SEPTEMBERASIA BUSINESS OUTLOOK8STMicroelectronics and the National University of Singapore (NUS) have launched a four-year research lab in Singapore to develop new technologies for edge artificial intelligence (Edge AI). The STNUS HELIX Corporate Lab will bring together researchers and semiconductor engineers to work on AI systems that can process data closer to where it is generated, rather than depending entirely on cloud computing.The partnership comes as demand increases for faster and more energy-efficient AI systems. The lab will focus on technologies that can support applications such as robots, drones and other smart devices. Its research will cover AI algorithms, semiconductor technology, chip design and memory systems. Xiaomi has introduced its new Xring O3 smartphone chip as the company continues to invest in its own semiconductor technology. The move is part of Xiaomi's broader effort to have greater control over the chips used in its devices and reduce its reliance on suppliers such as Qualcomm and MediaTek.The Xring O3 is expected to be used in Xiaomi's upcoming flagship foldable smartphone. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) is expected to produce the chip using a 3-nanometre manufacturing process, according to people familiar with the matter. The initial production target is reportedly between 200,000 and 300,000 units.Samsung Electronics shares fell as much as 8% on Monday after investors were disappointed by the company's latest shareholder return plan. Samsung said it plans to return between 90 trillion won and 110 trillion won ($65 billion-$79 billion) to shareholders in 2026. It is the largest annual payout announced by the company so far.The reaction came despite the size of the proposed payout. Investors had expected Samsung to put more money into share buybacks and cancellations, particularly as the company benefits from strong demand for chips used in artificial intelligence systems. The announcement also put pressure on shares of Samsung Life Insurance and Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance. Nvidia is discussing a possible investment in Perplexity as part of a funding round that could value the AI search startup at more than $30 billion. If completed, the deal would give Nvidia a bigger role in the growing AI application market, adding to its position as a leading supplier of AI chips and computing infrastructure used to develop artificial intelligence systems.The potential deal would also mark a significant rise in Perplexity's valuation. The company was valued at around $20 billion in its previous funding round. The latest discussions come as Perplexity's AI revenue growth has accelerated and major technology companies and investors continue to place large bets on artificial intelligence startups. STMICROELECTRONICS AND NUS LAUNCH FOUR-YEAR EDGE AI LAB IN SINGAPORESAMSUNG SHARES SLIDE 8% AS RECORD PAYOUT PLAN DISAPPOINTS INVESTORSXIAOMI UNVEILS XRING O3 CHIP AS IT EXPANDS IN-HOUSE CHIPMAKINGNVIDIA EYES PERPLEXITY INVESTMENT AT OVER $30 BILLION VALUATIONNEWSROOM
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