Jensen Huang, CEO of Nvidia, is set to headline the 2025 edition of Computex, Asia’s premier electronics conference, which has traditionally showcased his company’s groundbreaking AI chips and a host of clients eager to acquire them. This year, however, a different figure is expected to capture significant attention: US President Donald Trump.
Commencing on Monday in Taipei, Computex will once again gather key leaders from the tech world, including Huang, Qualcomm’s Cristiano Amon, and Young Liu of Foxconn, the manufacturer responsible for producing most of the world’s iPhones and Nvidia servers. Whereas last year’s event celebrated the surge of AI following the launch of ChatGPT, this year’s gathering is likely to shift focus towards the unpredictability stemming from the Trump administration’s initiatives aimed at altering the global trade landscape, which is poised to disrupt long-established tech manufacturing practices.
This year’s exhibition will prominently feature the hardware essential for enabling artificial intelligence. In addition to Nvidia’s chips, attendees can expect to see server racks from Hon Hai Precision Industry, commonly known as Foxconn; power components from Delta Electronics; and datacenter cooling systems from Asia Vital Components Co. While these companies introduce their latest innovations, they will also have to navigate the complex implications of the current U.S. tariff regime.
Key issues to monitor during the conference include the following.
The Changing Landscape of Chip Manufacturing
The Trump administration seeks to reinvigorate domestic manufacturing. To support this goal, the White House has secured significant commitments from the semiconductor sector, including a notable $100 billion investment from Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. As TSMC expands its operations in Arizona with new production lines, other players in the supply chain are also accelerating their U.S. expansion efforts in light of the evolving tariff situation.
Meanwhile, Asian electronics giants may be eyeing new prospects in the Middle East. Just prior to Computex, a U.S. delegation, spearheaded by President Trump and including prominent tech figures such as Huang, Elon Musk, and OpenAI co-founder Sam Altman, visited Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh, where new trade agreements were promised. The visit also highlighted an easing of restrictions on AI chip exports, further emphasizing the Middle East’s rising significance in the AI sector.
“The renewed emphasis on export regulations involving China and Huawei opens doors for Taiwan,” commented industry analyst Dan Nystedt, based in Taipei.
AI’s Uncertain Returns
Last year, prominent figures from companies such as Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), Nvidia, and Qualcomm heralded the emergence of generative artificial intelligence at Computex as a milestone akin to the birth of the internet.
However, consumer enthusiasm appears to lag, with smartphone shipments increasing by just 2.4 percent and PC shipments by a meager 1.8 percent during the holiday quarter, according to IDC. Promises from major players like Samsung Electronics regarding the transformative potential of AI in daily life remain unfulfilled. Notably, Apple is yet to release its complete AI suite for iPhones. Executives at Computex will likely face inquiries regarding the timeline for expected benefits.
Additionally, concerns surrounding an AI bubble will be prominent. While investment from leading U.S. tech companies remains high, Microsoft has recalibrated some of its expansion initiatives. Meanwhile, Alibaba Group’s Joe Tsai cautioned against building large data centers without clear purposes.
Intel’s Newly Appointed CEO
Lip-Bu Tan, the newly appointed CEO of Intel Corp., won’t officially participate in Computex, as the company has chosen not to deliver its customary keynote address. Nonetheless, he is anticipated to engage in numerous meetings throughout the event, focusing on discussions with partners and clients. Tan has indicated that he is conducting multiple meetings daily and hosting business dinners to gather insights.
Currently, Tan is evaluating strategies to reform the historically significant U.S. semiconductor company, which remains a dominant player in the PC and server processor markets but is witnessing a decline in market share. His agenda includes convincing customers of TSMC that Intel’s manufacturing facilities are a viable option, hoping to reposition the U.S. chipmaker as a dependable partner rather than a historical competitor. The financial challenges faced by Tan’s predecessor, Pat Gelsinger, in executing a turnaround plan have negatively impacted Intel’s stock. Now, Tan aims to realign the company’s efforts toward enhanced execution.
“Computex has historically been focused on PC developments, yet Intel seems to be taking a step back,” observed IDC analyst Bryan Ma. “Given the current dynamics within the organization, their absence is notable, particularly amid last year’s discussions surrounding AI PCs.”
With over a decade of experience at Cadence Design Systems, where he served as CEO, Tan has a wealth of knowledge about investments and partnerships in the semiconductor field. At Computex and surrounding events, he will focus on building trust and recruiting partners to help Intel regain its competitive edge against Nvidia and TSMC.
Foxconn’s Strong Presence
Foxconn is set to make a notably bold appearance at Computex. Chairman Liu will lead a keynote presentation on Tuesday, likely highlighting the company’s growing role in AI server assembly. In past iterations of Computex, Foxconn was primarily represented through subsidiaries like Ingrasys Technology.
The company is actively seeking to diversify its revenue streams beyond smartphone and consumer electronics assembly. It has developed an automotive division and aims to capture larger orders for electric vehicles, recently securing a significant deal with Mitsubishi Motors Corp. for a made-in-Taiwan EV for the Australian and New Zealand markets. The company is also prioritizing advancements in robotics.
“Absolutely, it’s AI combined with robotics that is the focus here at Computex,” remarked Liu.
Future Prospects for Nvidia
“My first night in Taipei always begins with dinner with C.C.,” Huang mentioned on Friday, emerging from a restaurant alongside TSMC’s CEO C.C. Wei. Huang remains a preeminent figure in Taiwan, attracting considerable interest as he navigates the lead-up to Computex. Investors will be eager for insights into Nvidia’s broader strategy moving forward.
The company has consistently committed to upgrading its AI chips on an ongoing basis each year, and Huang has expressed interest in the role AI can play within the robotics sector. Simultaneously, Microsoft’s developer event, Build, coincides with Computex this week, heightening speculation that Nvidia may collaborate with Qualcomm to produce more AI-enabled, Arm-based chips for PCs.
“I’m watching closely for any confirmations regarding Nvidia and MediaTek potentially introducing a Windows-on-Arm solution,” added IDC’s Ma, given the implications it may have on Intel’s traditionally robust position in the market.
In the days leading up to Computex, Huang was part of a U.S. delegation to the Middle East, led by the president, praising the potential benefits of enhanced trade. The relaxation of Biden-era AI chip regulations is poised to facilitate greater access for the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia to Nvidia’s leading technology, thereby bolstering their capabilities in artificial intelligence.
“By properly forecasting, we will be equipped to develop the technologies needed for all parties,” Huang remarked to Bloomberg News on Saturday.
© 2025 Bloomberg LP
(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
