Washington.

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A key chip industry event in China attracted fewer exhibitors this year, reflecting market challenges and a desire to stay out of the limelight amid the Sino-US tech war.

Chip designer Nvidia passes Apple as the world’s second-most valuable company, as chip manufacturing gear maker ASML becomes Europe’s second-biggest listed firm.

US lawmakers reportedly consider sanctions to restrict RISC-V access because of concerns of rapid technology transfer and Chinese adoption of architecture.

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Taiwan contract chip maker TSMC said it had held talks with some customers about moving its chip plants as tensions mounted with China but such a move would be impossible.

Pat Gelsinger took a direct shot at claims by Nvidia chief Jensen Huang that traditional processors like Intel’s are running out of steam in the age of AI.

A Huawei patent has raised questions about how far it can push existing DUV chip-making equipment using a technique analysts say can help it advance beyond its current 7-nm chips.

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South Korea said it would increase development aid for Africa to US$10 billion over the next six years as it looks to tap the continent’s rich mineral resources and potential as a vast export market.

TSMC chairman and chief executive C C Wei stuck with previous projections for 10 per cent growth in the global semiconductor market this year, excluding the vast memory chip sector.

Ahead of the opening of Taiwan’s Computex trade show, the Nvidia chief executive presented how ‘AI factories’ and ‘physical AI’ would help transform industries.

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