Webtagr - Technology News Summarizer

Chinese Solar Giants Post Massive Losses Amidst Price War

2025-08-25

Major Chinese solar panel manufacturers reported significant losses in the first half of the year due to overcapacity and U.S. trade restrictions. The industry faces pressure to reduce output, with the Chinese government urging the closure of outdated facilities. A supply glut and the U.S. crackdown exacerbated price wars, leading to substantial losses for many companies.

(asia.nikkei.com)

Tech

DRAM Prices Surge as China Pushes for Self-Reliance in High-End Chips

2025-08-06

Standard DRAM prices have doubled in a month and remain high, fueled by speculation that Chinese manufacturers are scaling back production to focus on AI chips and bolster domestic semiconductor capabilities. This shift could lead to a DDR4 memory shortage, as SK Hynix, Samsung, and Micron control 90% of the global DRAM market. The move highlights China's ambitious strategy in high-end chips and its impact on the global semiconductor industry.

(asia.nikkei.com)

Tech memory chips China semiconductor

Southeast Asia's Booming Scam Centers: $37 Billion in Losses, International Cooperation Crucial

2025-07-14

A UNODC report reveals that scam centers are proliferating across Southeast Asia's border regions. Myanmar-based criminal groups, facing increased crackdowns, have relocated to countries like Laos and Cambodia. In 2023 alone, losses from these operations reached a staggering $37 billion in East and Southeast Asia, surpassing the revenue of drug syndicates. Japan is strengthening cooperation with local authorities, but the fluid nature of these criminal groups and their ability to adapt requires increased international collaboration to effectively combat this lucrative form of organized crime.

(asia.nikkei.com)

Misc

Academic AI Cheating: Hidden Prompts Manipulate Paper Reviews

2025-07-04

Nikkei's investigation revealed hidden prompts in research papers from 14 universities across 8 countries, designed to manipulate AI review tools into giving positive feedback. These prompts, concealed in preprints using techniques like white text or minuscule font sizes, have sparked debate. While some researchers justify their use as a countermeasure against AI-using 'lazy reviewers,' others condemn the practice. The lack of unified guidelines on AI usage in peer review highlights growing concerns about AI risks and the urgent need for regulation in academia.

(asia.nikkei.com)

Tech Academic Integrity

Nissan to Shift Rogue SUV Production to US to Avoid Tariffs

2025-04-05

Nissan Motor is considering shifting some production of its Rogue SUV, a key model for the US market, from a Japanese factory to the US as early as this summer, Nikkei reported. This move is a direct response to new tariffs imposed by the Trump administration, marking the first reported instance of Japanese production being moved to avoid the tariffs' impact.

(asia.nikkei.com)

Tech Nissan Production Shift

Chipmakers Slow Expansions in Japan and Malaysia Amid Weak Demand and Tariff Uncertainty

2025-03-29

Leading chipmakers and packagers, including TSMC and Intel, are slowing their expansions in Japan and Malaysia due to sluggish demand for older chips and tariff uncertainties. Companies like ASE Technology and SPIL are also scaling back Malaysian expansion plans, adopting a 'wait-and-see' approach alongside numerous other chip suppliers.

(asia.nikkei.com)

Tech chip industry investment slowdown global economy

Japan's EV Sales Plummet: First Decline in Four Years

2025-01-10

Sales of electric vehicles in Japan plunged 33% year-on-year in 2024 to 59,736 units, marking the first decline in four years. EVs accounted for less than 2% of total vehicle sales, the lowest among major advanced economies. While global EV sales continue to grow, albeit at a slower pace, Japan's slow adoption of EVs is increasingly apparent. Nissan maintained its top spot, while China's BYD saw growth thanks to a new model.

(asia.nikkei.com)

Tech Japan Auto Market