High-Profile Presence at APEC 2025
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang is confirmed to join the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) CEO Summit in Gyeongju, South Korea this October, marking a pivotal moment for both the global semiconductor industry and evolving U.S.–Korea partnerships[2][3][4]. Huang’s participation underscores Nvidia’s growing role in international technology leadership and the company’s intent to deepen ties with vital South Korean partners, especially SK hynix and Samsung Electronics[2][4].
A Focus on AI and Semiconductor Industry Growth
- The summit will include major sessions on “AI for economic development,” where Huang is expected to be a leading voice[2][4].
- South Korean officials and industry executives are optimistic that Huang’s visit will boost collaboration between Korean and American firms in artificial intelligence and semiconductor manufacturing[2].
- With Nvidia now valued at over $4 trillion, its GPUs and accelerators are essential for developing powerful AI models, giving the company outsize influence on global supply chains and tech innovation[2].
Strengthening U.S.–Korea Semiconductor Partnerships
- Nvidia relies on Asian suppliers: SK hynix is the main provider of high-bandwidth memory chips, fueling Nvidia’s explosive growth, while Taiwan’s TSMC manufactures its GPUs[2][4].
- Samsung Electronics is poised to start supplying high-bandwidth memory to Nvidia after quality tests conclude—an event analysts expect could shift the global semiconductor power balance[2].
- South Korea is actively pursuing a strategic tech alliance with the United States, hoping to use this summit to accelerate joint AI and semiconductor initiatives[2].
Other Major Players and Geopolitical Context
- The South Korean government is working to invite other industry leaders to the summit, including OpenAI’s
Sam Altman, Google’s Sundar Pichai, and Apple’s Tim Cook[2][4].
- The event may coincide with a potential meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, which could include key talks on AI regulation and supply chain security amid continued U.S.–China tech tensions[2][4].
- Recent U.S. export controls have complicated operations for South Korean chipmakers supplying China, highlighting the strategic importance of stronger U.S.–Korea ties[4].
On-the-Ground Impact in South Korea
- Following the APEC CEO Summit, Huang is expected to visit SK hynix’s campuses in Icheon and Cheongju, as well as Samsung’s semiconductor plant in Cheonan[2][4].
- South Korean President Lee Jae-myung, who has pledged to secure 50,000 high-performance GPUs by 2030, is likely to seek greater access to Nvidia hardware and deeper supply chain collaboration with the U.S. tech giant[2].
Nvidia’s Global Leadership and Ongoing Challenges
- Nvidia’s prominence in the tech industry has made Jensen Huang a symbol of U.S.-led innovation in artificial intelligence and advanced computing[2].
- Intense competition for Nvidia’s hardware continues globally, with high demand often outpacing supply even at premium prices[2].
- The company’s expanding partnerships in Asia could reshape both the economic and technological landscape for years to come[2][4].
Looking Forward
Jensen Huang’s attendance at the APEC CEO Summit signals not just Nvidia’s commitment to the region, but also the intensifying importance of global collaboration in AI and semiconductors—a trend that will shape policy and industry decisions well beyond 2025[2][4].
