Erudite Asia

As of November 21, 2024, India has deployed 33 supercomputers under the National Supercomputing Mission (NSM), achieving a total computing capacity of 32 petaflops. This advancement enables the domestic design, development, and manufacturing of supercomputing technologies, reducing reliance on foreign imports. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated three PARAM Rudra supercomputers on September 26, 2024, located in Pune, Delhi, and Kolkata, to support young researchers across various scientific fields, such as physics, earth sciences, and cosmology. The deployment of these supercomputers brings the total to 33 at key academic institutions and research organizations, including IISc and IITs. According to the Top 500 Global Supercomputing List, the United States leads in supercomputing capacity with around 6,475 petaflops. The PARAM Rudra supercomputers will bolster research at facilities like the Giant Metre Radio Telescope in Pune and the Inter-University Accelerator Centre in Delhi. The NSM, initiated in April 2015 with a budget of Rs 4,500 crore, aims for self-reliance in supercomputing technology, aligning with the Indian government's vision of Atmanirbharta (self-reliance). #CloudComputing #IndiaWant more analysis of major developments in AI, semiconductors, and cloud computing in Asia? Subscribe now to the Cognitive Asia newsletter--free of charge--at Substack https://lnkd.in/g4s6bqfi https://lnkd.in/dkqdrPdS

Huang Renxun hand-picked! New AI winners emerge Accenture relies on enterprise artificial intelligence to win NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang announced a strategic focus on enterprise and industrial artificial intelligence (AI) during the company's Q3 earnings call on November 20. He highlighted Accenture as a key partner in promoting enterprise AI, which aims to boost productivity, customer service, cost efficiency, and innovation. Google Cloud also plays a role in tackling complex business challenges with AI solutions. Industrial AI, particularly relevant to manufacturing, leverages AI in robotics and supply chain management. In response to this focus, NVIDIA has been ramping up sales of products tailored for these sectors, including the AI Enterprise cloud platform designed for building and deploying AI applications. Huang emphasized collaborations with consulting firms like Accenture and Deloitte to scale AI solutions worldwide. Accenture has launched a new business unit with approximately 30,000 professionals trained in NVIDIA's AI technology, facilitating broader distribution of AI Enterprise. Additionally, Accenture reports a 25% to 35% reduction in manual processes within its marketing campaigns through AI application. #AI #TaiwanWant more analysis of major developments in AI, semiconductors, and cloud computing in Asia? Subscribe now to the Cognitive Asia newsletter--free of charge--at Substack https://lnkd.in/g4s6bqfi https://lnkd.in/geHkgus5

SoftBank invests another $1.5 billion in OpenAI SoftBank has invested $1.5 billion in OpenAI, increasing its stake in the company by purchasing shares from employees. This investment allows OpenAI staff to monetize their shares, highlighting the company's appeal following its recent $6.6 billion fundraising round and a valuation exceeding $150 billion. Since launching ChatGPT in late 2022, OpenAI has become a leading player in the technology sector, significantly raising awareness of generative AI and attracting substantial investments in AI infrastructure. ChatGPT now has 250 million weekly active users, along with 11 million Plus subscribers and 1 million paid enterprise users. The generative AI market is set to surpass $1 trillion in revenue over the next decade, with enterprise spending in this sector increasing by 500% this year. Recently, OpenAI enhanced ChatGPT with a new search feature, positioning it as a competitive alternative to traditional search engines like Google and Bing, potentially transforming the online search landscape. #AI #VietnamWant more analysis of major developments in AI, semiconductors, and cloud computing in Asia? Subscribe now to the Cognitive Asia newsletter--free of charge--at Substack https://lnkd.in/g4s6bqfi https://lnkd.in/g_zP7XPC

Next year's cybersecurity keyword is AI… 'This' will also rise The quantum-resistant cryptography (PQC) market is poised for significant growth next year, coinciding with an increase in AI-driven phishing attacks. A major cybersecurity outlook for 2025 has identified key challenges for companies, such as the shift from conceptual to practical PQC application, the rising importance of Chief Trust Officers, and a stronger focus on automation and agility. Compliance demands are driving this transition, especially ahead of upcoming announcements from the U.S. National Security Agency (NSA). As digital trust becomes a priority for corporate boards, the role of Chief Trust Officers is expected to become more critical. The industry is also moving toward shorter SSL/TLS certificate life cycles, prompting companies to adopt automated and agile encryption solutions. In response to the rise of deepfakes, the verification of digital content will evolve, enhancing media reliability through the introduction of content authentication icons. Following a global IT outage linked to CrowdStrike, businesses are likely to enhance their recovery resilience. The push for cybersecurity standards will align with the European Union's Cyber Resilience Act set for 2027. With the growing prevalence of AI-driven phishing schemes, attackers are expected to utilize AI tools for more personalized and scalable attacks. Key themes for next year include the adoption of private PKI standards and new protocols for managing and exchanging cryptographic asset information in response to escalating cybersecurity threats. #AI #SouthKoreaWant more analysis of major developments in AI, semiconductors, and cloud computing in Asia? Subscribe now to the Cognitive Asia newsletter--free of charge--at Substack https://lnkd.in/g4s6bqfi https://lnkd.in/gXtdk6Kc

SoftBank Group plans to bolster its investment in OpenAI by offering to acquire up to $1.5 billion in shares from the startup's employees, allowing them the option to sell. This follows SoftBank's earlier investment of $500 million in OpenAI's $6.6 billion fundraising round in October. Founder Masayoshi Son aims to increase investments in artificial intelligence as the company recovers from financial setbacks. OpenAI, valued at $157 billion during its last funding round, gained significant market presence with its ChatGPT product. The exact share acquisition amount remains uncertain, as employees may choose to retain their stock based on the company's future potential. The tender offer is expected to close this week, with no comments from either SoftBank or OpenAI outside of regular business hours. #AI #JapanWant more analysis of major developments in AI, semiconductors, and cloud computing in Asia? Subscribe now to the Cognitive Asia newsletter--free of charge--at Substack https://lnkd.in/g4s6bqfi https://lnkd.in/ge33ikJ2

Samsung Electronics 'New Product Requirements'... "Restore AI Semiconductor Competitiveness" Samsung Electronics has implemented a major executive reshuffle focused on its semiconductor operations as part of its 2025 strategy. Vice Chairman Jeon Young-hyun now leads both the Memory Division and Device Solutions Division, while Han Jin-man has been appointed head of the Foundry Division. This move aims to strengthen technological competitiveness in the high-bandwidth memory (HBM) sector, where Samsung currently lags behind rivals. Han Jin-man, drawing on his extensive experience within Samsung and in previous roles at Micron and startups, is expected to revitalize the foundry business, which faces significant challenges but also new opportunities. His leadership will focus on improving ties with major U.S. tech clients to enhance competitiveness against firms like TSMC. The creation of a Chief Technology Officer position in the Foundry Division further emphasizes Samsung's dedication to advancing semiconductor technology. Jeon Young-hyun will take on operational roles in the Memory Business Division in response to poor performance metrics from recent quarterly reports. Anticipated leadership changes may follow the reshuffle, yet the Device Experience Division seeks continuity, keeping leaders like Noh Tae-moon in place. Recent appointments in marketing and brand strategy reflect a renewed commitment to global brand presence and strategic oversight, showcasing Samsung’s efforts to adapt to a challenging market. #AI #SouthKoreaWant more analysis of major developments in AI, semiconductors, and cloud computing in Asia? Subscribe now to the Cognitive Asia newsletter--free of charge--at Substack https://lnkd.in/g4s6bqfi https://lnkd.in/ghYX54Mw

Trump's 2nd term: 'San Kyung Jang' to be restarted after 2 years… Financial support for semiconductor power grid The South Korean government is increasing financial support for its semiconductor and artificial intelligence (AI) sectors in response to uncertainties from former President Donald Trump's potential re-election and competition from countries like China. In the recent "Industrial Competitiveness Reinforcement Ministerial Meeting," officials unveiled strategies to strengthen the semiconductor ecosystem, marking the first such meeting in two years. Key initiatives include a major investment in underground transmission lines to bolster the Yongin semiconductor cluster, home to SK Hynix and Samsung Electronics. The government plans to cover more than half of the 1.8 trillion won cost for these crucial infrastructure upgrades, which will ensure sufficient power supply for the cluster. Additionally, plans for national strategic technology benefits for semiconductor R&D equipment and favorable tax policies for investments in these sectors are being introduced. The government anticipates allocating 14 trillion won in policy loans next year to support different segments of the semiconductor industry, including low-interest loans and increased funding for development. While enhancing internal labor regulations concerning R&D personnel, officials also plan the establishment of a National AI Computing Center by 2030. This initiative aims to create an innovation ecosystem and provide resources to AI service providers, with the next six months deemed crucial for navigating growing international competitive pressures. #Semiconductors #SouthKoreaWant more analysis of major developments in AI, semiconductors, and cloud computing in Asia? Subscribe now to the Cognitive Asia newsletter--free of charge--at Substack https://lnkd.in/g4s6bqfi https://lnkd.in/gTaFhRVn

Samsung Electronics has initiated a major leadership reshuffle within its Device Solutions division, altering the heads of its memory and foundry sectors. This strategic shift aims to address concerns regarding leadership in the global memory chip market and boost competitiveness in advanced chip manufacturing. Notably, the company retains its three vice chairmen, reflecting a desire for stability amid an impending court ruling related to Executive Chairman Lee Jae-yong's involvement in a 2015 merger case. Jun Young-hyun has been appointed co-CEO and head of the memory business, succeeding Lee Jung-bae to place the division under direct CEO oversight. Han Jin-man now leads the foundry business, taking over from Choi Si-young, with Nam Seok-woo stepping in as the new chief technology officer for the foundry. These changes aim to enhance execution capabilities in the memory division and improve morale in the struggling foundry sector. The reshuffle emphasizes high-bandwidth memory (HBM) technology, vital for artificial intelligence applications, where Samsung trails competitors like SK hynix. Analysts see Jun's leadership as a signal to prioritize HBM and address supply issues for major clients such as Nvidia. Han's strong connections, particularly with Nvidia's CEO, are expected to bolster relationships with key clients in the foundry sector, elevating Samsung's competitive edge. Despite the internal changes, Samsung is focused on maintaining stability at the executive level, aiming to navigate uncertainties leading up to a crucial court ruling on February 3 regarding alleged stock market manipulation related to the merger. While the company acknowledges the need for transformation, it simultaneously seeks stability during this critical period, indicating potential future adjustments based on evaluations of its leadership challenges in technology strategy. #Semiconductors #SouthKoreaWant more analysis of major developments in AI, semiconductors, and cloud computing in Asia? Subscribe now to the Cognitive Asia newsletter--free of charge--at Substack https://lnkd.in/g4s6bqfi https://lnkd.in/g6bMtq5S

South Korea is poised to bolster its semiconductor industry with a fiscal support plan allocating 14.3 trillion won (approximately US$10.3 billion) for 2024. This initiative aims to counter potential adverse policies from the incoming US administration under President-elect Donald Trump and increasing competition from Chinese firms. Support will include loans, insurances, and guarantees from state-affiliated organizations. The government will also finance a significant portion of the 1.8 trillion won needed to bury power cables in semiconductor clusters south of Seoul. This announcement follows a 26 trillion won aid package initiated in July, emphasizing the government’s commitment to strengthening this vital sector. Plans include raising the tax credit rate for semiconductor firms by 10 percentage points and establishing a national artificial intelligence computing center, projected to cost 4 trillion won by 2030. These measures come at a critical juncture as South Korea's semiconductor industry faces mounting pressures from US manufacturing initiatives and domestic production dependencies. The Ministry of Economy and Finance has raised concerns about rising economic uncertainties post-Trump's inauguration, although some US-South Korea collaborations remain positive. Additionally, Samsung Electronics is constructing a semiconductor factory in Texas, benefiting from subsidies related to the previous CHIPS Act, while challenges from China's competitive technology supply chains and protectionist policies loom. Technology exports, accounting for about one-third of South Korea's total shipments, may be significantly affected. #Semiconductors #TaiwanWant more analysis of major developments in AI, semiconductors, and cloud computing in Asia? Subscribe now to the Cognitive Asia newsletter--free of charge--at Substack https://lnkd.in/g4s6bqfi https://lnkd.in/ggD-W84W

Semiconductor Industry Association: "We welcome government's strengthened support for semiconductors...great help to companies" The Semiconductor Industry Association supports the government's new Measures to Strengthen Support for the Semiconductor Ecosystem, announced on the 27th. The association appreciates the proactive approach in addressing the sector's challenges and believes these measures will help companies navigate uncertainties and drive national economic growth, with the industry expecting its highest export performance this year. These initiatives build on a support plan established last June, offering fiscal, tax, financial, and infrastructure assistance tailored for the semiconductor sector. The association highlighted ongoing discussions focused on critical infrastructure needs, such as electricity and water supply, reinforcing the government's dedicated support. Key government plans include sharing costs for burying transmission lines for the Yongin-Pyeongtaek semiconductor cluster, estimated at KRW 1.8 trillion. Additionally, more than KRW 14 trillion will be allocated for policy financing across all semiconductor segments, including small and medium-sized enterprises. Enhanced tax incentives for corporate research, development, and facility investments, along with a new tariff quota for essential raw materials, will be implemented next year. #Semiconductors #SouthKoreaWant more analysis of major developments in AI, semiconductors, and cloud computing in Asia? Subscribe now to the Cognitive Asia newsletter--free of charge--at Substack https://lnkd.in/g4s6bqfi https://lnkd.in/ghw5vDwp