Weekly News Updates- Jun 5 – June 11

MeitY policy momentum to persist; 3 lakh trained workers would be required in India for the semiconductor industry by 2027; In accordance with India's chipmaking policy, Zoho has requested sops; Canon is in discussions to offer chip-making machines; AI and data protection at the top of tech's wish list for the next govt; Big bets by Asus on the Indian PC market

MeitY policy momentum to persist, with Ashwini Vaishnaw holding onto electronics and IT portfolio
部長Ashwini Vaishnaw將繼續擔任電子和資訊技術部門的負責人,印度MeitY的政策將照目前方向持續下去

The technology industry expressed optimism with Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw retaining the Electronics and IT Ministry, anticipating continuity in policy making and governance to drive growth and investor confidence. Vaishnaw, who took charge as the Minister of Electronics and IT, Railways, and Information and Broadcasting on Tuesday morning, is seen as pivotal for shaping the future of electronics product design and manufacturing in India. IT industry stalwart Ajai Chowdhry emphasized the importance of the next five years in competing with China and establishing India as a global electronics hub, calling for collaborative action to redefine India’s manufacturing landscape. Industry leaders look forward to closely engaging with Vaishnaw and the newly appointed Minister of State to drive this transformation.

The decision to retain key portfolios with existing ministers has been positively received by industry figures like ICEA Chairman Pankaj Mohindroo, who underscored the importance of continuity for investor confidence and growth. He noted that the industry is prepared for a transformative journey towards making India a global hub for electronics manufacturing by 2030. IESA Chairman V Veerappan praised Vaishnaw for his role in boosting semiconductor and electronics manufacturing, expressing confidence that his continued leadership and new perspectives from MoS Jitin Prasada will foster economic growth and job creation. Vaishnaw, upon taking charge, committed to leveraging technology and digital solutions to enhance the lives of people, building on past momentum in the sector.

https://www.business-standard.com/technology/tech-news/policy-continuity-to-spur-growth-as-vaishnaw-retains-meity-says-industry-124061101033_1.html

小編點評:科技業的產業領袖和利益相關者對於阿什維尼·瓦伊什瑙(Ashwini Vaishnaw)繼續擔任電子和信息技術部長表示樂觀,強調政策制定和治理的連續性。瓦伊什瑙致力於利用技術和數位解決方案,被視為推動成長並在2030年前將印度建立為全球電子製造中心的關鍵。在業界人士和利益相關者的支持下,人們期望在瓦伊什瑙的領導下進行合作努力,提升印度在全球電子和信息技術領域的地位。

3 lakh trained workers would be required in India for the semiconductor industry by 2027
印度半導體產業於2027年前將需要30萬受過培訓的工人

The Indian semiconductor industry will need 2.5 to 3 lakh skilled professionals by 2027, as reported by IANS citing a TeamLease Degree Apprenticeship report. The industry is projected to become a $100 billion market by 2030, potentially generating around 1 million global jobs by 2025-26. To address skill shortages, the Electronics Sector Skill Council offers over 25 apprenticeship courses under the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme.

The TeamLease Degree Apprenticeship is working with academia, industry leaders, and government bodies to tackle these challenges. Additionally, the PLI Scheme provides a $1.7 billion incentive package to encourage semiconductor manufacturing in India.

https://www.autocarpro.in/news/castrol-launches-new-edge-range-of-products-in-india-120943

小編點評:在2027年前,印度半導體產業預計將需要25到30萬名技術工人,以滿足到2030年預計達到1000億美元市場需求。包括TeamLease和電子產業技能委員會在內的機構,以及PLI計劃等政府政策,正在致力於通過培訓和學徒計劃來滿足這些勞動力需求並促進產業增長。

In accordance with India’s chipmaking policy, Zoho has requested sops: Vembu
根據印度的晶片製造政策,Zoho已向政府申請補貼:Zoho創辦人Vembu表示

Zoho, aiming to boost India’s semiconductor ambitions, has applied to set up a semiconductor manufacturing facility with a partner, aligning with India’s incentive plan. Co-founder Sridhar Vembu highlighted the stringent evaluation process. Zoho plans a $700 million investment, joining other companies vying for government incentives in the growing semiconductor space. Currently, India has four approved semiconductor plants.

Additionally, Vembu criticized global tech layoffs for short-term profits, emphasizing loyalty to employees. Zoho is establishing a manufacturing facility in Tamil Nadu to create rural jobs and reduce migration, focusing on producing handheld tools and offering good wages to local youth.

https://www.indiandefensenews.in/2024/06/zoho-applies-for-semiconductor.html

Canon is in discussions to offer chip-making machines with global and Indian players
日商佳能正在與全球及印度企業洽談,提供晶片製造機器

Canon Inc. is in discussions with Indian and global companies, including the Tata Group and Powerchip Semiconductor Manufacturing Corp (PSMC), to provide semiconductor lithography equipment, competing with industry leader ASML. Canon’s president and CEO, Manabu Yamazaki, confirmed the early-stage talks with firms committed to building semiconductor fabrication units in India and those expanding electronics manufacturing. Canon has developed a range of semiconductor lithography equipment designed for various applications, capable of producing circuits at a 5-nanometer scale with potential advancements to 2nm production.

In addition to its semiconductor ambitions, Canon has launched a new subsidiary, Canon Medical Systems India, in Gurugram, to address the growing demand for medical equipment such as CT scanners, MRI machines, and ultrasound systems. The company plans to expand into key markets including Chennai, Hyderabad, and Mumbai, and aims to contribute 30% of its revenue to the Asia business (excluding Japan) by 2035. Recognizing India as a crucial market, Canon also seeks to penetrate tier 2 and tier 3 cities with its imaging, printing, and surveillance products while offering a comprehensive range of semiconductor and flat panel display lithography equipment.

小編點評:佳能公司正積極與全球及印度公司,包括塔塔集團和力晶半導體製造公司,洽談提供半導體光刻設備,討論擴大印度半導體製造的計劃。佳能的先進光刻技術能夠生產小至5納米的電路,未來有可能達到2納米,使其在半導體設備行業中成為ASML的競爭對手。同時,佳能正在擴展其在印度的業務,於古爾岡成立佳能醫療系統印度公司,以滿足印度主要市場對醫療成像設備日益增長的需求。

AI and data protection at the top of tech’s wish list for the next govt
人工智慧和數據保護是科技產業對下一屆政府的主要期望

Technology policy experts emphasize that notifying the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Rules should be a top priority for the new government. The DPDP Act, notified in August last year, has remained inactive for nine months due to the absence of enforcement rules, according to technology policy lawyers and think tanks. The Digital India Bill (DIB) also requires urgent attention as it aims to replace the Information Technology (IT) Act of 2000 and address intermediary liability, fake news, deep fake content, and AI regulation. Rahul Matthan of Trilegal law firm and Avimukt Dar of IndusLaw highlight the importance of notifying the DPDP rules within the first 100 days to ensure effective implementation.

Aparajita Bharti from The Quantum Hub Consulting anticipates the DPDP rules will open for consultation soon, given it has been ten months since the Act was passed. Nehaa Chaudhari of Ikigai Law notes that digital businesses have been preparing since the Act’s passage, but the detailed rules are crucial for understanding the law’s specifics. Ashish Aggarwal of Nasscom adds that India’s IT services and technology startup ecosystem have thrived under policies enhancing consumer trust and innovation. The DPDP Act is expected to continue this trend, with final rules anticipated later this year.

https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tech/technology/data-protection-ai-rules-top-techs-wishlist-for-next-govt/articleshow/110644307.cms?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=update&ncode=2361d5eef2f2bf03d96346794e802b64b09aed30b9789a61b697a0f7a119dbeea179f913bc8d5f3cb8ace1368bd8d499345d8daf14fab9e9b0b3df5b725289b07fcf45f018b84c639e534ba265391ff4&nl_id=5f5a31db80f79664e95679e7&from=mdr

小編點評:技術政策專家敦促新政府優先通知《數位個人數據保護(DPDP)規則》,該規則自《DPDP法案》通過以來已經懸而未決九個月。這些規則被視為在《數位印度法案》下,對人工智慧進行監管、保護數據以及解決中介責任和假新聞等問題的關鍵。利益相關者強調,及時實施這些法規對於塑造印度的數位生態系統以及在消費者和企業之間建立信任至關重要。

Big bets by Asus on the Indian PC market
華碩在印度PC市場下重注

Senior officials from Taiwanese tech giant Asus have highlighted the significant growth potential in India’s personal computer (PC) market, citing the country’s low PC penetration levels as a prime opportunity. Arnold Su, Asus India’s vice president for consumer and gaming PCs, pointed out that with only 10 to 11 percent of Indian households owning a PC, approximately 90 percent of households remain untapped. This considerable gap represents a vast market for Asus to expand into. Su emphasized Asus’s commitment to the Indian market, noting that the company has already established a presence in 450 out of India’s 750 districts and continues to invest in making its products widely available across the country. This strategic expansion is aimed at capitalizing on the untapped potential and fostering growth in a market that remains largely underserved in terms of PC penetration.

Despite global challenges in the PC market, Asus remains optimistic about the Indian market’s resilience and growth prospects. Peter Chang, general manager for Asus’s Asia Pacific System Business Unit, noted that while the global PC demand has not fully recovered post-COVID pandemic, the interest in purchasing laptops in India has surged this year, signaling a potential return to normalcy in the market. Chang asserted that India’s PC market is performing better than the global average, despite recent declines reported by market research firm IDC. According to IDC, PC shipments in India fell by about 30 percent year-on-year in the first quarter of 2023. Nevertheless, Chang expressed confidence in the long-term prospects, highlighting the importance of artificial intelligence as a focal point for Asus’s future development. Additionally, Chang mentioned Asus’s participation in India’s IT hardware production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme and the commencement of local manufacturing, indicating the company’s ongoing commitment to investing in and expanding its footprint in India. He also confirmed that supply chain disruptions have largely been resolved, facilitating a smoother operational environment for the industry.

https://www.financialexpress.com/life/technology-asus-bets-big-on-indias-personal-computer-market-heres-whynbsp-3519863/#:~:text=Asus%20bets%20big%20on%20India’s%20PC%20market!&text=With%20reports%20from%20PTI%2C%20Arnold,a%20great%20opportunity%20for%20us.%E2%80%9D

小編點評:華碩正在對印度個人電腦市場進行大量投資,充分利用該國個人電腦普及率較低和尚未開發的巨大潛力。華碩專注於擴大跨地區業務並利用印度 PLI 計劃下的本地製造,旨在在全球挑戰和需求波動中鞏固其市場地位。