Supplying Lockheed’s Patriots, Taiwanese firm bets on chips too

Amid escalating geopolitical tensions, global defense spending is surging, transforming the sector into a strategic growth pillar alongside semiconductors. For Taiwan’s ChenFull Precision Co., these two industries form the backbone of its operations. While the company’s defense segment remains modest in scale, its gross margin approaches 70%—a remarkable figure that outpaces all other business units and now serves as a critical driver of ChenFull’s broader corporate growth.

Continue reading

China’s chip tool reboot: AMEC backs a “2.5-player” play

In late April 2025, South Korea’s ZDNet Korea reported that China is moving ahead with a major overhaul of its domestic semiconductor equipment sector, aiming to consolidate more than 200 companies into roughly 10 key players. While the announcement drew international attention, industry insiders in China have long seen this as an inevitable, if largely unspoken, challenge.

Continue reading

Taiwan’s R&D achievement promises to bridge industry tech gaps

On June 10, 2025, Taiwan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) invited Premier Jung-Tai Cho to attend the joint award ceremony for the National Industry Innovation Award and National Invention Creation Award. Cho stated that besides continuously promoting the “Five Trusted Industry Sectors,” relevant ministries are drafting a new AI infrastructure plan aimed at driving the next wave of AI development in Taiwan. The goal is to industrialize AI, integrate AI into various industries and public sectors, and establish the most comprehensive supply chain.

Continue reading

Meta finalizes investment in Scale AI, recruits CEO to build AGI team

Meta has announced a finalized investment and strategic partnership with AI startup Scale AI, along with recruiting Scale AI founder and CEO Alexandr Wang to join Meta. Scale AI issued a statement revealing that Meta’s significant investment has pushed the company’s valuation beyond US$29 billion, while Wang will join Meta to work on AI-related projects but retain his board position at Scale AI. Going forward, chief strategy officer Jason Droege will serve as interim CEO, with Scale AI continuing independent operations.

Continue reading

Trump’s NATO demands fuel EU defense boom, Taiwan’s tech cash in

Europe’s military-industrial supply chain is experiencing renewed momentum as US President Donald Trump’s hardline stance on NATO defense budgets continues to reshape spending priorities across the EU. Taiwanese manufacturer MilDef Crete, specializing in rugged industrial computers, has indicated that increased defense spending within the bloc, initially driven by policies from the Trump administration, has evolved into a long-term structural trend. This heightened military expenditure is anticipated to continue beyond the conclusion of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Continue reading

SEMI appoints Tien Wu as new Chairman of international board of directors

The SEMI has announced the appointment of Tien Wu, Chief Operating Officer (COO) of ASE Group, as the new Chairman of its International Board of Directors. Wu will succeed Mary Puma, the Executive Advisor of Axcelis Technologies, in this prestigious role, where he will lead SEMI’s global operations, oversee its talent development programs, and work toward fostering the collaborative goals of the semiconductor industry community.

Continue reading