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The semiconductor industry is a major contributor to the Malaysian economy, but it is also one of the most energy-intensive sectors. As the demand for semiconductors continues to grow, the industry is looking to renewable energy to reduce its environmental impact.

Japan and the UAE have agreed to establish a new framework for discussing potential investments in semiconductor and battery plants in Japan. The agreement comes as Japan seeks to secure its supply chains for critical technologies. The UAE is a major oil producer with a growing interest in the clean energy sector, and it is home to a few sovereign wealth funds with significant financial resources. This makes the UAE an attractive partner for Japan, which is seeking to attract foreign investment in its chip and battery industries.

The consumer electronics industry in Vietnam is projected to maintain its growth trajectory in 2023, driven by trends such as increased demand for mobile devices, the surge in smart home adoption, and the uptake of 5G technology. The upcoming months, particularly August 2023, are anticipated to witness a strong appetite for novel products and features, urging companies to focus on innovative solutions that cater to consumer preferences. These trends reflect the industry's responsiveness to technological shifts and changing consumer behaviors.

China has tightened export restrictions on two chipmaking materials, gallium and germanium. This is a significant development that could have several implications for the global chip industry. The restrictions are likely to lead to higher prices, shortages, and a shift in supply chains. It could also lead to increased competition among chipmakers.
 

Self-driving car companies Waymo and Cruise are seeking to expand their commercial services across San Francisco, but they face opposition from city transportation entities, the fire department, and the planning department. These organizations argue that self-driving cars pose a threat to public safety, traffic congestion, and emergency services. Waymo and Cruise maintain that their autonomous vehicles are safe and could improve traffic congestion and air pollution. The CPUC's decision on whether to approve the expansion will have a major impact on the future of self-driving cars in San Francisco and beyond.

The Chinese telecommunications industry grew by 6.2% in the first half of 2023, driven by the expansion of the network connected user base and the rapid growth of mobile internet access traffic. Emerging businesses, such as IPTV, internet data center, big data, cloud computing, and the IoT, continued to grow rapidly, while the revenue from voice services decreased slightly.

2023 Malaysian Six-State Election featured diverse candidates and high voter turnout. Post-election policies may impact electronic industry growth, foreign investment, and innovation initiatives. Stable government expected to drive progress in the sector.
 

The Indian government has imposed restrictions on the import of personal computers, laptops, and other electronics to boost domestic manufacturing and reduce dependence on China. More than 75% of India's laptop imports were from China, prompting this move. The restrictions are part of the government's effort to promote local production and align with the production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme for IT hardware. While the move is expected to benefit the Indian electronics industry, it may impact companies like Apple and Samsung. Imports for research and development and other specific purposes will be exempted from licensing requirements. China currently holds a significant share in the restricted import categories.

Chinese battery materials companies are investing heavily in South Korea to qualify for US EV subsidies. The IRA battery production subsidies provide up to 30% to produce batteries and battery components in the US, but battery materials made in China do not qualify. This has led to $4.4 billion in investments from Chinese companies in South Korea. The investment is a major boost for the South Korean battery industry and is likely to have a significant impact on the global battery market.

Vietnam's Electric Vehicle (EV) industry faces challenges like high costs, limited charging infrastructure, and a scarcity of locally-made options. Despite these obstacles, the sector benefits from increasing demand, governmental support, and strong manufacturing capabilities. As of August 2023, the industry looks poised for growth, but addressing affordability, infrastructure, and domestic production will be pivotal for realizing its potential.