China’s push for semiconductor independence has been growing since 2014, as the country seeks to make strides in this critical field. At the heart of this effort is SMIC (Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation), China’s leading semiconductor manufacturer, which faces stiff competition from ASML, that dominates the global market for photolithography equipment currently. In an effort to close this technological gap, the Chinese government is investing heavily in key companies like SMIC, Hua Hong Semiconductor, Naura Technology Group, and Advanced Micro-Fabrication Equipment. The aim is clear: to develop a domestic alternative to ASML’s lithography systems and ensure a resilient semiconductor supply chain. China’s $41 billion investment is a clear indication of its intent to disrupt the established order of the semiconductor industry. While its efforts may not immediately challenge ASML’s state-of-the-art technology, the scale of China’s push underscores the strategic importance of semiconductor self-sufficiency in today’s global economy. As Western nations continue to restrict China’s access to the most advanced chipmaking technologies, the race for technological self-reliance is only set to intensify. If China’s investments succeed, they could reshape the semiconductor industry and have profound impacts on global supply chains and international relations. The big question remains: Can China catch up and bridge the technological gap in time to compete with the world’s most advanced chipmakers? Or will the technological divide continue to widen? Regardless of the outcome, it’s clear that the semiconductor race is far from over.

Senior foreign officials and major tech companies are pushing the Trump administration to rethink the country’s global semiconductor strategy, as the US prepares a controversial framework for controlling AI development worldwide.  The so-called AI diffusion rule restricts the number of AI processors that can be exported to others, prompting an outcry from tech giants like Nvidia after Biden officials unveiled it during their last week in office. US allies such as Israel and Poland have chafed at the rules, worrying it will threaten their supply of the precious chips or make their countries less attractive for AI investment.  The deadline for compliance arrives in less than two months. Administration officials are nowhere near a consensus on how to proceed. If Trump officials choose to maintain the framework as written, it could reshape digital infrastructure plans in regions key to the US-China competition, and pose particular challenges for companies like Oracle that are expanding aggressively in foreign markets. It also could turn access to US hardware into a geopolitical bargaining chip, in one of the most significant examples of American technological statecraft in the AI age.  Key Trump officials have indicated they want to streamline and strengthen the rule, what that means in practice remains in flux. Some officials, for example, have floated the idea of scrapping the 3 tiers and associated compute caps — but sticking with the baseline requirement of export licenses for most of the world, builds on previous limits for China and some 40 other countries. Some want narrower changes like requiring licenses for smaller shipment sizes instead of the framework’s current standard of government notification

The Vietnamese government has just approved the construction of the country's 1st-ever wafer fabrication plant. It's an ambitious project with a total investment of ~$500M, and construction is expected to be completed by 2030. Vietnam also aims to become one of the world's leading semiconductor nations between 2040 and 2050. TrendForce reports that the facility will focus on producing specialized ICs for high-tech applications like AI, defense tech, and more. It has some serious financial backing with the local government pledging to cover up to 30% of the cost, plus tax incentives.  --  Phase 1 calls for establishing at least 100 chip design companies, one manufacturing plant, and 10 packaging/testing facilities by 2030. --  Phase 2 will expand that footprint massively to 200 design firms, two fabs, and 15 packaging/testing sites in the 2030-2040 timeframe. --  Phase 3 aims to increase these numbers to 300 design houses, three manufacturing plants, 20 packaging/testing facilities, and achieve revenue targets exceeding $100 billion annually by 2050.  Vietnam appears intent on an accelerated approach, reportedly aiming to leverage foreign investment and partnerships with domestic tech companies like Viettel. It will use these to rapidly scale up its semiconductor capabilities across the entire supply chain. The country already hosts nearly 175 foreign semiconductor projects, collectively worth almost $12 billion, even as they are primarily focused on the packaging and testing segments.

Sheryl Sandberg, the legendary COO in charge of Meta, Satya Nadella - CEO of Microsoft, Mitt Romney, US Presidential Candidate, and John Legend, the Grammy award-winning musician. They all share one particular thing in common with other highly successful people: They all worked for one of these three consulting firms: McKinsey, BCG or Bain. But what few know is that these consulting firms are NOT creating positive value for our society or the economy. Some of the "sinister methods" associated with McKinsey, BCG, and Bain & Co,:

1. Data Manipulation - Consulting firms often manipulate data to present findings that favor their clients’ interests, sometimes overlooking critical facts. e.g. McKinsey's work with Purdue Pharma involved providing strategies that downplayed the risks of OxyContin, contributing to the opioid crisis.

2. Conflicts of Interest - These firms frequently work with both companies and regulators, leading to potential conflicts of interest.

e.g., McKinsey advised both the U.S. government and pharmaceutical companies, raising questions about the integrity of their recommendations.

3. Secrecy and Lack of Transparency - The consulting process is often opaque, making it difficult for stakeholders to understand the basis of recommendations.  e.g., BCG’s work with various governments on sensitive matters often lacks public disclosure, limiting accountability.

4. Aggressive Cost-Cutting Strategies e.g., Consulting firms recommend drastic cost reductions that lead to layoffs and reduced quality of services. e.g., Bain’s strategies for companies like Sears led to significant job cuts and a decline in service quality, contributing to the company's eventual bankruptcy.

5. Creating Dependency - Firms design solutions that require ongoing consulting services, fostering a dependency on their expertise. e.g., BCG’s long-term engagements with clients often result in companies relying on them for strategic direction rather than developing internal capabilities.

6. Exploiting Regulatory Gaps - Consulting firms sometimes exploit regulatory loopholes to benefit their clients at the expense of broader societal interests. e.g., McKinsey’s role in advising companies on tax avoidance strategies has drawn criticism for undermining public finances.

7. Crisis Management and Reputation Laundering - Firms are hired to manage crises, often helping companies to restore their reputations without addressing underlying issues. e.g., After the fallout from the opioid crisis, McKinsey was involved in helping Purdue Pharma rebrand and mitigate reputational damage.

8. Influencing Policy - Consulting firms often engage in lobbying and influencing policy decisions that align with their clients’ interests.

e.g., BCG has been involved in advising governments on healthcare policies that favor pharmaceutical companies, raising ethical concerns.

9. Brain Drain - Talented professionals leave critical sectors to join consulting firms, leading to a loss of expertise in vital areas.

e.g., Many skilled individuals from public health and education sectors have joined consulting firms, impacting innovation and solutions in those fields.

10. Excessive Focus on Short-Term Gains - Consulting strategies often prioritize immediate financial returns over long-term sustainability. e.g., Bain's influence on companies like Toys "R" Us focused on short-term profitability, which contributed to its eventual downfall  -- The methods employed by McKinsey, BCG, and Bain & Co raise significant ethical concerns and have real-world implications that can affect industries, economies, and communities. These firms' influence on corporate and public policy underscores the need for greater transparency and accountability in their practices.

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang is reportedly working to make sure the chip maker has a secure foundation in case the demand driven by artificial intelligence (AI) systems slows down. The AI boom has made Nvidia a multitrillion-dollar company and Huang the world’s 15th-wealthiest person. At the same time, Huang is aware that tech infrastructure companies’ products can become commodities and that there is a history of the industry experiencing booms and busts, according to the report.Nvidia is already seeing competitors try to undercut its price, customers try to build their own chips, tariffs cause complications and national security concerns threaten sales to China.. In addition, the recent debut of an AI model from DeepSeek  that claimed to be as powerful as its competitors while costing much less, led to concerns that the AI boom has peaked. After the debut of that model, Nvidia experienced the biggest single-day drop in market ever seen by a company: almost $600 B. With Nvidia’s annual conference set to be held next week, it is expected that Huang will highlight the company’s wide-ranging efforts to find “the next frontier in AI,” according to the report. The company aims to build not only chips but also software that will deliver benefits in a variety of industries and encourage other companies to continue making large investments in AI. The Bloomberg report came after a Feb. 26 earnings call in which Huang said that sales of the company’s most advanced chip architecture hit a record in Q4 2024 and that these results were a harbinger of even more demand ahead because the AI era has just begun. 

Silicon Valley is bullish on AI agents. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said agents will “join the workforce” this year. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella predicted that agents will replace certain knowledge work. Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff said that Salesforce’s goal is to be “the number one provider of digital labor in the world” via the company’s various “agentic” services. But no one can seem to agree on what an AI agent is, exactly. In the last few years, the tech industry has boldly proclaimed that AI “agents” — the latest buzzword — are going to change everything. In the same way that AI chatbots like OpenAI’s ChatGPT gave us new ways to surface information, agents will fundamentally change how we approach work, claim CEOs like Altman and Nadella. “Without a standardized definition, at least within an organization, it becomes challenging to benchmark performance and ensure consistent outcomes,” Rowan said. “This can result in varied interpretations of what AI agents should deliver, potentially complicating project goals and results. Ultimately, while the flexibility can drive creative solutions, a more standardized understanding would help enterprises better navigate the AI agent landscape and maximize their investments.”  Unfortunately, if the unraveling of the term “AI” is any indication, it seems unlikely the industry will coalesce around one definition of “agent” anytime soon — if ever.

As US President Donald Trump escalates a trade war with the European Union – most recently by threatening a 200% tariff on wine and champagne – Europeans are taking matters into their own hands by starting a Boycott of US goods  --- “Tired of financing American imperialism? Take action,” reads the description of a Facebook group started in France that encourages members to support the French and EU economies by refusing to buy products made in the United States. The Boycott USA: Buy French and European! group was created on February 28 and has already amassed more than 20,000 followers sharing tips on how to replace popular US brands such as McDonalds, Levi’s and WhatsApp with local equivalents. Across northern Europe, similar grassroots movements are popping up.

European consumers are already likely to face price hikes due to tariffs worth $28 billion announced by the EU in response to US tariffs of 25 percent on steel and aluminium imports, which came into effect on Wednesday. EU Commission Chief Ursula von der Leyen said that the EU “deeply regretted” implementing the tariffs as “they are bad for business, and even worse for consumers”. Matching US tariffs – as Canada and China have done – “might be the only way to bring the US to a negotiating table” when dealing with a leader like Trump, who favours an aggressive, impromptu approach over the rule-based multilateral trading system that usually informs trade practices. In response to the EU tariffs, the US president pledged on Thursday to introduce a 200% tariff on wine and alcoholic drinks if the EU did not lift its tariff on US whisky. “Even more reason to boycott things made in the USA,” wrote one French boycotter. For many, rejecting US products is a way to show opposition to Trump’s politics, rather than to the U.S. itself. “I travel to the Unites States one or two times a year, and I’ve cancelled my trips in May and October,” wrote another. “I’ll go back in a few years. This year I’m planning to go to Canada.”

Trump declared a bold move of a 25% tariff on all imported automobiles and light trucks, set to take effect on April 2nd. The stated aim? To revitalize domestic manufacturing and steer car production back to US soil. "This will continue to spur growth like you haven't seen before," Trump asserted, painting a picture of economic prosperity fueled by these tariffs. He also floated the idea of a tax deduction for auto loan interest, a perk reserved solely for those purchasing American-made vehicles, a move that would largely benefit wealthier Americans.  The financial implications were a point of contention. Trump optimistically projected a revenue windfall of $600 billion to $1 trillion, earmarked for reducing the national debt. His staff, however, offered a more tempered estimate, predicting around $100 billion.  While the administration argued that these measures would ultimately bolster American manufacturing, the immediate impact on consumers was clear: higher prices, potential financial strain, and the looming threat of escalating trade tensions. The narrative became one of a trade gamble, with the American consumer bearing a significant portion of the risk.  The impact wouldn't be limited to individual consumers. A ripple effect was anticipated, with potentially reduced car sales and a drag on overall economic growth. Furthermore, the proposed tax deduction for auto loan interest, intended to sweeten the deal for buying American, was seen as largely benefiting high-income earners, leaving low- and middle-income families with little relief. 

Scientists from the Department of Materials Science and Engineering in the NUS College of Design and Engineering have developed a state-of-the-art 3D printing technique - CHARM3D - which enables the fabrication of high-performance, self-healing 3D electronic circuits for healthcare, communications, and security applications.  This innovation directly addresses the limitations of traditional 3D circuit manufacturing, particularly Direct Ink Writing (DIW), by employing Field's metal, an eutectic alloy, instead of conventional composite inks.  The core problem solved is the inefficient, slow, and limited capability of DIW, which suffers from low conductivity, the need for support materials, and viscous inks. CHARM3D, leveraging Field's metal's low melting point and high conductivity, enables the creation of free-standing, complex 3D metallic structures without support materials or external pressure. This results in a significantly faster printing process (up to 100 mm/s), higher resolution, and the elimination of post-treatment steps.  -- The team effectively applied TRIZ principles by identifying and resolving contradictions present in the existing technology. They overcame the physical contradiction of needing both support and no support during printing, and the contradiction of needing high and low viscosity in the printing material. They utilized Fields' metal, which melts at a low temp, allowing for rapid solidification and eliminating the need for support, thereby resolving the contradictions.

The resulting 3D circuits exhibit self-healing capabilities and structural retention, opening up a wide range of applications, including:

• Healthcare: Contactless vital sign monitoring devices, improving patient comfort and enabling continuous monitoring.
• Signal Sensing: Optimized 3D antennas for improved communication systems, more accurate medical imaging (like microwave breast imaging), and robust security applications.
• Wearable Technology: Battery-free temperature sensors and other wearable devices.
• Advanced Electronics: Miniaturized and enhanced electronic components for various devices.

Key Themes and Principles presented by the author of "Certain to Win" Chet Richards 

* Ancient Leadership Practices: Emphasis on the importance of historical leadership techniques has been overlooked in modern management.
* Critique of Modern Leadership: - Questions the effectiveness of contemporary leadership content and highlights the need for a return to foundational principles.
* Overcoming Resistance: - Draws parallels between leadership and magic, illustrating techniques to inspire change and overcome skepticism.
* Emotional Intelligence in Leadership: - Highlights the role of the amygdala in decision-making and the power of storytelling over mere facts in persuasion.
* Effective Communication: - Stresses the importance of voluntary communication and understanding individual needs to foster trust and collaboration.
* Adaptability: - Discusses the necessity for leaders to adapt their communication styles and personas to enhance influence and effectiveness.

Key Methods
* Mentalism Techniques: - Utilizes mentalism to extract truthful information and guide individuals toward understanding their needs.
* Storytelling: - Leverages narrative techniques to engage and persuade audiences, emphasizing emotional connection.
* Rhetorical Strategies: - References historical figures and their use of imagery and perception manipulation to influence public opinion.

Fundamental Key Points
* Return to Foundations: True leadership wisdom lies in ancient practices that can effectively address modern challenges.
* Emotional Engagement: Leaders must connect emotionally with their audience to inspire and motivate.
* Adaptability is Crucial: Effective leaders adjust their communication style based on the audience and context.
* Collaboration Over Coercion: Building trust through voluntary communication fosters a more cooperative environment.

Where to Begin - For CEOs looking to make bold but calculated bets, here’s how we can rethink innovation to avoid the trap of trend-chasing and find your true transformation opportunities: 

(1) Start with Diagnosing the Problem. What is the single biggest pain point for your customers, operations or design teams? That’s where your innovation efforts need to focus. Don’t be afraid to tackle challenges that seem “boring”—those are often where the untapped value lives.

(2) Go deep, NOT wide. Don’t spread your resources thin by trying to cover every possible trend. e.g. Amazon and JPMorgan, placing strategic, deliberate bets that address specific, critical needs within the business of making $ for the enterprise.

(3) Measure what Matters: Success metrics should be tied to the business impact of solving real problems. Costs saved, revenue gained, and efficiency improved are metrics that matter far more than clicks on your press release.

If Apple had focused less on rushing into AI and more on where their ecosystem lacks innovation, would they dominate the AI conversation today? If Meta had taken a fraction of its metaverse budget and aimed it at tangible improvements in the user experience, would their pivot to AI even be necessary?

The lesson is clear. Bold transformations and innovation happen when leaders focus less on spectacle and more on sustained impact.

Yes, Chinese foundries can knock out less sophisticated chips with fewer transistors. Through techniques such as double and quadruple patterning, they might even be able to produce ICs with transistor measurements of just 7 nm's. SMIC, China's best-known foundry, appeared to have made one for the Mate 60 Pro, a Huawei smartphone released in 2023. In layman's terms, EUV works by firing a concentrated beam of light off the smoothest mirrors in the world and onto a silicon wafer, where it etches complex circuit designs like an Antman scribe. It uses a wavelength measuring just 13.5 nm, compared with the 193 nm of deep ultraviolet lithography (DUV), its predecessor. The difference is like that between a fat marker and a thin ballpoint to a fine artist.  According to various reports China's Huawei, develped an EUV system called laser-induced discharge plasma (LDP) technology that's been going through tests at a Huawei facility in Dongguan. One report says it has been able to generate the 13.5-nanometer wavelength by "vaporizing tin between electrodes and converting it to plasma via high-voltage discharge, where electron-ion collisions produce the required wavelength."  "It's a pretty cool technique because it's actually simpler than what ASML does," said Earl Lum, a IC expert at EJL Wireless Research. "It could be cheaper to make the machine because of the strategy that ASML had to use."  Trials do not mean a Chinese flavor of EUV is close to commercial deployment, of course, and a few press reports that leave many questions unanswered must be treated with a generous dose of skepticism. ASML's share price fell 7% on March 10, days after the reports about China's apparent EUV breakthrough. But this may have been linked to more general concerns about tariffs and their economic impact. Other chip stocks also suffered.

New Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan will receive total compensation of $1 million in salary and ~$66 million in stock options and grants vesting over the coming years.  Tan was named as the CEO of Intel this week, spurring hopes that the EDA tool industry veteran can turn around the struggling semiconductor company. Intel shares are up nearly 20% so far in 2025, and most of those gains came this week, following Tan’s appointment. He starts next week.  Tan will receive $1 million in salary, + an annual bonus worth $2 million.  In total, Tan’s package has ~ $66 million in long-term equity awards and options in addition to salary, bonuses, and legal expenses. If Intel goes through a change of control, Tan could be eligible for accelerated vesting, according to the filing. “Lip-Bu’s compensation reflects his experience and credentials as an accomplished technology leader with deep industry experience and is market competitive,” Intel said in email. “The vast majority of his compensation is equity-based and tied to long-term shareholder value creation.” Separately, Tan agreed to purchase $25 million in Intel shares and hold them in order to be eligible for the grants and bonuses.

GlobalFoundries is exploring manufacturing partnerships in China to meet the rising demand for localized semiconductor production, particularly in the automotive sector. This move is part of GlobalFoundries' strategy to enhance its foundry business in Asia, with new leadership appointed to drive growth in the region The company plans to expand its presence in China further, with potential collaborations and investments in semiconductor manufacturing.

GlobalFoundries faces several challenges in its partnerships in China, including: * Trade Restrictions: Ongoing trade tensions between the U.S. and China may lead to restrictions on technology transfer and collaboration. * Regulatory Compliance: Navigating the complex regulatory environment in China can be challenging, particularly with U.S. export controls.  * IP Theft Concerns: There are significant concerns about the protection of intellectual property when collaborating with Chinese firms. * Technology Transfer: Partnerships may require sharing sensitive technology, increasing the risk of IP loss. * Local Competitors: Chinese semiconductor companies are rapidly advancing and may pose significant competition to GlobalFoundries. * Government Support: The Chinese government heavily invests in local firms, giving them an advantage. * Global Supply Chain Issues: Ongoing global supply chain disruptions can affect the availability of materials and components needed for manufacturing. * Dependence on External Suppliers: Relying on suppliers outside of China can complicate operations. * Business Practices: Differences in business practices and corporate culture can lead to misunderstandings and inefficiencies. * Management Challenges: Integrating operations and aligning goals with local partners can be complex. * Changing Regulations: The regulatory landscape in China can change rapidly, impacting operational strategies. * Environmental Regulations: Compliance with local environmental standards can pose additional challenges. In Conclusion - Navigating these challenges requires strategic planning, strong local partnerships, and a deep understanding of the Chinese market dynamics.

China plans to issue guidance to encourage the use of open-source RISC-V chips nationwide for the first time, two sources briefed on the matter said, as Beijing accelerates efforts to curb the country's dependence on Western-owned technology.  The policy guidance on boosting the use of RISC-V chips could be released as soon as this month, although the final date could change. It is being drafted jointly by 8 government bodies, including the Cyberspace Administration of China, China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the Ministry of Science and Technology, and the China National Intellectual Property Administration. RISC-V is an open-source technology used to design a range of less-sophisticated ICs, from those in smartphones to CPUs for AI servers. It competes globally with proprietary and more commonly used chip architecture technology including x86, dominated by U.S. firms Intel and AMD and Arm, developed by SoftBank Group-owned Arm Holdings. In China, state entities and research institutes have eagerly embraced RISC-V in recent years, seeing it as geopolitically neutral. Chinese chip designers are attracted by its lower costs, but the government has yet to mention it in policy.