Chinese artificial-intelligence developer MiniMax is raising HK$16 billion (approx. US$2.04 billion) through a share placement and convertible bonds to accelerate spending on AI infrastructure and large-model development, pressing ahead with its most capital-intensive phase even as its Hong Kong-listed stock slides and a lock-up expiry unleashes fresh selling. The move underscores how far MiniMax’s fortunes have diverged from those of rival Zhipu, the other big Chinese AI name to list in Hong Kong this year.

Aker said auto and industrial control customer demand drove double-digit revenue growth in the first half of 2026, while AI-related power components also saw a sharp increase in shipments. The quartz component maker said it is also advancing optical communications products, targeting mass production of its 312.5MHz model by year-end and a 625MHz upgrade in 2027.

Samsung Electronics plans to begin operations at its first Yongin fab in 2029, one to two years ahead of the original schedule, increasing pressure on South Korea to accelerate the power, water and site development needed to support the expansion.

India is moving from semiconductor planning to execution, using funding, tariff changes, foreign investment approvals, and regional development efforts to build a broader electronics ecosystem beyond assembly.