Taiwan’s Ministry of Digital Affairs (MODA) and the National Development Fund (NDF) announced on March 31 the official launch of the “Enhanced AI Startup Investment Program,” aimed at accelerating Taiwan’s digital economy. The government is committed to fostering AI industry development through five key policy tools—computing power, data, talent, marketing, and funding.

On April 1, Rapidus inaugurated its first semiconductor fabrication facility, IIM-1, in Chitose City, Hokkaido, marking a pivotal step in Japan’s leap from 40nm technology to the cutting-edge 2nm process. Rapidus is spearheading Japan’s ambition to restore its semiconductor manufacturing autonomy. The consortium includes elite talent from Renesas, Tokyo Electron (TEL), and international firms like United Microelectronics Corporation (UMC), ensuring technological advancements and yield rates align with expectations.

While LCD television panel demand falters, IT panel manufacturers maintain optimism fueled by anticipated device replacement trends. Monitor panel markets showed strong March 2025 demand against tight supply conditions, according to industry research firm Sigmaintell.

Acer Group will showcase its VeriSee AI ophthalmic screening software at the Malaysia Ophthalmology Conference from April 25-27, 2025, targeting the Southeast Asian healthcare market where diabetes rates are among the region’s highest.