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Infoblox has agreed to acquire network observability specialist Kentik, bringing together core internet infrastructure data and real-time traffic intelligence as enterprises seek greater control over increasingly complex digital operations. The companies announced a definitive agreement on July 8, with completion subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions. Financial terms were not disclosed. Kentik will continue operating under its existing contracts, pricing, account teams and support arrangements […]

Apple has sued OpenAI and two former employees, accusing them of stealing trade secrets to accelerate the ChatGPT maker’s push into consumer hardware. The lawsuit, filed on Friday in the US District Court for the Northern District of California, marks a sharp escalation in tensions between companies that began working together two years ago. Apple alleges that OpenAI systematically obtained confidential product, manufacturing and supplier information by […]

Dubai’s Palm Monorail has resumed operations after a six-month maintenance shutdown, restoring the only public transport service running along Palm Jumeirah. The reopening reconnects Palm Gateway with Al Ittihad Park, Palm Jumeirah Mall and Atlantis Aquaventure, giving residents, hotel guests and tourists an alternative to taxis and private vehicles. Passengers can again purchase tickets online or from customer service desks at the stations. The 5.5-kilometre elevated line […]

OpenAI and Google have supplied advanced artificial intelligence services to overseas subsidiaries of major Chinese technology companies identified by the Pentagon as having links to China’s military, exposing a gap in Washington’s technology controls. The services were provided through entities in Singapore connected to Alibaba, Baidu and Tencent. Transactions involving the subsidiaries were permitted under existing US rules, even though their parent groups appear on a Department […]

HO CHI MINH CITY, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 10 July 2026 – Green SM has been recognized with two prestigious accolades at the HR Asia Awards 2026: “Best Companies to Work for in Asia – Vietnam” and the Technology Empowerment Awards. These achievements recognize the Company’s people-centric talent strategy, its commitment to empowering employees through technology, and its efforts to cultivate a unified organizational culture across its global operations.

Green SM representatives receive the "Best Companies to Work for in Asia – Vietnam" and "Technology Empowerment Awards" at the HR Asia Awards 2026.
Green SM representatives receive the “Best Companies to Work for in Asia – Vietnam” and “Technology Empowerment Awards” at the HR Asia Awards 2026.

The HR Asia Awards are among Asia’s most prestigious annual human resources awards, recognizing organizations that demonstrate excellence in workplace culture and sustainable people development. Winners are evaluated using the TEAM (Total Engagement Assessment Model), which measures employee engagement, organizational trust, and workplace experience, drawing on benchmarking data from more than 2.5 million employees across 20,000 organizations throughout the region.

According to the independent assessment conducted for the HR Asia Awards 2026, Green SM significantly outperformed market benchmarks in the “Best Companies to Work for in Asia” category, achieving outstanding scores across several key dimensions, including technology enablement in the workplace (4.8/5), workplace sustainability (4.71/5), and diversity, equity, and inclusion (4.72/5).

A defining element of Green SM’s workplace culture is its unwavering commitment to the principle that “Every Voice Counts.” This commitment is embedded through comprehensive employee engagement initiatives, including regular internal surveys, 360-degree performance evaluations, and multiple feedback channels that transform employee insights into tangible improvements in policies, workplace practices, and operational excellence.

At Green SM, talent development is viewed not merely as an HR function but as a strategic driver of service excellence. The Company continues to invest comprehensively in recruitment, professional training, operational standardization, workplace culture, and structured career development pathways for its Green Drivers. In parallel, Green SM delivers continuous capability-building programs for managers and employees, combining practical learning with digital learning platforms to strengthen leadership and management capabilities and organizational agility in an evolving business environment.

Alongside its investment in people, Green SM has been progressively building a unified organizational culture across its international markets. Rooted in values established in Vietnam while embracing the diversity of local cultures and communities, the Company fosters an environment that encourages collaboration, continuous learning, and empowerment. This enables teams across different countries to uphold consistent service standards while remaining responsive to the unique needs of local customers and communities.

Green SM also received the Technology Empowerment Awards in recognition of its continued digital transformation in human resource management. Through the digitalization of HR processes, the development of competency frameworks, the expansion of digital learning ecosystems, and the integration of data-driven people management, the Company has streamlined repetitive administrative tasks, enhanced decision-making efficiency, and enabled employees to devote greater focus to innovation, customer experience, and superior service delivery.

Mr. Nguyen Quoc Tuan, Global Chief Executive Officer of Green SM, said: “Our people have always been the cornerstone of Green SM’s sustainable growth. We believe that when individuals are empowered by technology and united by shared values, our teams across every market can deliver exceptional experiences for our customers. These two awards affirm the direction we have taken and further strengthen our commitment to building a truly multinational organization with its roots in Vietnam.”

In 2026, Green SM aims to expand its global workforce and partner network to approximately 400,000 people worldwide. As the Company continues to accelerate its international expansion, it will further invest in talent development and technology-driven people management to build a highly capable global workforce, maintain consistent service excellence across markets, and advance its vision of becoming the world’s leading green mobility platform.

Hashtag: #GreenSM

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Emrill has opened a central warehouse in Dubai’s Ras Al Khor district, consolidating materials storage and distribution to improve response times across its facilities management contracts in the UAE. The strategically located facility is expected to cut travel time across the company’s Dubai operations by as much as 12 minutes per journey on average. Emrill said the reduction would accelerate deliveries to client […]

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government of posing a threat to international security, sharpening Ankara’s criticism of Israel as diplomatic efforts continue to contain conflict across the Middle East. Fidan said Netanyahu’s policies had become a burden not only for Türkiye and the wider region, but also for Israel itself. He argued that the Israeli leader and his political allies […]

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Search teams expanded operations in the Arabian Sea on Friday as five crew members remained missing after a K2 Airways cargo aircraft crashed while flying from Sharjah to Karachi. Pakistan Navy and Pakistan Maritime Security Agency units recovered additional debris during the third day of the operation, but the main fuselage, flight recorders and crew had not been located. Strong winds, shifting currents and poor underwater visibility […]

Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Ajman Bank has opened a corporate office on Sheikh Zayed Road in Dubai, strengthening its capacity to serve companies, institutions, business owners and wealth-management clients across the UAE’s largest commercial centre. The 7,565-square-foot office has been designed as a specialised hub for corporate, business and wealth banking. It combines private meeting areas with digital screens, advanced audiovisual systems and smart technology intended to […]

The United States says technical negotiations with Iran are continuing despite renewed military strikes that have weakened a fragile ceasefire and raised fears of another prolonged conflict across the Gulf. US officials said no additional strikes had been launched for several hours, while diplomatic contacts remained active through technical teams and regional intermediaries. The talks are focused on restoring maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz, implementing […]

Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Oil prices edged lower on Friday but remained on course for strong weekly gains as renewed fighting between the United States and Iran kept the risk of Middle East supply disruption firmly embedded in the market. Brent crude futures slipped 6 cents, or 0.08%, to $76.24 a barrel by 0125 GMT. US West Texas Intermediate crude fell 4 cents, or 0.06%, to $72.04. […]

Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Digital Dubai and the Emirates Group have signed a collaboration agreement to widen the aviation group’s access to Dubai’s government digital services, shared platforms and data. The agreement is designed to improve employee experience, accelerate internal processes and strengthen operational efficiency across a workforce of more than 130,000 people. It also creates a framework for systems integration, secure data exchange and wider use […]

Belgium became the European Union’s third-largest air freight market in 2025 as cargo volumes at its airports climbed by almost 13%, strengthening the country’s role as a gateway for e-commerce, pharmaceuticals, express parcels and time-sensitive industrial shipments. More than two million tonnes of freight and mail passed through Belgian airports during the year, placing the country behind only Germany and France among the EU’s 27 member states. […]

Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited has widened access to its satellite communication service with a rugged handset priced at ₹1,34,166, targeting users who operate beyond the reach of conventional mobile networks.

The state-owned telecom company said the device can provide voice calls and text messaging in isolated regions, including mountainous terrain, forests, offshore locations, mining zones and areas affected by natural disasters. The quoted handset price includes taxes, while customers must separately subscribe to an approved Global Satellite Phone Service plan.

The phone is being positioned primarily for defence units, maritime operators, emergency agencies, mining companies, remote infrastructure teams and adventure travellers. Unlike ordinary mobile phones, it communicates directly with a satellite rather than depending on nearby ground towers, allowing connectivity across large areas where terrestrial coverage is unavailable or unreliable.

BSNL’s announcement represents an expansion of an established service rather than the introduction of satellite calling for the first time. The company has offered voice and SMS connectivity through its Global Satellite Phone Service to the public and private enterprises since January 1, 2018.

The renewed commercial push comes as satellite communication assumes greater importance in disaster management and strategic operations. Cyclones, floods, earthquakes and landslides can damage mobile towers, sever fibre links and disrupt electricity supplies. Satellite phones provide an alternative channel for coordinating rescue teams, sharing field information and maintaining contact with command centres.

The service can also support personnel stationed along remote borders and crews operating far offshore. Mining, energy and construction businesses may use the handset at project sites where installing mobile towers or fibre infrastructure is technically difficult or commercially unviable.

BSNL offers separate plans for government and commercial customers. Post-paid monthly charges begin at ₹3,500 for government users, with 16 minutes of voice usage or an equivalent number of SMS messages included. Another government plan costs ₹5,835 a month and includes 30 minutes or messages.

The commercial post-paid package costs ₹11,670 a month and provides 60 minutes of calls or SMS messages. Once the included allowance is exhausted, government users pay ₹18 per minute or message, while commercial subscribers pay ₹25. Taxes are charged separately on the service plans.

Pre-paid options are also available. Government customers can choose a ₹3,500 monthly package carrying 20 minutes or messages, or an annual plan costing ₹38,500 with an allowance of 240 minutes or SMS messages. Commercial packages cost ₹5,835 a month for 30 minutes or messages and ₹64,185 a year for 360.

Additional pre-paid top-ups are available in denominations ranging from ₹200 to ₹10,000. The pricing underlines the specialised nature of the service and is likely to limit widespread consumer adoption, particularly when compared with conventional mobile connections and emerging satellite messaging features on premium smartphones.

Satellite phone ownership and use remain subject to strict security requirements. Subscribers must undergo the prescribed customer verification process and disclose where the handset will be used, the period of intended operation and the purpose for which it is required. These conditions are designed to maintain traceability because satellite devices can function independently of domestic terrestrial networks.

The communication transmitted through the Global Satellite Phone Service is encrypted. However, the service currently supports only voice calls and SMS, not high-speed internet access or the broader applications available on modern smartphones.

Customers have been advised to approach the nearest BSNL office for purchasing and activation details. Availability may depend on documentation, regulatory clearance, service eligibility and the user’s stated operational needs. The company has not announced a mass-market retail network or consumer financing options for the handset.

The move is distinct from direct-to-device satellite technology, which seeks to connect ordinary mobile handsets to satellites without requiring a dedicated satellite phone. BSNL has also worked with US-based Viasat on trials of direct satellite connectivity, including messaging and emergency communication applications.

Competition is developing in the broader satellite communications market as global and domestic companies prepare broadband services for homes, enterprises and remote locations. Starlink, Eutelsat OneWeb, Jio Satellite Communications and other operators have pursued regulatory approvals and spectrum access, although satellite broadband requires different equipment, licensing and commercial models from BSNL’s voice-focused service.

  • Exclusive Co-Development: The partnership covers the exclusive supply and co-engineering of the IVECO URANIA and IVECO TUTELA ranges – the only fluids officially recommended by IVECO
  • Network Support: PLI will strengthen support for IVECO’s European dealer network, driving customer value, reliability, and total cost-of-ownership (TCO) optimisation

TURIN, ITALY – Media OutReach Newswire – 9 July 2026 – IVECO, one of Europe’s leading commercial vehicle manufacturers, and PETRONAS Lubricants International (PLI) have officially renewed their long-standing strategic partnership for an additional five years. The agreement extends the partnership through 2032, reinforcing a collaboration that has driven innovation, performance, and sustainability in the commercial transport sector for more than 50 years.

PETRONAS Lubricants International and IVECO renew their strategic partnership through 2032, marking over 50 years of collaboration
PETRONAS Lubricants International and IVECO renew their strategic partnership through 2032, marking over 50 years of collaboration

The renewal ensures the continued supply and joint engineering of a comprehensive range of lubricants designed for commercial vehicles. From advanced engine oils to transmission fluids, brake fluids and coolants, PLI and IVECO will continue to formulate solutions specifically engineered to meet the demanding operational requirements of IVECO’s commercial vehicle portfolio across Europe.

A Legacy of Technical Excellence

This milestone reflects the sustained success of the co-branded IVECO URANIA engine oils and IVECO TUTELA technical fluids, developed through decades of joint R&D and a shared commitment to delivering high-performance, energy-efficient solutions that maximise vehicle uptime and extend component life. The ranges are also the only fluids recommended by IVECO.

The partnership’s rapid pace of innovation was recently highlighted by the launch of Urania Next 0W-16. This breakthrough –the first SAE 0W-16 engine oil developed specifically for heavy-duty applications – delivers exceptional fuel efficiency, reduced CO₂ emissions, and extended oil drain intervals. Furthermore, the formulation is Euro 7 ready, supporting improved efficiency and emissions performance for IVECO’s latest generation of engines.

Domenico Nucera, Chief Quality & Operations Officer, Iveco Group, commented, “The renewal of the agreement with PETRONAS Lubricants International confirms the strength of a long-standing collaboration built on shared technical expertise and a common ambition to continuously improve performance, efficiency, and sustainability across our vehicle and powertrain portfolio. Through the co-engineering of our IVECO URANIA and IVECO TUTELA ranges, we are able to deliver solutions that maximise vehicle uptime, optimise total cost of ownership, and support our customers and dealer network with the highest standards of quality and reliability.”

Driving Dealer and Customer Value

The renewed agreement also places a strategic focus on the IVECO dealer network. Beyond providing cutting-edge products, PLI will implement targeted initiatives aimed at strengthening dealer engagement and reinforcing customer awareness of IVECO’s officially approved lubricants. These initiatives are expected to support dealer business growth across European markets, while helping customers benefit from enhanced vehicle reliability and optimised total cost-of-ownership.

Domenico Ciaglia, Group Chief Strategy & Transformation Officer of PETRONAS Lubricants International (PLI), said: “This partnership renewal demonstrates what can be achieved through a long-term forward-thinking collaboration, with consistency, and a shared commitment to excellence. Through continuous product innovation, we have been able to co-develop market-leading solutions such as the Urania Next 0W-16 engine oil formulation, seamlessly integrated into IVECO’s ecosystem. This collaboration enables us to deliver greater value to the industry by combining our expertise and driving innovation together.

Looking ahead, PETRONAS Lubricants International remains fully committed to supporting the IVECO Group with forward integrated reliable, high-performance products and solutions that create lasting value for its network and customers.

This renewed collaboration further reinforces the foundation of PLI’s broader strategic roadmap, demonstrating how technical excellence and trusted partnerships can drive sustainable, long-term value internationally.”
Hashtag: #PETRONASLubricantsInternational #PLI #IVECO #industrial #lubricants #technology

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

PETRONAS Lubricants International (PLI)

PETRONAS Lubricants International (PLI) is the global lubricants manufacturing and marketing arm of PETRONAS, Malaysia’s dynamic global energy group. Established in 2008, PLI manufactures and markets a full range of high-quality automotive and industrial lubricant products in over 100 markets internationally. Headquartered in Kuala Lumpur, PLI also has offices around the world including Turin, Belo Horizonte, Beijing, and Chicago. PLI is the technical resource behind PETRONAS’ partnership with the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team, responsible for the design, development and delivery of the Fluid Technology Solutions™, which includes customised lubricants, fuels and transmission fluids to power the Silver Arrows.

We are a progressive energy and solutions partner, enriching lives for a sustainable future. Our commitment remains to conduct and grow our business in ways that contribute positively to society and the environment.

PLI is driving an aggressive business growth agenda as one of the leading global lubricants companies at the forefront of the industry, providing custom-made solutions for every need. For more information, please visit .

Iran fired missiles and drones at US military-linked facilities in Bahrain and Kuwait after a new wave of American strikes on Iranian targets, pushing Gulf security concerns sharply higher and raising fresh risks for shipping, energy markets and regional airspace. The attacks targeted areas associated with US forces in Bahrain and Kuwait, two Gulf states that host important American military infrastructure. Air defence systems were activated, sirens […]

Arabian Post Staff -Dubai US forces hit about 90 targets along Iran’s coast on Wednesday, extending military action for a second straight day and deepening doubts over efforts to turn a fragile truce into a permanent peace deal. US Central Command said the operation was designed to weaken Tehran’s ability to attack commercial shipping and civilian mariners in the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow waterway through which […]

  • SNP builds on Palantir platforms to deliver new AI-powered solutions for solving mission-critical customer challenges
  • The partnership will build on SNP’s strong base with more than 3,000 customers globally and 15,000 successful SAP transformation projects
  • SNP and Palantir will leverage their strengths to help customers modernize their SAP landscapes and business processes in a predictable and secure way

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 9 July 2026 – SNP SE, a leading provider of software for AI-enabled digital transformation, automated data migration and data management in the SAP environment, and Palantir, a global leader in artificial intelligence and data platforms, today announced a strategic partnership at SNP’s flagship event, Transformation World, in Heidelberg, Germany. The collaboration positions SNP to develop new AI-powered solutions with an aligned approach to accelerate SAP transformations for joint customers.

The two partners will offer solutions for mission-critical challenges across all types of SAP projects, helping customers improve speed, efficiency and quality. The first joint solution, Test Data Proposal, solves a so far highly manual area of SAP migrations, the identification of relevant test data for given customer test cases. By leveraging AI, this process runs automatically and saves customers’ time and resources. Test Data Proposal will expand SNP’s proven Kyano® platform.

As part of the partnership, SNP and Palantir are also collaborating in large-scale moves to SAP Cloud ERP applications where customers seek to accelerate these modernization programs. Both companies combine complementary, category-leading strengths. SNP contributes deep real-world SAP data migration expertise while Palantir provides state-of-the-art AI-driven software platforms, which enable and accelerate secure modernizations for customers.

“Organizations are looking for new ways to increase speed, efficiency, and quality in large-scale SAP transformations,” said Jens Amail, CEO of SNP. “We are hugely excited to collaborate with Palantir, a company that has leveraged AI to revolutionize and accelerate the way enterprises modernize mission-critical systems and automate operations. Together, we will deliver secure outcomes and new solutions to customers and partners.”

“We have seen exceptional momentum accelerating SAP migrations for customers, and helping them do so via the Ontology and AIP (Artificial Intelligence Platform) in a way that significantly compresses the timeline and delivers operational value along the way,” said Sameer Kirtane, Head of US Commercial at Palantir. “SNP over the last 30 years has built an impressive track record of delivering predictable, compliant and auditable outcomes in thousands of successful engagements. We are proud to partner with SNP to fundamentally rethink how customers transform their SAP landscapes.”

Hashtag: #SNP #Palantir #SAP #AI

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About SNP

SNP (ticker: SHF.DE) is the global technology platform leader and trusted partner for companies seeking unparalleled data-enabled transformation capabilities and business agility. SNP’s Kyano® platform integrates all necessary capabilities and partner offerings to provide a comprehensive software-based experience in data migration and management. Combined with the Bluefield® approach, Kyano sets a comprehensive industry standard for restructuring and modernizing enterprise data faster and more securely while harnessing AI-driven innovations based on over 30 years of experience.

The company works with more than 3,000 customers of all sizes and in all industries in over 80 countries, including numerous DAX 40 and Fortune 500 companies. The SNP Group has more than 1,600 employees worldwide at over 34 locations in 22 countries. The company is headquartered in Heidelberg, Germany, and generated revenues of around EUR 297 million in the 2025 fiscal year.

More information is available at

About Palantir

Foundational software of tomorrow. Delivered today.

Additional information is available at

Palantir Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These statements may relate to, but are not limited to, Palantir’s expectations regarding the amount and the terms of the contract and the expected benefits of Palantir’s software platforms. Forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, some of which cannot be predicted or quantified. Forward-looking statements are based on information available at the time those statements are made and were based on current expectations as well as the beliefs and assumptions of management as of that time with respect to future events. These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, many of which involve factors or circumstances that are beyond Palantir’s control. These risks and uncertainties include the ability to meet the unique needs of customers; the failure of Palantir’s platforms to satisfy customers or perform as desired; the frequency or severity of any software and implementation errors; Palantir’s platforms’ reliability; and customers’ ability to modify or terminate the contract. Additional information regarding these and other risks and uncertainties is included in the filings Palantir makes with the Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time. Palantir’s forward-looking statements speak only as to Palantir, and Palantir assumes no responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of any forward-looking statements made by any other party. Except as required by law, Palantir does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments, or otherwise.

By K Raveendran The Narendra Modi government’s position on fuel prices now looks less like prudent caution and more like an overly defensive reading of a market that has already absorbed much of the Iran-US risk. The more calibrated question, therefore, is not whether New Delhi is right to watch the West Asian security situation, […]

The article Modi Govt’s Overcautious Oil Market Reading Hurting Retail Fuel Customers appeared first on Latest India news, analysis and reports on Newspack by India Press Agency).

ADNOC Distribution has agreed to buy Shell Downstream South Africa in a $1 billion deal that gives the Abu Dhabi fuel retailer control of one of South Africa’s largest petrol station networks and marks a decisive expansion of Gulf capital into Africa’s downstream energy market. The agreement covers 100 per cent of Shell Downstream South Africa from Shell South Africa Holdings, with the enterprise value subject to […]

President Trump’s declaration on Wednesday that the ceasefire with Iran is over immediately pushed oil prices higher, lifted Treasury yields and revived concerns about the security of the Strait of Hormuz. Markets responded in familiar fashion, with traders reassessing energy supplies, inflation expectations and monetary policy. Another consequence deserves equal attention. Higher oil prices strengthen the fiscal position of the Gulf’s major energy exporters. Over time, stronger […]

A China-linked cyber-espionage group has expanded its use of hijacked devices to mask attacks on telecommunications infrastructure, deploying three newly documented malware implants across Windows, Linux and network edge systems. The activity, tracked as UAT-9244, has targeted critical telecoms infrastructure in South America since 2024. The campaign shows how state-aligned operators are moving beyond direct server compromise to build distributed relay networks that help them scan, brute-force […]

Bake My Day has opened its first international store in Riyadh, taking the Dubai-born dessert brand beyond the UAE with a retail format built around its viral cookie dough sharing tins, fresh-baked cookies and gifting-led bakery experience. The Riyadh launch marks a cross-border step for a founder-led business that began as a home kitchen idea in Dubai and grew into a recognisable dessert label through social media […]

Samsung Group and SK hynix have laid out investment plans worth about $174 billion for South Korea’s Chungcheong region, expanding the country’s drive to secure a stronger position in artificial intelligence chips, advanced packaging, displays and next-generation battery materials.

The commitments, unveiled at a government-backed industrial development event in Asan, place Chungcheong at the centre of a broader strategy to spread high-technology manufacturing beyond the Seoul metropolitan area and existing semiconductor clusters. President Lee Jae Myung praised the companies’ “bold decision” and called for faster execution of major industrial projects, warning that global competition in semiconductors and artificial intelligence will reward countries that move with speed on permits, power, water and land.

Samsung plans to invest 140 trillion won, or about $90 billion, across the central region. The programme covers display panels, high-bandwidth memory-related capacity, semiconductor packaging substrates, batteries and other core materials. The group’s plan is expected to reinforce manufacturing links between Samsung Electronics, Samsung Display, Samsung SDI and Samsung Electro-Mechanics, whose operations span chips, OLED screens, batteries and electronic components.

SK hynix said it would invest 100 trillion won, or about $64 billion to $72 billion depending on exchange-rate calculations, in Cheongju, North Chungcheong Province. The plan includes the M17 NAND flash memory fabrication plant and P&T7, an advanced packaging and test facility. M17 is scheduled to break ground in 2026 and begin operations in the first half of 2029, while P&T7 is targeted for completion by the end of 2027.

The Cheongju expansion is intended to strengthen SK hynix’s NAND business and add back-end capacity at a time when artificial intelligence systems are raising demand for both high-performance memory and storage. While high-bandwidth memory has received the strongest investor attention because of its role in AI accelerators, large-scale data centres also require more NAND-based storage as models, user data and enterprise workloads expand.

The Chungcheong plan follows a wider national push in which Samsung Electronics and SK hynix are expected to invest hundreds of billions of dollars in new chipmaking hubs over the next decade. The government has framed the initiative as a “triple axis” strategy built around semiconductors, physical AI and data centres, with the aim of building industrial strength outside the traditional capital-area manufacturing corridor.

For Samsung, the Chungcheong investment gives the group a regional base for several linked supply chains. OLED production in Asan and surrounding areas can support premium smartphones, tablets, monitors and automotive displays. Battery investment strengthens Samsung SDI’s role in electric mobility and energy storage, while semiconductor materials and packaging substrates address one of the key bottlenecks in AI hardware production.

For SK hynix, Cheongju already has semiconductor infrastructure, making it a faster route for expansion than a greenfield project. The company has been one of the largest beneficiaries of the AI memory boom, helped by demand for high-bandwidth memory used with Nvidia graphics processors. Its latest investment signals that the company is also preparing for broader memory demand, including NAND and advanced packaging.

The scale of the commitments underlines the strategic importance of memory chips to South Korea’s economy. Samsung Electronics and SK hynix are the world’s two largest memory chipmakers, with dominant positions in DRAM and a major presence in NAND. Their investment decisions affect global supply, pricing expectations and the pace at which cloud companies can build AI infrastructure.

The programme also carries risks. Semiconductor investment cycles have often produced periods of oversupply after large capacity expansions. Investors have shown caution over whether the current AI-driven boom can absorb the output planned by the industry, especially if data-centre spending slows or if memory pricing weakens before new factories reach full capacity.

Infrastructure remains another challenge. Advanced chip plants require stable electricity, ultra-pure water, skilled engineers and rapid permitting. Lee’s comments on execution reflect concern that delays could undermine the industrial strategy. Local governments are expected to face pressure to accelerate utility connections, transport links and land-use approvals while managing environmental and community concerns.

Regional development is a central political theme of the initiative. By placing more advanced manufacturing in Chungcheong and other areas outside Seoul’s orbit, the administration is seeking to reduce economic concentration and create high-value jobs in provincial cities. That ambition will depend on whether new factories attract suppliers, research teams and service industries rather than functioning as isolated production sites.

VISHNU RAJA
RYO YAMADA
HITORI GOTOH
IKUYO KITA