In a twist of events, Advanced Micro Devices Inc (AMD) finds itself at a standstill as it faces hurdles from the US government in its endeavor to sell AI chips explicitly tailored for the Chinese market. This roadblock, part of Washington’s broader crackdown on exporting advanced technologies to China, sheds light on the intricate interplay between global trade dynamics and national security concerns.

AMD’s aspiration to secure approval from the US Commerce Department to sell the AI processor to Chinese customers has hit a snag. The chip in question, the MI309, is designed to cater specifically to the demands of the Chinese market, representing AMD’s ambitious foray to capture the attention of Chinese consumers and businesses alike.

Despite designing the chip with lower performance metrics to comply with US export restrictions, officials have still deemed it too powerful. Consequently, AMD finds itself in a quandary, with US authorities mandating the acquisition of a license from the Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security before the sale can go ahead.

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“AMD had hoped to gain a green light from the Commerce Department to sell the AI processor to Chinese customers since it performs at a lower level than what the company sells outside of China,” Bloomberg reported. 

The MI309 and its hurdles

One of the pivotal moments in AMD’s journey came with the realization that its presence in China’s AI chip sector lagged behind that of its competitors, most notably Nvidia. In response, AMD intensified its efforts to capture market share and establish itself as a formidable contender in China’s burgeoning AI chip market. But the path forward was uncertain as regulatory scrutiny and export restrictions loomed.

Despite the daunting challenges, AMD pressed forward, unveiling its latest innovation, the Instinct MI309 chip, tailored specifically for the Chinese market. With its advanced features and tailored design, the MI309 chip represented a bold step forward for AMD, signaling its commitment to innovation and growth in adversity. However, the journey was far from smooth sailing, as the MI309 chip encountered regulatory hurdles and faced scrutiny from US authorities.

What will AMD do about its AI chip hurdles?

While AMD remains tight-lipped about its next steps, the Bureau of Industry and Security too has refrained from commenting on the matter, leaving the situation uncertain. The ambiguity surrounding AMD’s potential course of action has naturally fueled speculation about its future trajectory and ability to navigate the intricate web of regulatory frameworks.

AMD received licenses from the Commerce Department last August to sell its advanced AI chips, including its flagship MI250 data center GPU, to Chinese customers like cloud giants Alibaba, Tencent, and Baidu. AMD was poised to grab market share from rival Nvidia, which had most of its AI chip sales to China blocked by previous US export rules.

In fact, AMD’s opportunity in China looked huge, as the country aims to build a US$400 billion semiconductor industry to support its tech ambitions in areas like AI, 5G, and supercomputing. Chinese companies were hungry for advanced AI accelerators to power large language models, computer vision, and other cutting-edge applications.

But in early October, the Biden administration imposed new export controls restricting shipments of high-end AI chips and chip-making tools to China. The rules were intended to cut off China’s access to technologies that could aid its military capabilities. The new rules blindsided AMD and its Chinese partners. 

The MI250 and other advanced AMD AI chips appeared to fall under the new restrictions, halting the company’s AI chip sales to China. For now, the mystery persists over the identity of the Chinese client eyeing AMD’s AI chips, a crucial factor in the company’s potential licensing prospects. 

Meanwhile, Chinese tech giants like Tencent and Baidu have fortified their chip reserves from Nvidia, anticipating regulatory hurdles. On another front, Huawei is forging ahead with its AI semiconductor development, aiming to bridge the gap left by US restrictions and bolster China’s chip sovereignty.

The post AMD’s Chinese AI chip plan halted by US govt: What’s next? appeared first on Tech Wire Asia.

Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation (SMIC) is China’s premier advanced semiconductor foundry. Despite facing tumultuous trade winds that have buffeted the Chinese chip industry in recent years, SMIC has remained undeterred. Confronted with crippling sanctions aimed at stifling its capabilities by limiting access to crucial tools and expertise, it has responded with a display of resilience. 

Investing substantially in homegrown innovation, SMIC has showcased its capacity to thrive independently. So much so that experts have begun to acknowledge the limitations of US sanctions in crippling the Chinese chip giant, and it is evident that SMIC’s trajectory remains unwaveringly upward. In a recent DigiTimes article, Robert Castellano, president of The Information Network, highlighted the pivotal roles played by SMIC and Huawei in Beijing’s response to US sanctions, citing them as significant beneficiaries of local semiconductor industry subsidy policies. 

Castellano emphasized that both companies have emerged as crucial participants in China’s efforts to counteract the impact of sanctions, underscoring their strategic significance in the nation’s semiconductor landscape. “Projects, such as the expansion of Huawei’s Shanghai Qingpu R&D base and SMIC’s 12-inch wafer fab, have been listed as key investment projects,” DigiTimes noted.

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In the face of formidable US trade sanctions and technology export restrictions, the Chinese semiconductor foundry has not only weathered the storm with minimal revenue impact but is also boldly expanding its 12-inch wafer production lines. Moreover, the proportion of revenue from SMIC’s 12-inch wafer production has increased from 64.4% in the fourth quarter of 2022 to 74.2% in the same period of 2023, an increase of nearly 10%.

For context, in the final quarter of 2023, SMIC International witnessed a notable surge in revenue, soaring by over 3.5% to surpass the US$1.678 billion mark, marking the sole quarter of revenue growth throughout the previous year. However, despite surpassing revenue projections, a substantial decline in gross margin resulted in a steep decline of net profit by 54.7%, plummeting to approximately US$175 million. 

A Kirin chip in the new Huawei Mate 60 Pro smartphone demonstrates China’s semiconductor industry progress. (Photo by Rebecca BAILEY/AFP).

Regarding the drop in net profit, SMIC attributed it to several factors, such as the industry downturn, low market demand, high industry inventory, and intense competition among competitors. These factors led to lower capacity usage and fewer wafer shipments for the company. Moreover, SMIC invested heavily during the reporting period, resulting in higher depreciation expenses than the previous year. 

As a result, SMIC predicts a 2% increase in revenue for the first quarter of 2024 compared to the previous quarter, totaling around US$1.71 billion. This surpasses the market’s anticipated revenue of US$1.67 billion, indicating that the US sanctions have not significantly affected the company’s revenue, according to the article by DigiTimes.

The US is not stopping SMIC & Huawei

Last year, SMIC gained international attention when analysts revealed the company’s involvement in helping Huawei to develop highly advanced domestically produced chips in China. SMIC’s swift capacity expansion has also attracted considerable notice. In 2023, the company’s capital expenditure reached US$7.47 billion, marking a 17.6% increase from 2022. 

However, SMIC recently announced that it anticipates capital expenditure to remain relatively unchanged compared to last year. Yet, SMIC is advancing steadily in developing advanced 7nm and 5nm nodes, which Huawei has selected for its mobile processors and AI-centric Ascend series. Progress on both nodes remains smooth, promising enhanced performance for Huawei’s Kirin mobile chips and Ascend GPUs.

There are indications that SMIC’s 5nm chips could be ready for deployment this year, further closing the gap between China’s semiconductor industry and Western fabs. While SMIC is also eyeing advancements in 3nm technology, it’s likely at least a year away from fruition, if not longer, according to various reports.

The post SMIC defying US sanctions with 5nm innovation and Huawei alliance appeared first on Tech Wire Asia.

When it comes to the landscape of semiconductor production, the US has found itself in a peculiar position: absent from the forefront of leading-edge chip manufacturing. This absence, glaring in recent years, reflects a complex interplay of factors ranging from outsourcing to regulatory hurdles. However, as the global pandemic tightened its grip on supply chains, the US embarked on a concerted effort to revitalize its semiconductor industry. 

Now, amid renewed urgency and a strategic vision, the nation has taken a reasonably ambitious stance to reclaim its status as a formidable player in chip manufacturing. “Our investments in leading-edge logic chip manufacturing will put this country on track to produce roughly 20% of the world’s leading-edge logic chips by the end of the decade,” Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo said during a speech at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) on February 26, 2024.

“That’s a big deal,” Raimondo added. “Why is that a big deal? Because folks, today we’re at zero.” Her speech came a year following the initiation of funding applications under the 2022 CHIPS and Science Act by the US Department of Commerce. With a staggering US$39 billion earmarked for manufacturing incentives, the stage has been set for a transformative journey in the semiconductor landscape. 

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Raimondo’s ambitious vision, unveiled concurrently, delineates the path ahead. By 2030, the US aims to spearhead the design and manufacture of cutting-edge chips, establishing dedicated fabrication plant clusters to realize this audacious objective. She outlined how, besides everything else, there’s been a significant shift in the need for advanced semiconductor chips due to AI. 

(FILES) US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo testifies during the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation hearing. (Photo by SAUL LOEB/AFP).

“When we started this, generative AI wasn’t even part of our vocabulary. Now, it’s everywhere. Training a single large language model takes tens of thousands of leading-edge semiconductor chips. The truth is that AI will be the defining technology of our generation. You can’t lead in AI if you don’t lead in making leading-edge chips. And so our work in implementing the CHIPS Act became much more important,” Raimondo emphasized.

The US meeting its goal will create “hundreds of thousands of good-paying jobs,” Raimondo said Monday. “The truth of it is the US does lead, right? We do lead. We lead in the design of chips and the development of large AI language models. But we don’t manufacture or package any leading-edge chips that we need to fuel AI and our innovation ecosystem, including chips necessary for national defense. We don’t make it in America, and the brutal fact is the US cannot lead the world as a technology and innovation leader on such a shaky foundation,” she iterated.

Why is there a gap between US and chip manufacturing?

The US grappled with a significant gap in chip manufacturing for several reasons. Firstly, many semiconductor companies outsourced their manufacturing operations overseas to cut costs, leading to a decline in domestic chip production capacity. Secondly, as semiconductor technology advanced, the complexity and cost of building cutting-edge fabrication facilities increased, discouraging investment in new fabs. 

Additionally, global competitors like Taiwan, South Korea, and China expanded their semiconductor industries rapidly, intensifying competition. Furthermore, while other countries provided substantial government support to their semiconductor industries, the US fell behind. Then, there were regulatory hurdles, and environmental regulations make building and operating semiconductor fabs in the US challenging and costly. 

A combination of outsourcing, technological challenges, global competition, lack of government support, and regulatory issues contributed to the US’s gap in chip manufacturing, with none of the world’s leading-edge chips being produced domestically.

And then the world woke up one day in deperate need of leading-edge semiconductors to fuel the next industrial revolution, and the US realized its mistake.

“We need to make these chips in America. We need more talent development in America. We need more research and development in America and just a lot more manufacturing at scale,” Raimondo said in her speech at CSIS.

2030 vision: prioritizing future-ready projects

US President Joe Biden greets attendees after delivering remarks on his economic plan at TSMC chip manufacturing facility. (Photo by Brendan SMIALOWSKI/AFP).

Raimondo declared that the US will first prioritize projects that will be operational by the end of this decade. “I want to be clear: there are many worthy proposals that we’ve received with plans to come online after 2030, and we’re saying no, for now, to those projects because we want to maximize our impact in this decade,” she clarified.

The US will give priority to “excellent projects that could come online this year” instead of granting incentives to projects that will come online in 10 or 12 years from now. She also referred back to the goal mentioned last year – when the US is all said and done with this CHIPS initiative – to have at least two new large-scale clusters of leading-edge logic fabs, each of those clusters employing thousands of workers. 

“I’m pleased to tell you today we expect to exceed that target,” she claimed. So far, the Commerce Department has awarded grants to three companies in the chip industry as part of the CHIPS Act: BAE Systems, Microchip Technology, and, most recently, a significant US$1.5 billion grant to GlobalFoundries. Additional funding is anticipated for Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. and Samsung Electronics as they establish new facilities within the US.

Raimondo also highlighted her nation’s commitment to supporting the production of older-generation chips, referred to as mature-node or legacy chips. “We’re not losing sight of the importance of current generation and mature node chips, which you all know are essential for cars, medical devices, defense systems, and critical infrastructure.”

Yet the lion’s share of investments, totaling US$28 billion out of US$39 billion, is earmarked for leading-edge chips. Raimondo emphasized that this program aims for targeted investments rather than scattering funds widely. She disclosed that the Department has received over US$70 billion in requests from leading-edge companies alone.

For now, anticipation is high for the Commerce Department’s new round of grant announcements, scheduled to coincide with President Joe Biden’s State of the Union address on March 7. Among the expected recipients is TSMC, which is establishing new Arizona facilities.

Two months ago, the rhetoric was centered on China. Today, it’s firmly USA-first.

The post Zero to 20%: US aims for chip domination by 2030 appeared first on Tech Wire Asia.

Once a dominant semiconductor force, Intel has faced significant challenges from rising competitors in recent decades. But, fueled by a strategic overhaul and innovative technologies in recent years, the Silicon Valley behemoth is primed for a resurgence. In 2021, Intel initiated its comeback with an extensive technology roadmap, culminating this week in the launch of its contract chip manufacturing business. Branded as the “world’s first systems foundry” for the AI era, the move signals Intel’s intention to challenge Asian rivals like TSMC and Samsung for industry supremacy.

In a strategic pivot unveiled on February 21, Intel rebranded its contract chip-making venture from Intel Foundry Services to the sleeker, more succinct title of Intel Foundry. This renaming marks a significant step in CEO Pat Gelsinger’s plan, announced in early 2021, to revitalize Intel’s manufacturing sector and establish a formidable presence in the chipmaking ecosystem. Embracing Gelsinger’s ambitious IDM 2.0 strategy, Intel Foundry represents an evolution of the company’s integrated device manufacturing model. 

Pat Gelsinger, Intel CEO, introduces Intel Foundry during the Intel Foundry Direct Connect event on Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2024, in San Jose, California. (Credit: Intel Corporation).

This initiative involves substantial investments in manufacturing capabilities, alongside a renewed focus on contract chip manufacturing and strategic collaborations with external foundries. With Intel Foundry at its core, Gelsinger’s comeback blueprint aims to fortify Intel’s product lineup and position the company as a leading provider of cutting-edge semiconductor solutions for a diverse range of partners and clients.

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“AI is profoundly transforming the world and how we think about technology and the silicon that powers it,” said Gelsinger. “This is creating an unprecedented opportunity for the world’s most innovative chip designers and Intel Foundry, the world’s first systems foundry for the AI era. Together, we can create new markets and revolutionize how the world uses technology to improve people’s lives.”

The company emphasized customer support and ecosystem partnerships. Synopsys, Cadence, Siemens, and Ansys are ready to expedite chip designs for Intel Foundry customers using validated tools, design flows, and IP portfolios for Intel’s advanced packaging and 18A process technologies.

Intel Foundry roadmap extends past 5N4Y

Foundry process roadmap graphic. Source: Intel

At this week’s event, Intel, for the first time since 2021, provided an update to its process roadmap. Intel confirmed that its ambitious plan to introduce five nodes within four years, known as 5N4Y, is progressing as planned. In fact, Intel anticipates reclaiming its position as a process leader from TSMC with Intel 18A by 2025. Intel also reaffirmed its mission to dethrone Samsung and claim the title of the world’s second-largest foundry by 2030. 

An Intel factory employee holds a wafer with 3D stacked Foveros technology at an Intel fab in Hillsboro, Oregon. (Credit: Intel Corporation).

Beyond that, Intel revealed plans for enhanced versions of Intel 3, Intel 18, and Intel 14A, each fine-tuned to elevate performance, introduce innovative features, or incorporate the groundbreaking Foveros Direct 3-D stacking technology for cutting-edge chip designs. Furthermore, Intel hinted at extending the capabilities of Intel 3 with the introduction of Intel 3-T, where the “T” signifies the integration of Foveros Direct technology, connecting chips through a pioneering method known as through-silicon vias. 

The company then announced the forthcoming Intel 14A, slated for commercialization in late 2026, and teased a revolutionary leap in lithography technology with High NA EUV. The roadmap promises a future brimming with innovation and transformative possibilities for Intel and the semiconductor industry.

After all, each successive node heralds a surge in performance-per-watt, reflecting Intel’s pursuit of innovation propels it closer to its lofty aspirations.

Also highlighted are mature process nodes, including new 12 nanometer nodes expected through the joint development with UMC announced last month. These evolutions are designed to enable customers to develop and deliver products tailored to their specific needs. Intel Foundry plans a new node every two years and node evolutions along the way, giving customers a path to evolve their offerings on Intel’s leading process technology continuously. 

“Intel also announced the addition of Intel Foundry FCBGA 2D+ to its comprehensive suite of ASAT offerings, which already include FCBGA 2D, EMIB, Foveros, and Foveros Direct,” the company added. To date, Intel has rolled out products on the first two nodes of Gelsinger’s plan—Intel 7 and Intel 4—and now, the company is gearing up for the next stage with Intel 3 ready for high-volume manufacturing.

 The first product on Intel 3 will be a new generation of Xeon server CPUs, codenamed Sierra Forest, focusing on high-core density, slated for release in the first half of this year. 

Intel scored Microsoft

Intel claims that customers are backing Intel’s long-term systems foundry strategy. Intel Foundry has secured design wins across various process generations, including Intel 18A, Intel 16, and Intel 3, with substantial customer volume on Intel Foundry’s advanced packaging capabilities. 

Microsoft’s Satya Nadella announced during Gelsinger’s keynote that they’ve selected a chip design for Intel 18A production. “We are in the midst of a fascinating platform shift that will fundamentally transform productivity for every individual organization and the entire industry,” Nadella said. 

“To achieve this vision, we need a reliable supply of the most advanced, high-performance, and high-quality semiconductors. That’s why we are so excited to work with Intel Foundry and why we have chosen a chip design that we plan to produce on the Intel 18A process,” he added.

Intel Foundry anticipates a lifetime deal value exceeding US$15 billion across wafers and advanced packaging.

The post Intel Foundry: racing for chip supremacy with 18A tech and Microsoft onboard appeared first on Tech Wire Asia.

In the bustling landscape of logistics in Southeast Asia, Teleport is a potential game-changer, striving as it is to achieve 24-hour or next-day delivery at a lower cost. As the logistical arm of Capital A Bhd, Teleport wants to challenge the status quo of the industry.

But amid the region’s rapid economic expansion and escalating consumer demands, the critical question looms: can Teleport truly revolutionize the delivery landscape of Southeast Asia? 

Teleport’s growth has been impressive. The company has rapidly expanded its presence across key markets in Southeast Asia, including Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, India, Singapore, and China. This strategic expansion has allowed Teleport to tap into the region’s burgeoning e-commerce market, catering to the growing demand for seamless and efficient delivery services.

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In a recent interview with Tech Wire Asia, Pete Chareonwongsak, the CEO of Teleport, shared insights into how the company is employing innovation to tackle future challenges in Southeast Asia.

How do you view the logistics industry in Southeast Asia amid rising demand for faster, cheaper deliveries?

CEO Pete Chareonwongsak. Source: Teleport

I think we do not have enough homegrown Southeast Asian logistics companies. When someone says Southeast Asia logistics, the names that typically come to mind are J&T and Ninja Van. The former initially started in Indonesia and is funded by the Chinese, so it’sexpanded to where 90% of its business now comes from China, not Southeast Asia. So it’s never really been born and bred here.

The same is true with Ninja Van, which started in Singapore and expanded to all the Southeast Asian countries. That’s the closest, but it’s funded by global venture capital.

That is why I’ve always felt we, Teleport, have an opportunity as we were born and raised here in Southeast Asia. Our DNA, infrastructure, and everything in between is here; we will not leave this part of the world. 

So my understanding of Southeast Asia logistics is that many great companies come and go: their focus starts here but eventually moves elsewhere. Our mission has been to connect Southeast Asia better than anyone else, especially in performing next-day delivery.

Has Teleport proven its viability in its current market, or does it still have much to prove to establish a more substantial presence?

There’s a lot more. Based on statistics, we could reach about five million SMEs of a specific size in the region and give them access to our services. Everyone always talks about the SME opportunities in Southeast Asia, only to eventually realize that the money’s not there. But the opportunity is there. If you’re here long term, then at some point, you have to do something that allows collaborations to happen. 

So, there are still opportunities in the long term. We currently serve at most 10,000 clients, but five million SMES are within the region. That means we have a long way to go in making it accessible.

Why do logistics companies frequently expand beyond Southeast Asia? What do they look for elsewhere that they need help finding here, especially given the region’s abundance of SMEs and MSMEs?

What is missing is the total addressable market. That’s why they go elsewhere because, undeniably, there are many larger markets that exist elsewhere today. So, at some point, when they’re funded a certain way or aim to grow a certain way, they need to go and find a large market to justify their reach and growth. That makes it hard for Southeast Asia-focused companies to stay here. There’s always something else, somewhere else. 

We have an understanding of the region that some other companies lack, and our dedication and focus is here, today and tomorrow. So that’s what we see that they don’t see, perhaps making sense of their move to look elsewhere for markets. But if no one builds like we are doing, connecting Southeast Asia in a cheaper, faster, and better way, then SMEs will never have a real opportunity to grow. 

Many of the Southeast Asian brands, e-commerce, and even supply chain operators never really have something that changes their capacity to grow. They have to flow with the market,  still to this day. So we’ve got to find some angle to serve them, and that’s really where Teleport’s focus is.

Which is Teleport’s biggest addressable market at the moment?

It is China into Southeast Asia. The region is the triangle between Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, and Bangkok. The cross-border opportunities between these three countries, in particular, are mature.

Next-day delivery at a significantly reduced cost is a bold proposition. How is Teleport working towards this goal?

If you look at the top three reasons why somebody would be willing to use Teleport, the first is price, the second is reliability, and the third is speed. You have to hit all three, and that is very hard. But that’s what we’re trying to do. How do we bring the actual cost down? Then, once we’ve brought the cost down, how do we make money? People need to understand what it costs us to enable next-day deliveries.

Our view on life now is pretty simple: how do we get the cost down? And the way to do that is to not start the business model by buying a lot of stuff. So our first question was how do we build the business model we want without owning anything initially? The most important thing about next-day delivery is sending things between two borders. How do we do that in a next-day fashion? It’s got to go on a plane. 

So, how do we put stuff on a plane? There are only two ways. One is you buy some aircraft, and FedEx, DHL, and UPS have bought hundreds of planes. So they’ve signed up for that visibility, and if we want to do that, we would have to compete against them over time with a better cost solution. 

But what are other ways to put stuff on planes? Well, you and I fly everywhere, and every time a plane flies, a little bit of space is left over. That’s called the belly. How do we get access to that space across Southeast Asia? We need partnerships, and that’s where AirAsia came in. That’s how we built the business, off AirAsia’s belly. We wouldn’t be here without it, because it gave us the most extensive Southeast Asian network.

With those spaces overnight, we then had to figure out how to build a business model on that space, which is very cost-effective. Because passengers have paid for the seats and baggage allowances, we need to figure out how to bolt that little bit of space onto the rest of the business model, which is end-to-end delivery. Essentially, that was how we built the business. So it becomes much easier when you don’t own the thing. 

The second thing is figuring out how to partner so you can gain access to the asset you need. The third is then how you tie it all together and do it.

Does Teleport have specific growth goals for its portfolio regarding the number of businesses?

We set a 24-month goal. Around two million e-commerce parcels a day are coming into Southeast Asia, and we want to capture most of that. For perspective, two million a day would be on par with our esteemed competitors. The amount is undoubtedly huge on a global scale, but we are looking towards that direction.

What role can technology play in facilitating the transformation of the logistics industry to meet the demands of faster and more affordable deliveries?

My view on addressing that this year is to slow down the growth slightly, which is shocking to most people. But if we don’t build these foundations with the right technologies, we won’t reach the two-year goal of two million deliveries, for example. So this is the year where we figure out the value of Gen AI or any AI solutions to our operations.

Source: Teleport

How many airplanes are in the fleet you use?

Airasia has 204 passenger aircraft, which will all be fully re-activated by the end of the first quarter. Teleport owns three freighter planes in Malaysia. On top of that, we have 30 airline partners based in Asia and Southeast Asia.

What changes do you anticipate in the competitive landscape if Teleport achieves its vision, and what adjustments might other logistics companies need to make in response?

A couple of things. Firstly, in this region, there are a lot of low-cost carriers that would eventually think about how to continue to improve their business. Like how Teleport built the company off AirAsia’s back, many other low-cost carriers will do the same – spin off a logistic business from their airline operations.

Even in China and Latin America, people have started to spin off their logistics business. So, the multimodal angle is going to be an essential trend.

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Source: Shutterstock

“Through COVID, lead times didn’t just increase, they doubled, they tripled, and we’re talking international lead times,” Mark Hopkins, Netstock’s Global VP of Professional Services, told Tech Wire Asia. “I don’t think I ever thought I’d be saying that the ‘good old days of 2019’, and yet the supply chain has changed massively in the last four years. Now, we understand that we need to be prepared to understand the unexpected much faster than we were ever before.”

The unpredictability of supply chains makes it challenging for businesses to effectively manage their inventory. Not being able to accurately forecast demand leads to over or understocking issues that can have profound financial repercussions. Indeed, increased costs stemming from storage expenses, rerouting, and expedited shipments have added financial strain to businesses already grappling with the aftermath of various disruptions. Delays in product availability, increased prices, and a lack of transparency in the supply chain contribute to customer dissatisfaction and further revenue losses.

On the other hand, maintaining inventory visibility can offer a lifeline when navigating the impacts of supply chain disruptions. It allows companies to anticipate and respond swiftly to disruptions, enabling proactive decision-making. Businesses can identify potential shortages, adjust safety stock, and mitigate the impact of extended lead times. Such visibility is crucial for fostering resilience, aligning inventory planning with real-time demands, and building a supply chain capable of adapting to unforeseen events.

Mr Hopkins said: “Static planning – the idea that I should be able to keep up on a spreadsheet – is a common mistake. People who are trying to survive by setting a static safety stock just can’t keep up now because the rules keep changing.

“The Eustralis example really shows you the dangers of when people aren’t necessarily thinking about spreadsheet planning.”

Source: Shutterstock

Eustralis, a premium food and wine wholesaler from Perth, Australia, faced a number of inventory challenges at the start of 2023. These included a lack of visibility, supply chain disruptions ongoing from the COVID-19 pandemic, branches operating in silos, and holding excess stock.

Mr Hopkins said: “They ended up having a bunch of little mini silos inside their business because each person’s spreadsheet was planned separately, and the knowledge that was baked into them wasn’t really being shared across the business.”

The company decided to implement the inventory management solution Netstock to help address its challenges and transform operations. The system not only addressed its pre-existing challenges but also equipped it to navigate the tumultuous global supply chain landscape with demand forecasting. “Switching to a tool like Netstock allowed [it] to have visible data understood across the business, which allowed better collaboration,” said Mr Hopkins.

The newfound visibility enabled Eustralis to manage inventory proactively, anticipate potential shortages, and align stock levels with real-time demands. Eustralis achieved a 35 percent reduction in inventory within seven months, a feat that saved on storage costs and allowed it to adapt to the extended lead times. The company’s ability to streamline operations and respond swiftly to changing conditions resulted in a 50 percent increase in sales while maintaining an impressive 97 percent fill rate.

In the wake of the current shipping disruptions, inventory-holding businesses now need the right tools to help them improve visibility and accuracy, and adjust their planning to changes in supply and demand. Netstock is a robust yet affordable inventory management solution that can prepare organizations to weather future disruptive events. Through seamless integration with existing Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, the platform optimizes inventory processes without necessitating a complete overhaul. Its cutting-edge technology unlocks hidden capital by quickly identifying excess stock, ensuring businesses realize a prompt return on investment. The user-friendly interface, coupled with the Netstock Learning Academy and exceptional onboarding support, ensures accessibility for users with varying technical expertise.

Source: Shutterstock

Netstock’s standout feature, the Pivot Forecasting Engine, enables precise demand predictions, aiding informed decision-making on stock levels and procurement. “Seeing the impact on your business gives you the ability to take action that allows you to stay in stock,” said Mr Hopkins. “If your supplier decides to ship early and you aren’t achieving your sales on time, you’re not actually ready to pay them on time, so having a tool that allows you to project the impact in both directions is essential.

“It makes it easy for you to buy in and realize that you actually are heading the right way or, conversely, if you see a profile that shows a road you don’t want to follow, you can make some adjustments to the plan. The visibility of information allows you to make decisions faster, and, of course, that’s how you handle disruption better, as you are in a better position to make a decision more quickly.”

To learn more about how Netstock can help turn your inventory into a valuable asset and optimize your business’s financial health, download this free e-book today.

The post Keeping stock of your stock: How to build a resilient supply chain in 2024 appeared first on Tech Wire Asia.

When it comes to semiconductor technology, China’s ambition for self-sufficiency has become increasingly evident, notably propelled by its largest state-backed chipmaker, Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp (SMIC), and tech giant Huawei Technologies. Despite facing years of sanctions from the US over their alleged ties to the Chinese military, both companies are steadfastly pushing forward, determined to advance chip technology and bolster China’s semiconductor capabilities.

Ultimately, their goal is to reduce dependence on foreign chip imports. SMIC has been at the forefront of the country’s semiconductor push, striving to close the technological gap with leading chip-producing nations. Despite facing sanctions and technical challenges, SMIC has made significant strides in advancing chip fabrication processes, with plans to mass-produce 5-nanometer chips in collaboration with Huawei.

A report by the Financial Times recently revealed that China’s leading chipmakers anticipate producing next-gen smartphone processors this year. “The country’s biggest chipmaker, SMIC, has put together new semiconductor production lines in Shanghai, according to two people familiar with the move, to mass produce the chips designed by technology giant Huawei,” the FT said.

SMIC is gearing up to mass-produce new-generation 5nm chips designed by Huawei, marking a significant milestone in China’s quest for chip independence. This collaboration underscores the resilience and determination of Chinese firms to overcome external challenges and establish themselves as key players in the global semiconductor market.

The move came when Beijing leveraged strategic partnerships and international collaborations to accelerate its semiconductor advancements. The country has forged partnerships with leading semiconductor companies and research institutions worldwide, facilitating technology transfer and knowledge exchange to bolster its semiconductor ecosystem.

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However, China’s semiconductor ambitions have not been without challenges and controversies. For starters, China’s semiconductor industry still lags behind its global counterparts in some critical regions, such as advanced process technology and design capabilities. Achieving true technological sovereignty remains an uphill battle, requiring sustained investments, talent cultivation, and policy support. 

To top it off, the country has faced accusations of intellectual property theft, industrial espionage, and unfair trade practices, prompting scrutiny and backlash from the international community. 

What does SMIC have planned for its 5nm collaboration with Huawei?

The country’s biggest chipmaker SMIC has put together new semiconductor production lines in Shanghai. Source: SMIC.

The decision to advance chip production despite sanctions reflects China’s strategic imperative to reduce reliance on foreign technology and assert its technological prowess on the world stage. China has invested heavily in semiconductor research and development in recent years, aiming to close the technological gap with leading chip-producing nations such as the US and Taiwan.

So SMIC’s efforts to set up new semiconductor production lines in Shanghai signify a pivotal moment in China’s quest, especially by using Huawei’s expertise in chip design and the former’s manufacturing capabilities. Moreover, the collaboration between SMIC and Huawei highlights the synergy between state-backed enterprises and leading technology companies in China. 

Two sources familiar with the plans reveal tothe  FT that SMIC intends to utilize its current US and Dutch equipment inventory to manufacture more minor 5nm chips. This production line will manufacture Kirin chips developed by Huawei’s HiSilicon unit, slated for upcoming iterations of its flagship smartphones.

Despite trailing behind the cutting-edge 3nm chips, the adoption of 5nm technology signifies China’s semiconductor sector’s steady advancement amidst US export restrictions. “With the new 5nm node, Huawei is well on track to upgrade its new flagship handset and data center chips,” one person familiar with the plans told FT.

How will this advancement help Huawei?

For context, SMIC’s 7nm and 5nm chip production lines utilize American machines accumulated before the company faced US restrictions. Additionally, its fab includes ASML lithography machines acquired last year. However, the Dutch government’s recent revocation of export licenses for advanced machines has hindered ASML from selling to China.

“SMIC is facing a more significant roadblock for production expansion after the US and its alliance tightened export restrictions on advanced chipmaking gear,” according to the FT‘s source. “Still, the fate of China’s chip industry and its technological development in the coming years will depend on these production lines by SMIC.”

Huawei recently made waves with its Mate 60 Pro, boasting a 7nm processor that spurred a 50% surge in Chinese shipments in 2023. If successful for smartphones, SMIC’s 5nm production could extend to Huawei’s Ascend 920, narrowing the gap with Nvidia’s GPUs. Of course, the push for more advanced chips has resulted in added expenses. 

Sources close to Chinese chip firms revealed that SMIC charges 40 to 50% higher prices for products from its 5nm and 7nm nodes than TSMC. Additionally, SMIC’s yield, or the number of usable chips, is less than one-third of TSMC’s.

🇨🇳 SMIC is aiming to use its existing stock of US and Dutch-made equipment to produce more-miniaturized 5nm chips. The production line will make Kirin chips designed by Huawei’s HiSilicon unit and destined for new versions of its premium smartphones.

“With the new 5nm node,… pic.twitter.com/yAzWv6ymXJ

— Byron Wan (@Byron_Wan) February 6, 2024

Reaction to the Mate Pro 60 was spectacular. Just wait till Washington gets a load of this…

The post SMIC and Huawei are breaking barriers with 5nm chips despite US sanctions appeared first on Tech Wire Asia.

In the lead-up to his surprising and temporary exit from OpenAI in 2023, Sam Altman embarked on an audacious mission to woo billions of dollars out of global powerhouses for his enigmatic chip endeavor, cryptically named Tigris. Reports suggest Altman’s trips to the Middle East last year were not mere travels to top up his sun tan, but strategic moves to secure financial support for Project Tigris, a clandestine venture disclosed by insiders in the same year. After all, OpenAI’s CEO envisions the birth of an AI-centric chip juggernaut poised to disrupt Nvidia’s AI dominance in the fiercely contested semiconductor realm.

However, Altman’s ambitions reach beyond AI chips. Another potential facet adding complexity to his role at OpenAI involves collaborating with Jony Ive, Apple’s former chief design officer. As revealed by a Financial Times report, Altman enlisted Ive’s design firm, LoveFrom, to spearhead the development of a novel consumer device for OpenAI. Allegedly backed by Softbank CEO Masayoshi Son, the influential Silicon Valley duo is drawing inspiration from the transformative impact of the iPhone’s touchscreen on internet usage. 

Yet, with no finalized deal and OpenAI’s CEO’s brief departure, the company’s role in future developments remained uncertain. Until talks on building chip fabrication plants began to surface.

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman during a session of the World Economic Forum (WEF) meeting in Davos on January 18, 2024. (Photo by Fabrice COFFRINI/AFP).

What is the reason behind Project Tigris?

In Altman’s defense, since OpenAI unveiled ChatGPT over a year ago, the AI landscape has witnessed unprecedented interest from corporations and consumers. He isn’t wrong, though–the surge, in turn, has ignited an overwhelming demand for the computational prowess and processors essential for constructing and executing these burgeoning AI applications. 

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Altman has repeatedly emphasized that the existing chip supply falls significantly short of meeting OpenAI’s insatiable requirements. But Altman’s endeavors faced a temporary hiatus when he was briefly removed as OpenAI CEO in November. However, soon after his return, Project Tigris was revived. Altman has even explored the possibility with Microsoft, and sources say the software giant is showing keen interest in the venture.

What has Sam Altman planned for OpenAI now?

The latest development is that Altman has discreetly initiated conversations with potential investors, aiming to secure substantial funds not just for AI chips but for creating chip-fabrication plants, known as fabs. According to anonymous sources quoted in Bloomberg last month, these discussions were with the likes of G42 from Abu Dhabi,  and the influential SoftBank Group.

“The startup has discussed raising between US$8 billion and US$10 billion from G42”, said one of Bloomberg‘s sources. “It’s unclear whether the chip venture and wider company funding efforts are related,” the report reads. This fab project apparently entails collaboration with top chip manufacturers, with the intention of establishing a global network of fabs.

While Bloomberg has previously hinted at fundraising efforts for the chip venture, the accurate scale and manufacturing focus have yet to be unveiled. Still in their early stages, these talks have not yet finalized the list of participating partners and backers, adding a layer of intrigue layer to this evolving narrative. 

Is OpenAI’s venture into building its chip fabs a viable endeavor?

Ultimately, Altman advocates for urgent industry action to ensure an ample supply by the end of the decade, per sources familiar with his perspective. However, his approach, emphasizing the construction and maintenance of fabs, diverges from the cost-effective strategy favored by many AI industry peers, including Amazon, Google, and Microsoft—OpenAI’s primary investor. 

These tech giants typically design custom silicon and outsource manufacturing to external suppliers. The construction of a cutting-edge fab involves a significant financial investment, often reaching tens of billions of dollars, and establishing a network of such facilities spans several years. A single chip factory’s cost can range from US$10 billion to US$20 billion, influenced by factors such as location and planned capacity. 

Is Altman looking for Korean expertise – and money? Source: X.com.

For instance, Intel’s Arizona fabs are estimated to cost US$15 billion each, and TSMC’s nearby factory is projected to reach around US$40 billion. Moreover, these facilities may require four to five years to complete, with potential delays due to current workforce shortages. Some argue that OpenAI seems more inclined to support leading-edge chip manufacturers like TSMC, Samsung Electronics, and potentially Intel rather than enter the foundry industry. 

In an article for The Register, it’s hinted that the strategy could involve channeling raised funds into these fabrication giants, such as TSMC, where Nvidia, AMD, and Intel’s GPUs and AI accelerators are manufactured. TSMC stands out as a prime candidate, given its role in producing components for significant players in the AI industry. 

“If he gets it done—by raising money from the Middle East or SoftBank or whoever—that will represent a tech project that may be more ambitious (or foolhardy) than OpenAI itself,” Cory Weinberg said in his Briefing for The Information.

The post OpenAI wants to manufacture its own AI chips. Is Sam Altman being too ambitious? appeared first on Tech Wire Asia.

Smaller businesses must find some way to sustain their profitability or face market exclusion and eventual closure. One such lifeline is the presence of Chinese suppliers which offer access to a wide array of products at competitive prices. In February, the country reported that its manufacturing activity had expanded at the fastest pace in more than a decade.

Source: Shutterstock

The allure of these suppliers lies primarily in their ability to offer cost-effective manufacturing solutions without compromising quality. Small businesses can expand their product ranges, maintain margins, and acquire unique items that set them apart from mainstream marketplaces. Business owners can access these suppliers through online B2B marketplaces, like 1688, or may choose to travel in person to trade fairs in China, like the Canton Trade Fair. At the fair, an array of China-produced products are showcased by their manufacturers, many of which could spur business growth. Approximately 200,000 foreigners attended the November 2023 event in person, and the online platform was attended by 6.6 million overseas visitors.

1688, an Alibaba Group business, serves as a B2B platform connecting international manufacturers and wholesalers with wholesale buyers in China. Specialising in diverse industries like apparel, electronics, and home furnishings, it facilitates sourcing and online transactions, providing businesses with access to a broad range of products for bulk purchasing.

“We decided to start sourcing from 1688 as we found there was a huge range of factories from China on this platform that can really enable savings from their competitive costs, without making any compromises on quality,” said Mark Brookfield from Sunrise Accessories. “We could select products that are in the range of goods that we usually buy to wholesale in Australia.”

The challenges of switching suppliers

Travelling to China to source new suppliers can be expensive for Australian and New Zealand businesses, especially when it comes to attending trade fairs of global interest that last weeks. It involves the costs of travel, accommodation, and time spent away from managing the day-to-day operations of their business. The language barrier can hinder face-to-face negotiations, while cultural differences and differing business practices might complicate agreements and contracts. Even conducting business purely online can be subject to the same problems.

After a deal is struck, things may not necessarily be smooth sailing. Vetting suppliers for quality, reliability, and ethical standards to ensure compliance with bodies like the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) is crucial but also challenging from a distance. Coordinating logistics, ensuring quality control, and managing shipping and customs processes add layers of difficulty, too.

Reliance on foreign suppliers, particularly those in China, introduces risks related to geopolitical tensions, trade regulations, and unexpected disruptions such as those seen during global crises or natural disasters. For example, in August 2022, a heatwave in the country led global manufacturers like Volkswagen and Foxconn to suspend their operations to save power after a spike in demand for air conditioning put pressure on the local grid. Issues like intellectual property protection and maintaining ethical manufacturing practices also pose challenges when dealing with suppliers from different countries.

Despite the risks, Australia and China continue to have a strong relationship, with a study by the University of Melbourne finding that 58 per cent of Australian companies still identify China as a top three priority for global investment. Indeed, in November 2023, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese visited China and said that “significant progress” was made in relations after talks with President Xi Jinping. China is also planning to remove tariffs on a number of Australian products to help improve the relationship between the countries.

Easing the transition with WorldFirst

While the source of some challenges may be out of a business’s hands, steps can be taken to ease the transition to Chinese suppliers. Choosing to do business remotely and hiring local sourcing agents can reduce travel costs and marginalise unreliable suppliers. Human translators are also vastly more valuable than online tools for communication, and the risk of unexpected supply chain disruptions can be mitigated by diversifying product lines, conducting thorough risk assessments, and keeping abreast of geopolitical developments.

Source: Shutterstock

But an integral part of success is the smoothing over of international payment processes to ensure that business owners deal with invoices efficiently and suppliers are paid quickly. Paying manufacturers in their local currency eases the financial burden of currency conversion fees and FX fluctuations, improves supplier relations and trust, and enhances operational efficiency – ultimately giving businesses more scope to tackle other challenges they cannot prepare for.

Leading global fintech company WorldFirst connects businesses around the world with fast and affordable payments, and offers an easy way to achieve smoother commerce with its World Account, explicitly designed for cross-border businesses trading in multiple currencies. With their World Account you have access to local sort codes, account numbers, and IBANs, working to reassure partners, minimise conversion charges, and reduce fees associated with cross-border trade. They also aid businesses in currency risk management by offering tailored hedging solutions, enabling e-commerce businesses to protect themselves from currency volatility and maintain stable pricing during economic uncertainty.

WorldFirst is currently the only provider in the market to connect to the cross-border payment solution for 1688. This purpose-built link to 1688’s network of ten million suppliers in 1,700 categories provides businesses with direct access to a wide array of products at competitive wholesale prices.

The integration also supports global selling on major marketplaces like Amazon, Wish, AliExpress, Lazada, and Shopee and facilitates direct deliveries to warehouses in China or international shipments managed by logistics partners. Online sellers can pay suppliers and collect from various marketplaces all within a single account, making reconciliation and preparation of tax returns much simpler. Furthermore, once the World Account is synched to Xero or NetSuite, businesses benefit from streamlined financial management, saving on time and accountancy fees.

Source: Shutterstock

With WorldFirst’s competitive exchange rates and transparent fees at lower rates than local banks, businesses can optimise costs while ensuring swift and reliable payments. There are no transaction size limits or hidden charges, and payments are transferred on the same day and fully comply with international trade regulations.

“WorldFirst has been a great help with this transition as we found most of the smaller factories in China did not have US accounts to pay their invoices,” said Mr Brookfield. “This way we could transfer CNH straight to their Chinese account, which is much easier for us.”

WorldFirst is a global fintech that connects businesses around the world with fast and affordable payments, access to international marketplaces, flexible currency risk management tools, working capital, and a deeper understanding of cross-border payments and global markets. The latter enables its relationship managers to provide insights into payment trends and preferred trading methods in different regions, helping businesses adapt their strategies. The Australia-based team is ready to help with any inquiries or visit the WorldFirst website, or for more information. Discover how you can take advantage of overseas suppliers with WorldFirst today.

The post The rise of Chinese sellers in sustaining small business profitability appeared first on Tech Wire Asia.

Nestled in the technological crucible of East Asia, South Korea’s semiconductor industry stands as a pulsating nerve center of innovation and industrial prowess. With giants like Samsung Electronics Co. and SK Hynix Inc. leading the charge, South Korea has scripted a tale of innovation, investment, and a relentless pursuit of global dominance. In a recent revelation, South Korea unveiled plans to invest over US$470 billion, marking a historic move to establish the world’s largest chip-making cluster. 

This ambitious endeavor encompasses a two-decade strategy, and the stakes are high. On Monday, the government delineated a roadmap for an investment totaling 622 trillion won (US$471 billion) in collaboration with private sector powerhouses, spanning the years until 2047. The plan envisions a landscape brimming with 13 state-of-the-art chip plants and three cutting-edge research facilities, supplementing 21 fabs. 

“As revealed by the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy in South Korea, Samsung Electronics, SK Hynix, and other semiconductor companies are set to pool their resources into building 16 new fabs, with the potential to generate over 3 million job opportunities,” a report by TrendForce reads.

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Stretching across the dynamic regions of Pyeongtaek to Yongin, South Korea’s chipmaking cluster is poised to be the largest on the planet. By 2030, the new mega chip cluster, spanning a massive 2,102 square meters, aims to churn out a staggering 7.7 million wafers monthly, setting new benchmarks in semiconductor production. The linchpins of this grand venture are Samsung and SK Hynix, each charting its unique course in the chip-making saga. 

South Korea’s national flag (R) and the Samsung Electronics flag flutter at the company’s headquarters in Suwon on June 13, 2023. (Photo by Jung Yeon-je/AFP).

Samsung, a global tech behemoth, is embarking on a bold foray into foundry services. With a colossal investment of 500 trillion won, Samsung seeks to redefine the landscape by manufacturing chips for other firms, cementing its status as a formidable player in the semiconductor ecosystem. 

“Within this sprawling cluster, Samsung Electronics has outlined plans to construct six new fabs at the national industrial complex in Yongin, with an investment commitment of 360 trillion Korean won. Additionally, the company intends to establish three fabs in Pyeongtaek, involving an investment of 120 trillion Korean won, and three research fabs at an R&D center located in the Giheung District, for 20 trillion Korean won,” TrendForce added.

On the other end of the spectrum, SK Hynix focuses on memory. Investing 122 trillion won in Yongin, SK Hynix aims to construct four sophisticated chip plants, laying the foundation for South Korea’s prominence in-memory technology in Yongin. According to the government, the primary objective of this supercluster is to foster an environment conducive to the production of cutting-edge memory chips, including high bandwidth memory (HBM) and system semiconductors measuring 2 nanometers or more advanced nodes,” 

Overall, the foresighted investment represents a substantial increase from the unveiling of Samsung’s and Hynix’s plans in 2023. South Korea’s government, working hand-in-hand with private enterprises for national interests, has been amplifying its support for a domestic chip sector that constitutes approximately 16% of total exports. 

Workers are seen on the operations floor of an SK Hynix plant in Icheon on August 25, 2015. South Korea’s SK Hynix Inc., the world’s second-largest memory chip maker, announced August 25 it would spend 46 trillion won (US$38 billion) in facility investments over the next 10 years. AFP PHOTO/POOL/KIM MIN-HEE (Photo by KIM MIN-HEE/POOL/AFP).

In the face of escalating global competition, especially from Japan and Taiwan, which are aggressively bolstering their chip sectors, the Korean government is committed to providing significant tax incentives for local chip firms. The region is poised to host major players and smaller chip design and materials companies. 

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The strategic move isn’t just about economic prowess; it’s a calculated step in securing South Korea’s future as a paramount force in global chipmaking. The overarching aspiration is to enhance the nation’s self-sufficiency in semiconductors while targeting a market share of 10% in global logic chip production by 2030, a significant leap from the current 3%.

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