Taiwanese PCB manufacturers expanding in Thailand face a challenge as new government rules require foreign-invested firms to have at least 70% local employees and no more than 30% foreigners, especially at mid- and senior levels. This policy, meant to boost local workforce development, may complicate hiring as companies ramp up production in the second half of 2025.

Taiwan’s National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST) held its first major unmanned boat demonstration in June 2025, drawing attention from US officials and companies amid speculation about expanded defense cooperation beyond drones.

South Korea’s leading display manufacturers have officially begun production of OLED panels for Apple’s upcoming iPhone 17, according to industry sources. While Samsung Display (SDC) and LG Display (LGD) have secured the initial batch of orders, the total volume appears to be lower than that for the iPhone 16, reflecting geopolitical and economic uncertainties.

Singapore is positioning itself as a trusted AI hub through a US$740 million five-year investment plan while leveraging political neutrality and supply chain advantages to attract global manufacturers amid rising geopolitical tensions.