22
Apr
22
Apr
Toyota expands NEV presence in China with Lexus EV production based in Shanghai
On April 22, the Shanghai municipal government and Toyota officially held a strategic cooperation agreement signing ceremony, announcing that Toyota’s wholly-owned Lexus battery electric vehicle (BEV) and battery R&D company will be established in Jinshan District, Shanghai. This signing marks an important step for Toyota’s high-end new energy brand layout in China, which will help accelerate the upgrade of the new energy vehicle (NEV) industry in Shanghai and the Yangtze River Delta region.
22
Apr
Hygon delivers blowout 1Q results amid surge in domestic AI, compute demand
On April 22, Hygon Information Technology, a top Chinese high-performance chipmaker, posted its first-quarter 2025 earnings, surpassing analyst forecasts. Driven by accelerating demand in AI and general-purpose computing, the company saw sharp increases in both revenue and profit, sustained R&D spending, and a dramatic recovery in operating cash flow. A surge in advance orders further underscored rising confidence in China’s domestically developed processors.
22
Apr
Hanmi Semiconductor’s tough stance against SK Hynix supported by large TC bonder order from Micron
South Korean media outlets have reported that Hanmi Semiconductor has received additional orders for thermo-compression bonding (TCB) equipment from Micron Technology. Some industry sources believe that the tough measures recently taken by Hanmi Semiconductor against SK Hynix are backed by strong support from Micron.
22
Apr
Tesla exploring Indian suppliers to diversify away from China
Tesla has recently shown strong interest in India, with CEO Elon Musk announcing plans to revisit the country later in 2025. Tesla is also reportedly exploring potential suppliers in India.
22
Apr
FET launches enterprise AI consulting platform, partners with TIPC to drive smart port operations
Artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping the role of telecom operators, expanding their reach beyond traditional network infrastructure to enterprise solutions. Far EasTone Telecommunications (FET) has taken a major step in this direction with the launch of its proprietary “FET AI Model Agent” platform for external clients, marking its official entry into the enterprise and public sector AI consulting and application market.
22
Apr
H20 export ban boosts Malaysia’s Nationgate contract manufacturing
Malaysia-based EMS provider Nationgate has stated that the US’s latest export ban on Nvidia’s H20 to China has not impacted its business operations. According to The Edge Malaysia, Nationgate is the only contract manufacturer in Southeast Asia collaborating with Nvidia. The company handles AI data center server businesses.
22
Apr
Samsung to end DDR4 module production by 2025
Samsung Electronics is accelerating the industry’s transition away from DDR4 memory, having informed PC manufacturers that it will discontinue DDR4 modules by the end of 2025, with final orders due in early June, according to industry sources.
22
Apr
Nichia wins patent infringement ruling against Everlight in Germany, seeks EUR2.5 million in damages
Japanese materials giant Nichia previously filed a patent infringement lawsuit in Germany against Taiwan LED manufacturer Everlight Electronics and its German subsidiary. The local court recently issued a final ruling recognizing Everlight’s patent infringement, prompting Nichia to seek damages of EUR2.5 million (approx. US$2.88 million).
22
Apr
Taiwan adopts ‘Three-Chains’ strategy amid intensifying US-China rivalry
Taiwanese government officials warn that the intensifying US-China rivalry is reshaping the world’s economic landscape with unpredictable consequences. In response, Minister of Foreign Affairs Chia-lung Lin emphasized Taiwan’s “Three-Chain strategy” to navigate these turbulent times: forging a “global democratic value chain,” reinforcing the “Indo-Pacific first island chain,” and cultivating a “non-red supply chain.”