Samsung Electronics Chairman Jae-Yong Lee’s recent acquittal in a merger and accounting fraud trial marks the end of the company’s decade-long “judicial crisis,” according to South Korean media. Industry observers expect Lee to revive his “speedy management” style to tackle crucial challenges in decision-making and semiconductor competitiveness.

International foundry players including TSMC, SMIC, and GlobalFoundries (GF) are expected to either maintain or increase their capital expenditure in 2025, focusing on expanding capacity and investing in next-generation technologies such as advanced packaging and silicon photonics. In contrast, Samsung Electronics is prioritizing cost reduction amid ongoing losses in its foundry business, sparking concerns about a potential decline in its market share.

The low-cost open-source AI model from Chinese startup DeepSeek has ignited widespread debate, drawing responses from major American tech giants. IBM, which has recently prioritized hybrid cloud and AI, underscores the growing momentum behind open-source, smaller-scale models, and the democratization of AI—trends that are impossible to ignore. However, the company also cautions against AI development being controlled by a select few, particularly those who may overlook data privacy and transparency.

Jim Keller, a semiconductor industry veteran, remains deeply involved in RISC-V development, working to establish a new foundation for AI-driven computing despite being years away from turning 70. In a recent interview with the Computer History Museum (CHM), he reflected on his decades-long career and technological contributions.