semiconductor 結果共158筆

The Ministry of Labor in Taiwan has reported an increase of 359 employees on unpaid leave since December 18, bringing the total to 9,935. The rise is primarily attributed to the manufacturing sector, which has been affected by a decline in orders. Notably, a sports equipment manufacturing company saw a significant increase of around 170 unpaid leave cases, while the Hsinchu Science Park, known for its semiconductor component manufacturers, reported about 50 workers on unpaid leave. A total of 382 businesses have reduced working hours, impacting 9,935 workers. In the Hsinchu Science Park alone, a semiconductor component manufacturer with a staff of over 600 has implemented reduced shifts for 50 workers. Other industries, such as support services, wholesale, and retail, have experienced relatively minor changes during this period.

Taiwan Color Optics subsidiary SemiLux International Holdings is preparing for a NASDAQ listing in January 2024. The company, valued at $380 million, is set to make a significant impact in the realm of semiconductor technology, AI chip design, and autonomous driving solutions.

Kuomintang’s vice presidential candidate, Jaw Shaw-kong, proposes that AI should be considered Taiwan’s next ＂guardian mountain god＂ in a bid to position Taiwan as a leader in artificial intelligence. He advocates for the creation of an ＂AI Minister＂ position within various ministries, including the Ministry of National Defense and the Executive Yuan. Jaw questions the government’s plans for AI legislation and calls for a foundational AI law to address future challenges. He highlights the rapid advancements in AI technology and their ethical implications, praising the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company for its contributions. Jaw emphasizes the importance of supporting academic research and corporate AI initiatives, arguing that integrating AI technologies could enhance military efficiency, a crucial consideration given Taiwan’s limited armed forces personnel.

TSMC chairman Mark Liu’s upcoming retirement in 2024 has led investment experts to suggest that the semiconductor giant should slow down the progress of its new manufacturing facility in the United States. Industry analyst Jonah Cheng believes that TSMC’s policy direction will remain unchanged under the leadership of chief executive C.C. Wei, who is expected to succeed Liu as chairman. Cheng also proposes maintaining a dual leadership structure to cultivate successors from various backgrounds. Speculation suggests that Liu’s retirement may be linked to potential investment challenges in the company’s U.S. expansion. In response to these challenges, Cheng recommends a deceleration in the construction of TSMC’s second U.S. plant. He also highlights the need to assess the current downturn in the car market and economic outlook before proceeding with the German plant focused on automotive applications. Cheng suggests that the Japanese facility could be an optimal choice due to labor and power shortages in Taiwan, as well as cultural similarities and strong government support from Japan. TSMC’s primary obstacle, according to Cheng, is maintaining its leadership position in the semiconductor industry, especially after surpassing Intel. Additionally, the cyclical nature of the industry and the potential opportunities presented by the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) applications pose further challenges for the company.

The Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) has announced that its current CEO, C.C. Wei, is set to be nominated as the next chairman in the June 2024 board election. This comes after the current chairman, Mark Liu, revealed that he will not seek re-nomination and plans to retire after next year’s shareholder meeting. Liu, who joined TSMC in 1993, became chairman in June 2018 following the retirement of company founder Morris Chang. He expressed his desire to continue making a difference in the semiconductor industry using his decades of experience while also spending more time with his family. Despite varied opinions on Liu’s retirement, there is a consensus that TSMC’s stable corporate governance is unlikely to be affected in terms of operations and stock performance.

Mark Liu, Chairman of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), will step down after the next shareholders’ meeting. C.C. Wei, currently the vice chairman, has been recommended to succeed Liu as the new chairman. Liu, who took over in 2018, focused on solidifying corporate governance and competitiveness during his tenure. He plans to continue contributing his semiconductor expertise in different capacities after retirement. Liu expresses gratitude for his collaboration with TSMC and intends to spend more time with his family. He remains confident in TSMC’s future performance and is committed to bolstering corporate governance until his term’s end.

Explore how Taiwan’s impending Memorandum of Understanding with India aims to address labor shortages by fostering an exchange of skilled professionals, enhancing the high-tech workforce, and promoting cultural integration.

Taiwan stock market opens the week with a slight decline as TAIEX falls by 36.01 points to 17,637.86 on Monday (Dec. 18). Shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) drop by NT$6 to NT$579 upon market opening. Traditional industrial stocks, particularly the steel sector, show resilience with Hsin Kuang Steel and Sheng Yu Steel Co., Ltd seeing shares rise over 2% in early trading. China Steel Corporation’s shares climb more than 1.8%, opening at NT$26.95. Analysts highlight the importance of the incoming U.S. November Core Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) Price Index, a key inflation indicator for the Fed, and the impact of recent ETF rebalancing with stock replacements on individual stocks.

TSMC, the Taiwanese semiconductor manufacturing company, announced progress in the development of its 1.4nm-class technology node, A14, during the IEEE International Electron Devices Meeting. The company plans to begin volume production of its 2nm process chips, N2, in 2025, with the N2P process expected to reach mass production by the end of 2026. Market analysts predict that TSMC’s A14 process could debut between 2027 and 2028. While TSMC is also developing cutting-edge technologies like CFETs to boost chip performance and energy efficiency, the initial A14 process is expected to use GAAFETs technology. The use of High-NA EUV lithography technology in TSMC’s future processes, including the A14 process, remains unconfirmed. Other industry players like Intel are also adopting next-generation EUV technology with a numerical aperture of 0.55.

Chairman Mitsuo Ohashi of the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association visited the Kaohsiung City government to discuss enhancing industry, education, and tourism cooperation exchanges with Mayor Chen Chi-Mai. Ohashi emphasized the significance of Kaohsiung in Japan’s relations with Taiwan. Mayor Chen expressed enthusiasm for deeper interactions between Taiwan and Japan, highlighting the crucial role of Taiwan’s semiconductor industry in global supply chain security. He cited the collaboration between Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) in Kaohsiung and Kumamoto, Japan, as an example of potential economic cooperation. Chen described the Taiwan-Japan relationship as a deepening bond, referencing their long-standing friendship and mutual support during crises. Ohashi, who visited Kaohsiung 40 years ago and has maintained connections with past Mayor Chen Chu and Taiwan’s representative to Japan, Frank Hsieh, expressed admiration for Kaohsiung’s recent development. He believes that Japan-Kaohsiung cooperation should extend to the private enterprise level and is hopeful for the future of Japanese-Taiwanese relations. Ohashi frequently speaks at the annual National Day reception at the Taiwan Economic and Cultural Representative Office in Japan, advocating for promoting friendly Japan-Taiwan relations as an example for the international community.

Chinese companies are increasingly establishing supply chains in Vietnam as U.S. companies like Apple move production there, according to Japanese media reports. Export restrictions on advanced semiconductors and semiconductor production equipment to China by the Biden Administration have led to difficulties for Chinese manufacturers, prompting a shift in investment towards alternative manufacturing bases like Vietnam. Approved foreign direct investment in Vietnam increased by 15% from January to November 2023, with Chinese investment, including from Hong Kong and Macao, doubling from the previous year. Chinese investment in Vietnam is even higher when routed through subsidiaries based in Singapore and Thailand. Notable investments include Shandong Haohua Tire Co. Ltd.’s US$500 million investment and Trina Solar Co., Ltd.’s US$420 million decision. BYD Company also announced an expansion investment of US$144 million, bringing its total investment in Vietnam to over US$400 million. Japanese experts believe that Chinese enterprises must engage in joint advancements in cutting-edge technology with local entities to be seen as partners by the Vietnamese.

DPP vice-presidential candidate Hsiao Bi-khim visited the TSMC Museum of Innovation and stated that Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC) would remain based in Taiwan while expanding into trusted partner countries. Concerns about brain drain and technology outflow have arisen as TSMC expands globally. Hsiao emphasized that the first ＂T＂ in TSMC stands for Taiwan and highlighted the importance of strategic placement in partner countries. Drawing on her experience in the United States, Hsiao mentioned her efforts to prevent double taxation agreements, which benefit Taiwan’s talent and industries. Her visit and comments coincide with TSMC’s international strategies being closely scrutinized as it seeks to maintain its competitive edge in a complex geopolitical landscape.

Taiwan’s stock market opened strong on Tuesday, reaching a new high for the year of 17,528 points, surpassing the 17,500 mark. This increase came after a rise in U.S. stocks on Monday. The Taiwan Stock Exchange Weighted Index (TAIEX) climbed by 78.65 points to 17,496.99 points, with a trading volume of NT$36.387 billion as of 9:06 a.m. Leading the gainers in early trading were Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC), Largan Precision, and Foxconn. This week, as the market enters a central bank super week, banks in the U.S. and Europe are expected to announce their final rate decisions for the year. Taiwan’s Financial Supervisory Commission (FSC) chairman Huang Tien-mu expressed the government’s commitment to stabilizing the capital market and highlighted the resilience of Taiwan’s stock market. Huang assured that the FSC is prepared to manage the impact of the Federal Reserve’s decisions on the market.

Taiwan’s Minister of Economic Affairs, Wang Mei-hua, has confirmed that discussions will soon take place with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) regarding the inauguration date for its Kumamoto fab. The progress of TSMC’s Kumamoto fab is said to be outpacing other global expansion efforts. Wang expressed gratitude for the support provided by Japan’s central and local government authorities in establishing the plant. Equipment installation is already underway at TSMC’s Kumamoto site, with trial production set to begin in April 2024. The opening ceremony may be scheduled as early as February 24. Wang emphasized the importance of reinforcing cooperation between Taiwan and Japan, particularly in the semiconductor supply chain, and encouraged mutual investment to foster closer bilateral relations.

Western Digital Corporation (WD) has announced that it will increase prices in response to the recent price hikes in the memory chip industry. Following Samsung’s 20% price increase, WD has informed its downstream channels and contract manufacturers that hard drive products will be subject to weekly price reviews, with adjustments expected to begin in the first half of next year. The company has projected that the cumulative increase in NAND Flash prices could reach up to 55%. These price increases align with the World Semiconductor Trade Statistics (WSTS) organization’s projection of a 44.8% revenue growth in the memory market for the coming year. Market research firm Gartner has estimated an even more significant surge, predicting a 66.3% increase in memory market revenue. While this suggests a strong demand for memory products, it also indicates rising costs for manufacturers and potentially higher prices for consumers in the technology sector.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) and the Arizona Building and Construction Trades Council (AZBTC) have reached an agreement to resolve a labor dispute at TSMC’s Phoenix semiconductor manufacturing facility. The collaboration includes employee training programs and a commitment to transparency on workplace safety issues. This agreement is seen as a critical step for TSMC, which is expected to benefit from the US$100 billion in subsidies provided by the U.S. Chips Act. TSMC has agreed to prioritize local hiring but can employ foreign workers with ＂specialist experience＂ if needed. TSMC’s investment in Arizona amounts to US$40 billion, with construction starting in 2021. Mass production is now scheduled to begin in the first half of 2025. This resolution not only facilitates smoother progress in the construction of TSMC’s plant but also highlights the company’s role in increasing semiconductor production capabilities in the United States.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC) and the Arizona Building and Construction Trades Council (AZBTC) have reached a collaboration agreement to resolve labor disputes and enhance the development of TSMC’s semiconductor manufacturing facility in Phoenix. The deal includes increased workforce training, improved safety transparency, and the formation of a quarterly committee to ensure implementation. TSMC has committed a US＄40 billion investment in its Arizona production site and aims to hire locally while also employing foreign workers with specialized experience. The agreement has been hailed as a victory for Arizona workers and the construction timeline of TSMC Arizona. To address the labor shortage, TSMC has invested US＄15 million in the Arizona Pipe Trades to expand apprenticeship training and establish a semiconductor manufacturing school.

Taipei stock market remains steady around 17,360 points following a downturn in the US stock market. TSMC, the leading semiconductor foundry service provider, sees a rise of NT$3 to reach NT$573. Other semiconductor companies like UMC, PSMC, and VIS also experience modest gains. Additionally, electronic stocks like MediaTek show strength with a 1.4% increase to NT$940. Cable stocks outperform, while other sectors show slight fluctuations.

Taiwan aims to leverage its information and communication technology (ICT) and semiconductor industries to gain a competitive advantage in international markets. The Ministry of Economic Affairs Minister, Wang Mei-hua, witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Taiwan Association of Information and Communication Standards (TAICS) and the 5G Alliance for Connected Industries and Automation (5G-ACIA), signaling a new era of cooperation. With the global smart manufacturing market projected to reach US$140 billion by 2030, Wang believes Taiwan is well-positioned to integrate 5G into smart factories due to its existing experience and infrastructure. Taiwan aims to align its 5G application standards with global benchmarks and contribute its knowledge to international organizations. The Ministry of Economic Affairs is supporting the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) in developing new technologies and collaborating with Taiwanese companies to establish a voice within the global 5G community through 5G-ACIA. This strategic partnership is expected to position Taiwan as a leader in next-generation industrial technology and solidify its role in the information and communication technology sector on the global stage.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) may face obstacles in establishing a factory in Germany due to a shift in German subsidies. Minister of Economic Affairs Wang Mei-hua has confirmed that the German government is actively addressing the budget issues involved. The recent ruling by Germany’s Federal Constitutional Court, which deemed the diversion of pandemic funds for the ＂Climate and Transformation Fund＂ unconstitutional, has raised concerns about the fulfillment of financial promises to TSMC and other tech giants like Intel Corporation. If Germany decreases its subsidies, TSMC may need to renegotiate or even abandon its plans for the factory. The Taiwanese government is closely monitoring the situation and is prepared to provide support if necessary. This investment dispute has significant implications for the global supply chains and the semiconductor industry, as TSMC’s advanced semiconductors are in high demand worldwide.

Taiwan’s Ministry of Labor has denied rumors of plans to introduce 100,000 Indian workers by the end of the year. Labor Minister Hsu Ming-chun clarified that the consideration of India as a new source of migrant labor is aimed at addressing domestic industry shortages and reducing reliance on traditional labor markets. Hsu emphasized that this approach has gained consensus among various sectors of society. Discussions are ongoing for the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with India, but no date has been determined yet. The number of workers to be recruited from India will be decided after evaluating the current condition and statistics of industries already permitted to employ foreign labor. The process will involve fixed quotas and a cautious, gradual opening. The primary aim of the plan is to diversify the countries from which Taiwan sources its labor force, with no specific issue concerning the number of workers from India. India would need to establish a talent database and provide language and skill training for potential migrant workers to meet the requirements. Taiwan is looking to expand its labor force to meet growing demand in key industries and maintain its competitive edge in the global market.

The Minister of Economic Affairs, Wang Mei-hua, stated that the release of the list of key national technologies will not impact businesses as they have been consulted beforehand. The focus is on enhancing the protection of critical technologies. The National Science and Technology Council revealed a list of 22 core national key technologies across defense, agriculture, semiconductors, space, and cyber-security, including two semiconductor technologies. Personnel involved with key technologies receiving over 50% subsidies from the government must seek permission before traveling to China, as per the National Security Act and the Act Governing Relations between the People of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area. The two semiconductor technologies listed are IC fabrication technology for processes smaller than 14 nanometers and heterogeneous integration packaging technology. Wang emphasized the importance of protecting key technologies to prevent confidential business information leakage and enhance national security standards. The next steps involve reviewing and providing lists of personnel meeting certain subsidy thresholds and involved with sensitive technologies to relevant entities for management purposes.

Nvidia’s President, Jensen Huang, stated at the New York Times’ DealBook Summit that achieving U.S. independence in the chip supply chain and reducing reliance on overseas manufacturing could take 10 to 20 years. President Joe Biden’s administration has imposed a ban on chip exports to China, citing national security concerns and the need to maintain the U.S.’s lead in the semiconductor industry. Nvidia, among other companies, is impacted by these export control measures, leading to concerns about negative impacts on the company’s revenue. However, Huang revealed that Nvidia is developing chips compliant with U.S. regulations for the Chinese market and plans to re-enter once they are ready. He also warned that the export ban could accelerate China’s domestic chip development, with numerous Chinese companies already working on competing technologies. Huang emphasized that Nvidia is already a decade ahead in artificial intelligence technology and that AI and deep learning innovation involve more than just designing new chips.

The World Semiconductor Trade Statistics (WSTS) predicts a 13.1% surge in global semiconductor revenue for 2024, reaching US$588.364 billion. Memory products are expected to be the main driver, with a projected revenue jump of 44.8%. In contrast, current-year revenues are estimated to decline by 9.4% to approximately US$520.126 billion. WSTS has revised its current-year revenue predictions due to better-than-expected performances in certain end markets. Discrete semiconductors are projected to grow by 5.8% in 2023, while optoelectronic products, sensors, and integrated circuits are anticipated to experience declines of 3%, 10.9%, and 8.9% respectively. Europe is the only market expected to expand, with a growth rate of 5.9%, while the American market is predicted to decline by 6.1%, Japan by 2%, and the Asia-Pacific region by 14.4%. In 2024, growth is anticipated across all major markets and semiconductor product categories, including memory, discrete semiconductors, optoelectronics, and sensors. Europe is predicted to grow by 4.3%, Japan by 4.4%, the American market by 22.3%, and the Asia-Pacific region by 12%.

Taiwanese companies have raised fixed monthly salaries in an attempt to address labor shortages, but the annual salary increase rate has declined to 2.5% from last year’s 3.1%. Despite this, the average annual salary in Taiwan reached a new eight-year high at NT$694,000 in 2023. The semiconductor industry remains the highest-paying sector for the eighth consecutive year, surpassing NT$1 million in average salary. Following the semiconductor industry, the computer and consumer electronics manufacturing, electronic components manufacturing, telecommunications and communication services, and software and internet industries are the next highest-paying sectors. In terms of engineering roles, IC design engineers earn the highest yearly earnings, while auditors, computer systems analysts, and network security analysts lead non-engineering jobs. Year-end bonuses in 2023 decreased to an average of 1.08 months’ worth of salary, the lowest in a decade. Financial institutions are expected to provide the highest average year-end bonuses, followed by the semiconductor and construction industries. Looking ahead to 2024, civil servants, educators, and military personnel will receive a 4% pay increase, while private companies anticipate an average increase of 3.2% in salaries, with the accommodation and food services industry having the highest proportion of enterprises raising pay.