SemiVoice

March 6

• KIAT and CDTI Renew Partnership for Advanced Industry Collaboration

  ➀ The Korea Institute for Advancement of Technology (KIAT) and the Spanish Research and Development Center (CDTI) have renewed their cooperation agreement to continue advancing collaboration in cutting-edge industries. The renewal took place during the '2nd Korea-Spain Industrial Technology Cooperation Joint Committee' held in Madrid, Spain on March 5, 2025.

  ➁ Since their initial agreement in 2016, KIAT and CDTI have supported 28 research projects via the Eureka program and have recently agreed to jointly support large-scale research and development (R&D) projects, selecting four projects since 2023.

  ➂ The renewed agreement commits both organizations to invest 5 million euros (approximately 7.5 billion KRW) annually for the next three years to support major joint R&D projects between Korea and Spain. KIAT plans to announce project selections in the latter half of 2025. Additionally, KIAT’s president, Min Byoung-joo, visited Spanish companies Omatidia and Komasa, which are involved in advanced mobility projects supported by KIAT and CDTI.

• Samsung to Release 2025 AI Air Conditioner Lineup with Customized Control for Improved Comfort and 30% Energy Savings

  ➀ Samsung is set to release its 2025 AI air conditioner lineup on the 7th, featuring four models: Bespoke AI Wind-Free Combo Gallery, Bespoke AI Wind-Free Classic, AI Wind-Free Combo Wall-mounted, and AI Q9000.

  ➁ The AI Comfort feature adjusts cooling based on user patterns, weather, and indoor/outdoor temperature and humidity, offering optimized comfort with High-Pass Vortex cooling and Wind-Free modes. The GoodSleep mode, integrated with Galaxy Watch or Galaxy Ring, automatically operates the air conditioner for comfortable sleep.

  ➂ The AI Energy Saving Mode, controllable via the SmartThings app, offers customized power-saving settings that can reduce energy consumption by up to 30%. Some models also include Bixby voice control for hands-free operation.

• S-OIL Opens Maegok TS&D Center Futsal Field to Local Residents for Free

  ➀ S-OIL has opened its futsal field at the Maegok TS&D Center to local residents in Gangseo District, Seoul, to promote community development and enhance the quality of life for residents.

  ➁ The futsal field, which is a facility for the health enhancement of employees, was featured on SBS's futsal entertainment program 'Goal-Kicking Girls' last May when FC TopGirls held a practice match there.

  ➂ The field is available for use on weekends for two hours, with varying hours depending on the season, and local residents can apply through the Gangseo District Public Sports Facilities Integrated Operating System on the third Tuesday of each month for a chance to use the facility.

• LG Electronics Showcases StanbyME 2 at Best Shop Stores Nationwide

  ➀ LG Electronics is set to display the 'LG StanbyME 2' at LG Best Shop stores nationwide from mid-March.

  ➁ Customers can experience and purchase the StanbyME 2, which offers a customized viewing environment tailored to customer lifestyles.

  ➂ The new model enhances the mobility and convenience of the original StanbyME, featuring a 27-inch QHD touch display and a high-capacity battery that allows up to 4 hours of content viewing without power connection. The domestic price is 1.29 million KRW, with initial batch selling out in 38 minutes during a live broadcast last month.

• SK Chemical to Present 'Circular Economy Technology' at Largest Plastic Exhibition in Latin America

  ➀ SK Chemical is set to participate in 'Plastimagen Mexico 2025', the largest plastic exhibition in Latin America, from April 11 to 14.

  ➁ The company will showcase sustainable solutions, including bio-mass derived high heat copolyesters, recyclable copolyesters, and chemically recyclable products.

  ➂ SK Chemical aims to strengthen its market presence in Mexico and Latin America, emphasizing sustainable materials and collaborative efforts to build a sustainable plastic ecosystem.

• Hanjin Ocean Opens 2025 First Half New Graduate Recruitment

  ➀ Hanjin Ocean has initiated the recruitment process for new graduates in the first half of 2025, aiming to secure future talent to lead the shipbuilding and ocean industry.

  ➁ The recruitment includes two tracks: a general track and a global challenger track, with positions in design, production management, business management, and corporate support.

  ➂ The company has recently appointed approximately 500 new and experienced employees in 2024 and plans to continue investing in talent acquisition and various projects such as defense, eco-friendly initiatives, offshore wind power, and smart yards.

March 5

• Ilshin Composite wins Technology Innovation Award at JEC WORLD 2025

  ➀ Ilshin Composite, a carbon fiber intermediate material producer from Gumi, North Gyeongsang, won the Technology Innovation Award at the JEC WORLD 2025, held in Paris, France, for their innovative technology in sustainability and recyclability of composite materials.

  ➁ The awarded technology, developed in collaboration with KOTMI and ITM, allows for the recovery and recycling of carbon fibers without a crushing process, utilizing high-frequency electromagnetic fields to rapidly and selectively heat the fibers.

  ➂ The new method is highly energy-efficient, preserves the strength of carbon fibers, and enables the recycling of carbon fibers in various forms, offering both environmental and economic advantages.

• Murata Launches High Q High-Frequency Inductor for Vehicle Communication

  ➀ Murata has launched the 'LQP02HQ_Z2 series,' a high-frequency inductor for vehicle communication.

  ➁ The product is in the compact 0402 size and meets strict quality standards including AEC-Q200, starting mass production from November last year.

  ➂ Leveraging inductance control technology from the consumer-use 'LQP02HQ_02' series, the new product ensures reliable performance for automotive infotainment and comfort equipment, contributing to stable connectivity in vehicles and base stations.

• Fair Trade Commission Approves Samsung Electronics' Acquisition of Rainbow Robotics

  ➀ The Fair Trade Commission has approved Samsung Electronics' acquisition of Rainbow Robotics, allowing Samsung to become the largest shareholder with a 35% stake.

  ➁ Samsung plans to strengthen its leadership in the humanoid robot business, challenging the industrial robot markets led by Japan and Germany.

  ➂ The commission found minimal competition concerns in the vertical integration of Samsung's DRAM, NAND flash, and small-sized secondary battery units with Rainbow Robotics' industrial robot parts market.

• The Era of 6G Has Arrived

  ➀ The world's largest mobile communications exhibition, MWC25 (Mobile World Congress), was held in Barcelona, Spain, with the theme 'Converge, Connect, Create.'

  ➁ On the second day of the event, visitors were seen exploring exhibits at the MediaTek booth.

  ➂ The event highlights the growing focus on the future of 6G technology and its potential impact on the telecom industry.

• LG Chem to Begin Domestic Production of Pre-lithee Free Cathode Material

  ➀ LG Chem is set to domestically produce the 'Pre-lithee Free Cathode Material (LPF)', accelerating market penetration through preemptive production.

  ➁ The LPF cathode material eliminates the need for a separate pre-lithee, offering performance improvements such as low-temperature output and reducing the time needed to develop new pre-lithee.

  ➂ LG Chem plans to expand the application of LPF technology in new products, providing customers with differentiated, eco-friendly solutions in terms of performance, cost, and sustainability.

• MWC25 Held in Barcelona with Theme 'Converge, Connect, Create'

  ➀ The world's largest mobile communications conference, MWC25 (Mobile World Congress), was held in Barcelona, Spain, with the theme 'Converge, Connect, Create'.

  ➁ On the second day of the event, visitors experienced the digital twin platform at the Dassault Systemes booth.

  ➂ The event showcased advancements in mobile communications and digital twin technology.

• World's Largest Mobile Trade Show MWC25 Held in Barcelona

  ➀ The world's largest mobile trade show, MWC25 (Mobile World Congress), took place in Barcelona, Spain, with the theme 'Converge, Connect, Create'.

  ➁ On the second day of the event, an AI humanoid robot was exhibited at the Etisalat booth.

  ➂ The event highlights the latest advancements in mobile technology and connectivity.

• Conversing with Virtual Human Athlete Lee Kang-in at MWC25

  ➀ The world's largest mobile telecom expo, MWC25 (Mobile World Congress), was held in Barcelona, Spain, with the theme 'Converge, Connect, Create.';

  ➁ On the second day of the event, at the KT booth, attendees had the opportunity to hear messages of support from a virtual human representation of athlete Lee Kang-in.;

  ➂ The event showcased the integration of AI and virtual human technology in the telecom industry.

• World's Largest Mobile Communication Expo MWC25 Held in Barcelona

  ➀ The world's largest mobile communication expo, MWC25 (Mobile World Congress), was held in Barcelona, Spain, with the theme 'Converge, Connect, Create.';

  ➁ At the DaPose System booth, attendees experienced the digital twin platform on the second day of the event.;

  ➂ The expo is a key platform for showcasing innovations in mobile communication and related technologies.

• Humanity Embedded in IT, Telecommunications, and AI

  ➀ The world's largest mobile communications fair, MWC25 (Mobile World Congress), took place in Barcelona, Spain, under the theme 'Converge, Connect, Create.';

  ➁ On the second day of the event, attendees were seen passing by an AI-themed installation.;

  ➂ The event highlights the increasing integration of AI in telecommunications and IT.

March 4

• Daedong to Hold '2025 Dealership Exhibition' Until July ... Demonstrating 'RT100' at Fruit Farms, Greenhouses, Field Crops, and Livestock Farms

  ➀ Daedong plans to hold exhibition events at 61 dealerships nationwide until July, showcasing their main agricultural machinery and the new 'RT100' agricultural transport robot.

  ➁ The 'RT100' features easy wire-based operation, electric drive with low noise and no exhaust, a maximum load capacity of 300kg, 4-wheel drive for rough terrain, remote control, and upcoming autonomous functions.

  ➂ The exhibition will focus on demonstrating the 'RT100' in various environments, including fruit farms, greenhouses, field crop farms, and livestock farms, across different regions.

• Samsung Display and Crafton showcase 'Dark and Darker' at MWC 2025

  ➀ Samsung Display and Crafton have set up an experiential marketing exhibit at MWC 2025 featuring the mobile game 'Dark and Darker'.

  ➁ Visitors can experience the fast response rate and real black image quality of OLED displays through the Galaxy S25 and Galaxy Z Fold6.

  ➂ 'Dark and Darker Mobile', set in a medieval fantasy world, is an RPG where players explore dungeons and battle monsters, with a formal release scheduled for the first half of the year.

• OCI Holdings Strengthens ESG Management at Global Key Base in Malaysia

  ➀ OCI Holdings has renamed its Malaysian subsidiary OCI M to OCI TerraSus to embark on comprehensive ESG management, reflecting a commitment to sustainable development.

  ➁ OCI TerraSus won a gold award at the 11th Sarawak Green Awards (PSEA) and complies with international environmental standards such as ISO 14001.

  ➂ OCI Holdings also engaged in community support activities, including flood relief efforts and donations of essential items and educational supplies in Sarawak.

• S-OIL Strengthens Factory Safety Management System with Digital Solutions and AI

  ➀ S-OIL is implementing the PSORMS (Process Safety and Operational Risk Management Solution) to build a global top-tier digital safety management system.

  ➁ PSORMS is a core solution of the S-imoms project aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and transforming the Onsan factory into a smart plant with global competitiveness.

  ➂ The solution includes AI-driven risk assessment modules that utilize 2,800 standard job risk assessment data points, past accident cases, and injury/fatality risk factors to enhance safety and prevent accidents.

• Hanwha Science Challenge 2025 for High School Students Kicks Off

  ➀ Hanwha Group announced the launch of 'Hanwha Science Challenge 2025', a science competition aimed at nurturing young scientific talents for a sustainable future.

  ➁ This is the 14th edition of the competition, which was initiated by Hanwha Group Chairman Kim Seung-yeon in 2011 with the motto 'Fostering Young Nobel Laureates in Science of Korea'. Over the past 13 years, approximately 16,000 high school students have participated, with more than 80% pursuing science and engineering fields.

  ➂ The competition theme is 'Saving the Earth: Creative Ideas for a Sustainable Tomorrow', and it offers a total prize pool of 200 million KRW (approximately $150,000). The final round will be held offline from August 6 to August 8, and special programs including tours of prestigious scientific institutions and Hanwha's global facilities will be provided to top winners.

• Canon Tops Global Interchangeable Lens Camera Market for 22 Consecutive Years

  ➀ Canon has ranked first in the global interchangeable lens camera market for 22 consecutive years, from 2003 to last year.

  ➁ The EOS series, known for rapid, smooth, and high-quality user experiences, is Canon's best-selling product line, featuring CMOS image sensors, DIGIC image processors, and interchangeable lenses.

  ➂ Last year, Canon released the EOS R1 top model and the full-frame mirrorless camera EOS R5 Mark II, both equipped with the new 'Accelerated Capture' image processing system, supporting advanced video shooting features from the Cinema EOS system.

• Microchip to Cut 2,000 Jobs Due to Decreased Chip Demand in Automotive Industry

  ➀ Microchip Technology has announced plans to cut 2,000 jobs, about 9% of its total workforce, due to decreased chip demand in the automotive industry.

  ➁ The layoffs will primarily occur at manufacturing facilities in Gresham, Oregon, and Colorado Springs, Colorado, with affected employees being notified this month and the process completing by June.

  ➂ The company also anticipates reducing staff at a back-end facility in the Philippines, and has moved up the shutdown of its Arizona chip plant to May, expecting to save $90 to $100 million annually from these actions.

March 3

• Taiwan Innosta to Merge Subsidiaries Epista and Rexta

  ➀ Taiwan Innosta plans to merge its subsidiaries, Epista and Rexta, with the merger date set for October 1st of this year.

  ➁ The strategic integration aims to streamline resources, enhance operational efficiency, and accelerate R&D of high value-added optoelectronic products.

  ➂ Epista specializes in LED epi wafers and chips, while Rexta focuses on packaging and modules, forming a vertically integrated supply chain under AUO, the largest shareholder.

• Samsung Display unveils bezel-reduced tile-type OLED and other new technologies at MWC 2025

  ➀ Samsung Display reveals tile-type OLED panels with a bezel size reduced to 0.6mm at MWC 2025, showcasing 6.8-inch bezel-less panels and a 31.5-inch panel arranged in a stained-glass pattern.

  ➁ The company also presents various concept products, including an 18.1-inch foldable OLED 'Flexible Briefcase' and a 3.38-inch diamond-shaped OLED for flip foldable phones.

  ➂ Gaming OLED products such as 500Hz QD-OLED and UHD QD-OLED with 160ppi resolution are also exhibited, with interactive experiences planned to demonstrate OLED technology across smartphones, tablets, laptops, and TVs.

• Samsung Electronics Service to Conduct Air Conditioner Pre-Inspection Service using SmartThings AI Diagnosis

  ➀ Samsung Electronics Service will conduct an air conditioner pre-inspection service from April 4th to April 20th.

  ➁ The service involves customers self-inspecting their air conditioners, followed by a professional engineer conducting a systematic inspection if any issues are found.

  ➂ The self-inspection includes checking power connections, cleaning indoor unit filters, organizing the outdoor unit area, and test running the air conditioner. This year, remote inspections will be significantly increased for easier and more convenient customer checks, utilizing Samsung's SmartThings AI diagnosis technology.

• Lenovo Yamato Lab: Pioneering R&D and Testing for 'ThinkPad' Innovations

  ➀ The Lenovo Yamato Lab conducts over 200 tests for R&D and quality improvement, including opening and closing notebook displays nearly 360 degrees repeatedly and drop tests from significant heights.

  ➁ The lab, established in 1985, was where the first 'ThinkPad 700C' was developed in 1992. It remains a core base for ThinkPad R&D, including models with AI features.

  ➂ The lab also focuses on imaging research for post-COVID video conferencing needs, utilizing mannequins with different skin tones to enhance color representation, and is equipped with DXOMARK protocol-based camera testing facilities.

• SK On, SK Enmove Unveil Liquid Immersion Cooling Technology for EV Batteries

  ➀ SK On and SK Enmove unveil liquid immersion cooling technology for electric vehicle batteries, to be showcased at 'Interbattery 2025';

  ➁ The technology circulates insulating coolant within the battery pack to efficiently suppress temperature rise by direct contact with the battery cells;

  ➂ The liquid immersion cooling technology reduces the risk of thermal runaway, lowers fire and explosion hazards, and extends battery life by minimizing temperature differences between cells. It also integrates a wireless Battery Management System (BMS) to enhance cooling performance and product reliability.

• Samsung SDI and Hyundai Motor Group to conduct joint marketing at Interbattery 2025

  ➀ Samsung SDI and Hyundai Motor Group will conduct a joint marketing event at Interbattery 2025, marking their first collaboration at the event.

  ➁ Hyundai Motor Group's service robot 'Dali' will introduce Samsung SDI's batteries, and the multi-purpose mobile platform 'Mobed' will also be unveiled.

  ➂ Samsung SDI will showcase its cylindrical batteries, including the next-gen 46 series, with improved energy capacity and output, and will display the Level 4 autonomous shuttle 'Roy' from startup AutoNoA2G.

March 2

• Samsung Electronics to showcase Galaxy AI ecosystem at MWC 25

  ➀ Samsung Electronics is set to present its 'Galaxy AI' ecosystem at the Mobile World Congress (MWC 25) in Barcelona, Spain.

  ➁ The company will demonstrate mobile experiences and network innovation technologies through the Galaxy AI ecosystem at their booth.

  ➂ Models will be present at the booth to introduce the exhibits to the audience.