Cognitive Asia

AI伺服器引爆BBU革命！這禮拜是光寶科、台達電「電源超級週」 法人點名「這檔小兵」正要發飆

AI servers ignite BBU revolution! This week is Lextar and Delta's power super week with institutions spotlighting this small stock about to soar

Yahoo News Taiwan | Local Language | News | Aug. 4, 2025 | UndeterminedTech Development/Adoption

The upgrade of AI servers is accelerating the demand for Battery Backup Units (BBUs), which have shifted from optional to standard components in data centers. With NVIDIA’s GB300 server shipment imminent, institutional investors are heavily focusing on companies in the power module supply chain. Major manufacturers including Lite-On Technology, Delta Electronics, and Chicony Power have held investor conferences dubbed the "Power Super Week," signaling a market rebound and active capital deployment. Taiwan’s comprehensive power supply chain, covering lithium batteries through to module assembly, is well-positioned to benefit from this AI server-driven transformation.

Cloud data centers are transitioning from UPS systems to BBUs for more immediate and stable power backup due to escalating AI server power demands. U.S. cloud giants like Google, Microsoft, and Amazon are concurrently investing in green energy, energy storage, and microgrids, further driving BBU adoption and related market growth. Analysts highlight how this shift will escalate global lithium battery demand and spur product upgrades, benefiting Taiwanese companies such as Delta Electronics, AES-KY, and others. Smaller firms like Xinshengli are also gaining investor attention for their roles in high-power BBUs and UPS modules amid AI and 5G data center growth, though investors remain cautious of risks like currency fluctuations and tariff changes.

Financially, Delta Electronics achieved new highs in market capitalization and share price despite tariff pressures, emphasizing strong positive investor sentiment towards power supply stocks. ASRock also reported impressive earnings growth markedly driven by AI server demand, with expectations for continued revenue and margin improvements in the latter half of 2025. The Taiwanese PCB sector and military-related stocks also experienced strong momentum linked to AI and defense applications. However, the U.S. imposed a 20% tariff on Taiwan, higher than those on other Asian economies, sparking volatility in Taiwanese stock markets and concerns over cost pressures and supply chain disruptions across various industries.

Taiwan’s stock market experienced sharp declines following the tariff announcement but managed to narrow losses by the close, supported by institutional buying primarily in power supply, PCB, and some financial sectors. While semiconductor and electronic stocks faced pressure, companies such as Delta Electronics and Hon Hai remained resilient. Analysts warn that the tariff impact alongside inflationary pressures presents challenges for industries and consumer markets, with some experts advising strategies focused on dividend investments and ETFs to counter rising inflation. Meanwhile, geopolitical tensions and evolving U.S. trade policies continue to shape market dynamics and investment strategies in Taiwan.

政府「ガリウム」調達網を整備へ

Government to Develop Gallium Procurement Network

Yahoo News Japan | Local Language | News | Aug. 4, 2025 | UndeterminedSupply Chain Issues

No Body Summary

APAC’s AI ambitions outpace readiness

The Manila Times | English | News | Aug. 4, 2025 | Cyber Attacks and Data Loss

A recent IBM-commissioned study reveals that while Asia-Pacific (APAC) organizations are significantly increasing investments in AI and Industry 4.0 capabilities, 85 percent of respondents overestimate their actual maturity. This gap suggests many companies may face fundamental challenges and risks misaligned strategic investments, potentially stalling their digital transformation efforts.

The report, titled “APAC AI-Driven Industry 4.0: Building Tomorrow’s Industries,” focuses on large enterprises in manufacturing and energy and utilities sectors. It finds that although early investments have been made in digital tools such as design and supply chain, companies must now achieve end-to-end visibility, enhanced coordination, and develop an AI-driven digital backbone to unlock full value.

Key barriers identified include strategic misalignment with siloed plans and isolated pilots, people-centered blind spots due to insufficient focus on capability development, lack of cross-team knowledge sharing hindering collaboration, slow core modernization that limits predictive maintenance and real-time supply chain visibility, and partial AI integration that prevents fully intelligent operations.

To advance from Industry 4.0 to Industry 5.0, organizations are urged to implement a holistic strategy: align technology adoption with clear business outcomes, strengthen core platforms for visibility and collaboration, treat data as a strategic asset breaking down silos, adopt agile integration of new technologies, and embed Industry 5.0 principles emphasizing human resource development, sustainability, and resilience.

The study reflects insights from 135 technology, data, and business leaders across APAC manufacturing and energy sectors. IBM, a leader in hybrid cloud, AI, and consulting, supports companies worldwide in leveraging data for efficiency, cost reduction, and competitive advantage.