PCB upstream suppliers track SEA expansion, anticipating 2025 mass production orders

Major Taiwanese printed circuit board (PCB) manufacturers are actively investing in setting up facilities in Southeast Asia due to the region’s geopolitical considerations, rising demand for servers, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence (AI), as well as investment incentives. Topoint Technology and Aurona, two providers of related consumables and equipment, are following suit, looking for fresh contracts as additional plants are anticipated to start production in 2025.

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Huawei takes Mate XT global, yet premium price and GMS absence could hinder adoption

Huawei officially unveiled its Mate XT, the world’s first tri-fold smartphone, at a launch event in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on February 18, 2025. The company announced plans for a global rollout, with availability depending on market conditions and specific countries to be determined. The device has already been launched in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

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Japanese Startup AZAPA develops semi-solid-state battery system to cut production costs by 40%

AZAPA, a Japanese automotive development and design startup, is set to launch its semi-solid-state battery system by 2025, primarily aimed at electric vehicles (EVs) technology. This innovative system combines AZAPA’s proprietary control technology with semi-solid batteries produced by the Chinese battery manufacturer Anwa, whose technology is licensed from the American startup 24M Technologies.

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Young Optics shifts focus to CPO amid declining micro-projection, 3D printing revenue

Young Optics’ consolidated revenue declined by 14.6% year over year in 2024 to NT$2.572 billion (US$78.7 million), largely due to competition from Chinese mid-range single-panel LCD products. In response, the company plans to strategically pivot toward non-China and non-consumer markets, emphasizing new applications in home security and logistics projection.

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