Global design software leader Synopsys has been hit hard by U.S. export restrictions on advanced chip technologies. The sanctions, aimed at limiting China’s access to critical tools, have slashed a significant part of its Asian revenue. In response, the company has announced job cuts affecting nearly 10% of its workforce, highlighting how geopolitical pressures are directly reshaping the tech talent market.
Broadcom Bags $10 Billion ASIC Deal
In contrast, Broadcom is enjoying a surge in demand, having secured a staggering $10 billion order for application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs). The deal reflects a broader shift in custom chip design, with major firms seeking alternatives beyond traditional cloud giants. Analysts believe this could strengthen Broadcom’s position in next-generation AI and networking markets.
FCRF Academy Invites Legal Experts to Shape India’s First Comprehensive Cyber Law Certification
TSMC Reorganizes Fabs and Boosts EUV Focus
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), the world’s leading chipmaker, has started restructuring its operations. Older fabs are being scaled down while resources are being redirected toward advanced extreme ultraviolet (EUV) manufacturing. The move includes new investment in EUV pellicles—vital for ensuring yield and reliability in cutting-edge chips. This restructuring underscores how TSMC is preparing for the next leap in semiconductor innovation.
HBM Market Heats Up
The demand for high bandwidth memory (HBM) is intensifying. Micron’s 2026 production capacity is almost fully booked, signaling strong confidence from AI firms and data-center operators who need faster and more efficient memory solutions. The HBM segment is quickly emerging as one of the hottest battlegrounds in the semiconductor supply chain.
New Packaging Alliance and China’s AI Chip Push
Meanwhile, TSMC and ASE have teamed up to form a 3DIC Advanced Manufacturing Alliance to address packaging bottlenecks, particularly in chip-on-wafer and 3D IC technologies. On the other hand, in China, industry leaders are doubling down on calls to reduce reliance on Nvidia by developing domestic AI chips, viewing self-reliance as essential for national resilience.
From layoffs and restructuring to mega deals and alliances, Asia’s tech sector is navigating a volatile mix of competition, regulation, and innovation—defining where the next big breakthroughs will come from.