Computex 2024 opens on June 2nd. This year's exhibition will feature the most important CEOs in the semiconductor and technology industries, led by Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang.

From Lisa Su of Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) to Cristiano Amon of Qualcomm, the biggest names in PC and chip manufacturing are joining Huang at Computex 2024 to showcase advancements in laying the groundwork for technologies ranging from AI to smart devices. They must also seek answers to the most pressing issues facing the global technology sector, from geopolitical upheavals and conflicts to limited supply of essential components like high-bandwidth memory (HBM).

lm0esmjm.png
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang at Computex 2023. Photo: Bloomberg

Most importantly, the focus will be on how to leverage AI and prepare for upcoming changes. Qualcomm is betting on a partnership with Microsoft centered around new AI PCs, while Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger and Arm CEO Rene Haas will present their vision for the future of computing, and Huang is expected to be asked about how he plans to respond to Qualcomm's new venture.

Dan Newman, chief analyst and CEO of research firm Futurum, calls this the biggest turning point in the PC business in decades. AI is the hottest trend, and everyone is getting involved.

According to Bloomberg , Taipei is a suitable location to address those crucial questions. The city's role in the chip supply chain has never diminished, led by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC), a chip foundry partner for Apple, Nvidia, AMD, and Arm. The path to AI breakthroughs is paved with semiconductors and servers, many of which are manufactured or assembled in Taiwan.

This is also where a lesser-known group of names makes up Nvidia's products. The American company leads the AI ​​data center market with the help of relationships Huang has cultivated with Taiwanese server manufacturers such as Quanta Computer and Hon Hai Precision Technology. During his most recent visit to the island, he repeatedly praised these companies and spoke of the trillion-dollar opportunity in AI.

At Hon Hai's annual shareholders' meeting on May 31, Chairman Young Liu announced that the AI ​​server business would reach 1 trillion New Taiwan Dollars (US$31 billion) in revenue as early as next year.

According to James CF Huang, chairman of Computex, the organizing body, AI heated up last year and will explode this year.

At an event during Computex 2023, Mr. Huang showcased a range of AI hardware – from the H100 AI chip to integrated server rack modules and proprietary technologies that enable multiple components to function as a unified computer. He stated that all of these parts are manufactured in Taiwan, partly reflecting the fact that neither Intel nor Samsung Electronics have yet caught up with TSMC's technology and manufacturing reliability.

Qualcomm could play a breakthrough role at Computex 2024 because its Snapdragon chips will be featured prominently in the show's most-hyped product: Microsoft's new Copilot+ PC line. These AI PCs will feature Microsoft's latest and best AI capabilities and rely on Qualcomm chips. Other PC manufacturers such as Asustek, Lenovo, and Dell will also be bringing similar products to the show.

According to analyst Newman, if a company chooses to upgrade its AI computing line based on a particular manufacturer's chip, it tends to maintain that position in the future. Therefore, chip manufacturers are sending CEOs to Computex because they "want to ensure they solidify their position during this particular time."

Furthermore, CEOs like Su and Gelsinger will be scrambling to secure the limited resources needed to produce AI products. SK Hynix, a leader in high-bandwidth memory, has nearly sold out its inventory until 2025. TSMC's AI semiconductor production is also facing supply chain issues. "Everyone is struggling to get more capacity," Newman commented.

(According to Bloomberg)