Erudite Asia

Is Huawei’s AI chip Ascend 910C comparable to H100? Guo Zhengliang’s 2-point warning: Huida is afraid of losing China’s market share Huawei's AI chip, the Ascend 910C, is reportedly undergoing large-scale testing and may deliver performance comparable to NVIDIA's H100. Former legislator Guo Zhengliang highlighted concerns that if Huawei successfully produces the chip while NVIDIA faces U.S. export restrictions, NVIDIA could lose market share in China. He noted that should NVIDIA not sell its H100 chips, China would likely pursue development of the Ascend 910C. Guo Zhengliang also mentioned analysis from SemiAnalysis suggesting that the Ascend 910C's performance might surpass NVIDIA's downgraded offerings and speculated that Huawei could produce 1.3 to 1.4 million units next year, albeit amid anticipated further U.S. controls. Guo criticized the U.S. perspective on global trade, asserting that it underestimates China's momentum in industrial development. #CloudComputing #Taiwan https://lnkd.in/gUg93Cys

US-China chip war: Japan dismantles latest Huawei phone and finds Chinese semiconductors "only three years behind TSMC" Research and development of semiconductors are central to the U.S.-China technology war. Five years after the U.S. export ban on Huawei, Japanese semiconductor research firm TechanaLye dismantled Huawei's latest mobile phone, the Pura 70 Pro, and found that China's semiconductors are only three years behind those of TSMC. The Kirin 9010 chip used in the Pura 70 Pro, manufactured by Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation (SMIC), shows performance close to TSMC's 5-nanometer Kirin 9000 chip from 2021. The Kirin 9010 chip measures 118.4 square millimeters compared to TSMC's 5-nanometer chip at 107.8 square millimeters, indicating performance similarities. While SMIC's yield rates do not match TSMC's, its advancements show significant progress. The Pura 70 Pro contains 37 chips, with 86% sourced from Chinese manufacturers. The article notes that the U.S. controls focus primarily on cutting-edge semiconductors, but China's ongoing acquisition of unregulated manufacturing equipment and expertise has facilitated its technological advancements, making it increasingly challenging for TSMC to maintain a lead over Chinese companies. #CloudComputing #Taiwan https://lnkd.in/gskTAbjE

The South Korean government plans to invest 30 trillion won (approximately US$22.6 billion) in artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and other advanced technologies over the next five years, as announced by the science ministry. The investment strategy was revealed during a meeting of the Presidential Advisory Council on Science & Technology. Additional advanced technologies included in the plan are rechargeable batteries, aerospace and ocean engineering, and next-generation communications. #AI #SouthKorea https://lnkd.in/gUsNM2wm

Join the Silicon Photonics Industry Alliance AUO: Accelerate the transformation of technological achievements Major manufacturers, including TSMC and ASE, are forming the SEMI Silicon Photonics Industry Alliance to establish a comprehensive ecosystem and technical standards for silicon photonics technology. AU Optronics has announced its participation in the alliance to share technological insights and accelerate the implementation of advancements. With the rising demand for high-speed data transmission driven by artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, AUO emphasizes Taiwan's competitive edge in semiconductors and electronics. The integration of optoelectronic technology with silicon photonics is expected to strengthen Taiwan's technological standing. Additionally, AUO is pursuing a dual-axis transformation strategy focusing on innovation in display technology and reinforcing its core competitiveness through three key operational pillars: "Mobility Solution," "Vertical Solution," and "Display Technology," aimed at mitigating the business cycle's impact on the panel industry. #Semiconductors #Taiwan https://lnkd.in/gZWiVhCs

HCLTech shares rose to 1,722.70, up 0.10 percent on the BSE, following the announcement of an extended partnership with Xerox on August 26, 2024. The collaboration focuses on AI and digital engineering aimed at supporting Xerox's reinvention initiative for long-term growth and efficiency. HCLTech will leverage its GenAI platform, HCLTech AI Force, alongside its automation and engineering services to aid Xerox's digital transformation efforts. The partnership, which dates back to 2009, has resulted in 215 US patents and the establishment of joint R&D labs, with HCLTech utilizing its global delivery network to support Xerox's initiatives. #AI #India https://lnkd.in/g4MbSsN6

Nvidia Corp. announced plans to support the development of generative artificial intelligence using Japanese language data. The company will extend its AI development services for enterprises to include large language models trained by the Tokyo Institute of Technology and Rakuten Group Inc. This initiative aims to bolster Japan's national economic security by protecting critical infrastructure and enhancing industrial competitiveness without relying on foreign data or resources. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang emphasized the importance of Japan developing its own generative AI to prevent external entities from misappropriating its data. Nvidia's service will provide the necessary tools for creating generative AI applications, with collaborations involving the Tokyo Institute of Technology and Rakuten utilizing models from Meta Platforms Inc. and Mistral AI, respectively. #AI #Japan https://lnkd.in/grdAnpQC

National Assembly and Seoul National University join forces to achieve "AI leading nation"···'Korea AI Forum' launched Seoul National University and 37 lawmakers from both ruling and opposition parties have launched the 'Korea AI Forum' to position South Korea as a leader in artificial intelligence. The inaugural meeting took place on August 26, featuring co-chairs from both major parties and a diverse group of attendees. The forum's structure includes three divisions focused on core technology, industry promotion, and legal governance. Key goals include fostering a national AI ecosystem, promoting cooperation between various sectors, and establishing policies that balance technological advancement with regulation. Leaders at the event underscored the importance of AI in shaping national competitiveness and security, highlighting the need for substantial investment in AI infrastructure and a cohesive strategy for growth in the coming years. #AI #SouthKorea https://lnkd.in/gED-BbDG

"Evolving into a SaaS company" Enkiwhitehat launches 'Open PTaaS', a service-type red team platform EnkiWhiteHat is transitioning into a software-as-a-service (SaaS) company by introducing a new service called 'Open PTaaS', which is a subscription-based penetration testing platform utilizing offensive security expertise developed over eight years. This service aims to identify and rectify security vulnerabilities through simulated hacking, thereby facilitating communication between clients and white hat hackers. The company emphasizes a shift from a consulting-centric model to generating recurring revenue from its SaaS offerings. EnkiWhiteHat has also launched a product brand named 'OFFen', which includes three service types focused on security vulnerability management. Currently employing a technical workforce comprised of 80% specialists, including many white hat hackers, the company aims to enhance corporate security teams' capabilities and compliance with zero-trust practices. EnkiWhiteHat plans to expand its services globally, targeting markets such as Vietnam and Singapore, while also introducing additional services like Offen ASM for attack surface management and vulnerability identification, and a cyber defense training center. #CloudComputing #SouthKorea https://lnkd.in/gGrgRKhj

Exploiting loopholes in the ban? Chinese companies take a detour to obtain AI computing power Chinese companies are reportedly exploiting a legal loophole in U.S. chip sanctions by using an intermediary, Derek Aw, who has created an anonymous platform utilizing cryptocurrency for decentralized GPU services. This allows them to acquire overseas computing power for AI, specifically using advanced Huida chips, despite U.S. export controls. Aw has facilitated the installation of over 300 servers in Brisbane, which are fulfilling AI computing needs for Beijing companies. Transactions are conducted anonymously through blockchain technology, with Chinese firms often routing payments through subsidiaries in locations like Singapore. As U.S. firms impose strict "know your customer" (KYC) policies, some Chinese startups are turning to decentralized GPU services, despite potential security risks, to access necessary computing power. #AI #Taiwan https://lnkd.in/dvuey8wi

Ten billion investment in AI new digital development department to accept applications next year The Ministry of Digital Development in Taiwan has announced a "Strengthening Investment in AI New Innovation Implementation Plan" with a budget of NT$10 billion aimed at accelerating the country's digital economy. The investment will focus on generative AI and discriminative AI over a period of 10 years, with applications expected to be accepted next year. Digital Development Minister Huang Yannan highlighted that the first seven years will be for investment, while the last three will focus on asset disposal. The plan, approved by the National Development Fund Management Council, will involve joint investments between the National Development Fund and venture capital at a principal ratio of 1:1, potentially increased to 2:1 under certain policy conditions. It will target domestic AI startups, with opportunities for overseas projects after approval. The Ministry aims to enhance the AI industry through improvements in computing power, data, talent, and funding, while also bolstering digital resilience through a satellite emergency response network. Additionally, the Ministry is revising information security regulations to strengthen legislative measures and encourage private sector participation. #AI #Taiwan https://lnkd.in/d2SfCQEX