Samsung Electronics reported strong results for the second quarter of 2024, with its Device Solutions (DS) division, led by memory chips and the System LSI Business, driving nearly 60% of the company's operating profit.

South Korea's leading component suppliers, Samsung Electro-Mechanics (Semco) and LG Innotek, have defied the traditional second-quarter slump with impressive results, driven by recovering market demand and a strategic focus on high-value products. As they head into the peak season of the second half, both companies are poised to expand their high-margin product lines to fuel further growth.

Former Tesla APAC Head of Technology Leo Liu is charting new territory with the launch of Xelerate Ventures, targeting startups dedicated to "AI for Good" initiatives. As he extends his reach into markets in the US, Europe, and Singapore, Liu is also eyeing the potential to position Taiwan as a hub for next-generation entrepreneurship, aiming to capitalize on the island's growing reputation as an "AI Island."

Gallium Nitride (GaN) semiconductors, having made a strong debut with fast chargers for consumer electronics, are now finding fresh opportunities in AI servers, data centers, and most recently, robotics. The rapid expansion of generative AI has spotlighted the potential for GaN technology in various robotic applications, from LiDAR sensing systems to motor controllers and battery management systems.

AMD has further raised its full-year revenue forecast for AI data center GPUs to US$4.5 billion, underscoring the surging demand for computing power driven by generative AI. The chipmaker is ramping up its investments in both hardware and software solutions to capture this growing market.

As communication technology advances, the spotlight shifts beyond Wi-Fi 6 and 7 to a new protocol by the Wi-Fi Alliance: Wi-Fi HaLow. Targeting the burgeoning needs of the Internet of Things (IoT), this innovation is poised to revolutionize sectors such as agriculture, smart cities, and industry.

Private 5G networks are hailed as the "promised land" of the next-generation connectivity revolution. While consumer-facing 5G services already offer more than adequate speeds for everyday use, it's in the enterprise sector where 5G's true potential lies, driving digital transformation across diverse industries.

Taiwan's entry into space exploration reached a historic milestone with the successful deployment of Triton, its first domestically developed meteorological satellite, in 2023. This achievement signifies Taiwan's technological prowess and paves the way for groundbreaking advancements in meteorological forecasting capabilities.

In a landmark move shaking the satellite communications market, SES, the Luxembourg medium-Earth orbit (MEO) satellite operator, and Intelsat, the Geosynchronous Orbit (GSO) satellite operator, have announced their merger. SES is set to acquire Intelsat in a staggering US$3.1 billion deal, marking the third major consolidation in the satellite industry following Viasat's acquisition of UK-based Inmarsat Group Holdings and Eutelsat's merger with OneWeb.

Amidst a backdrop of sluggish capital expenditures from telecom giants, the beleaguered telecom equipment market is bracing for an even more challenging 2024. Ericsson signaled caution, projecting a continued decline in the Radio Access Network (RAN) market at least through year-end.

Chinese semiconductor foundry firms are persistently adopting aggressive pricing strategies, putting relentless pressure on the market share of South Korean 8-inch wafer manufacturers. In this evolving landscape, South Korean industry insiders are eyeing potential benefits if the US expands its sanctions on China to encompass more mature semiconductor processes.

In a strategic partnership poised to redefine industry standards, Continental Carbon of CSRC Group and Maxxis have unveiled the groundbreaking "Ouroboros sustainable regenerative solution," signaling a pivotal shift towards eco-conscious innovation.

In the wake of tech titans AMD and Nvidia establishing logistics hubs in Taiwan, a ripple effect is reshaping the region's supply chain landscape. Global logistics leader DHL, leading the charge, recently unveiled plans to inaugurate its third state-of-the-art facility in Taoyuan's bustling Dayuan District, by the first quarter of 2024.

The Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) recently announced the feed-in tariff rates for various types of renewable energy in 2024. Except for a slight reduction in the tariff rates for solar photovoltaics (PVs), the rates for other renewable energy sources remain unchanged or have slightly increased. At the same time, green power supply volume is expected to reach 3.7 billion kWh in 2024. Businesses believe that the demand for green power continues to rise, especially with the significant growth in solar PV supply in 2023.

As the curtain rises on the World Smart Energy Week 2024, Asia's premier renewable energy exposition, the stage is set for a dazzling display of innovation and collaboration. With over 1,700 exhibitors converging to unveil the latest advancements across eight world-class energy and technical sectors, including solar photovoltaic, offshore wind power, fuel cells, and second-generation batteries, anticipation is high for groundbreaking revelations.

At MWC 2024, the spotlight shines brightly on AI as the driving force behind innovation in the mobile communications industry. Amidst the bustling halls and discussions, one prevailing theme has emerged: the proactive quest for synergy between AI and mobile technology, particularly in the realm of Open RAN.

The EU Batteries Regulation, which came into force on February 18, 2024, mandates that new batteries must incorporate a specified proportion of recycled materials beginning in 2031. Originally projected to be below 4GWh by 2025, this legislation is poised to escalate Europe's battery recycling capacity to 200GWh by 2040, catalyzing scrutiny of the battery resource utilization market within the continent and prompting keen interest from stakeholders in South Korea.

As the world moves towards carbon neutrality, hydrogen emerges as a focal point for future energy development. Electrolysis, the process behind green hydrogen production, stands as a crucial avenue in this endeavor, with related equipment presenting a prime opportunity for market entry. Notably, China, Germany, and Japan are aggressively positioning themselves at the forefront of the upstream hydrogen equipment market.

China's electric vehicle price battle hits full throttle.

Hyundai Motor has made a significant acquisition in a strategic move to bolster its position as a frontrunner in the burgeoning hydrogen energy sector. The South Korean automotive giant has announced its acquisition of Hyundai Mobis' hydrogen fuel cell business, signaling its intent to fortify its foothold in the hydrogen value chain.