The episode of “Insight with Haslinda Amin” focuses on the global semiconductor shortage driven by the ongoing AI boom, and its ripple effects across industries and markets. The surge in demand for AI technologies has led to unprecedented pressure on chip supplies, with major players like Samsung and Nvidia warning that shortages will persist into 2027 and beyond. This scarcity is already causing price hikes for devices ranging from smartphones to cars, with manufacturers debating how much of these increased costs can be passed on to consumers. The shortage is compounded by supply chain bottlenecks, particularly at key foundries like TSMC, and by geopolitical tensions that threaten to further disrupt the flow of critical components.

Geopolitical developments are a major theme, with China imposing export controls on Japan for items with potential military uses, escalating tensions over Taiwan. Japan, heavily reliant on Chinese imports for advanced manufacturing, faces the risk of retaliatory measures that could cripple its semiconductor ambitions. The episode highlights the interconnectedness of Asian economies, noting that Japan is a major supplier of advanced machinery and semiconductors to China, and any tit-for-tat restrictions could have far-reaching consequences for global tech supply chains. The U.S. is also drawn into the fray, both through its alliance with Japan and its moves to secure alternative energy supplies from Venezuela, signaling a broader shift in global trade dynamics.

At the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, industry leaders like Nvidia and Siemens announced partnerships to accelerate the adoption of AI in manufacturing and industrial automation. Nvidia’s CEO Jensen Huang emphasized the insatiable global demand for AI compute power, noting that even older-generation chips remain in high demand as companies race to build out data centers. The partnership with Siemens aims to create fully AI-driven manufacturing sites, showcasing how AI is moving from research and consumer applications into real-world industrial use. Experts at CES argue that the current AI surge is not a bubble, but the beginning of a multi-decade supercycle, with enterprise AI and monetization of intelligence set to drive the next wave of growth.

The episode also explores how companies like Samsung and Lenovo are embedding AI across their product portfolios, from home appliances to personal devices and robotics. Samsung’s executives discuss strategies to maintain a competitive edge amid rising component costs and intense competition, while Lenovo’s CTO outlines a vision for hybrid AI ecosystems that blend cloud and edge computing. Despite the challenges, both companies express optimism about continued growth, driven by consumer demand for AI-enabled features and the need for future-proof products.

Finally, the program examines the broader market outlook, with Asian equities rallying on the back of tech and AI optimism, even as geopolitical risks and supply constraints loom large. Analysts predict continued capital rotation from U.S. to Asian markets, especially in tech-heavy economies like Korea and Taiwan. However, concerns remain about the sustainability of the AI rally, potential bubbles, and the impact of currency fluctuations. The episode concludes with a look at the risks and opportunities in the evolving tech landscape, emphasizing the need for investors and manufacturers to navigate both macroeconomic and geopolitical uncertainties in the year ahead.