Interconnected

Interconnected explores the intricate dynamics between technology, investing, geopolitics, and US-Asia relations. It delves into issues like generative AI, the semiconductor industry, corporate strategies, and economic trends, highlighting the interplay of tech development and geopolitical strategies between the US and Asia, particularly China.

Technology and Innovation Geopolitics and US-Asia Relations Investing in Tech Companies Economic Trends and Analysis Corporate Strategy and Challenges Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Semiconductor Industry Societal and Policy Impacts on Tech

The hottest Substack posts of Interconnected

And their main takeaways

Japan's Semiconductor Red Carpet

446 implied HN points • 27 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Semiconductors Manufacturing Government support Global expansion Workforce
  1. Japan's semiconductor industry is making a strong effort to attract TSMC and boost chip manufacturing through government support and strategic investments.
  2. Kumamoto in Japan is proving to be a successful hub for TSMC with speedy construction, substantial government subsidies, and efforts to welcome and retain Taiwanese employees.
  3. Soft touches like cultural support, language programs, and local community integration are enhancing the success of TSMC's venture in Kumamoto, highlighting the importance of human factors in high-tech industries.

When the Houthis Found “the Cloud"

230 implied HN points • 13 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics International relations Cybersecurity Terrorism Global Economy
  1. The Houthis damaged four undersea cables in the Red Sea, disrupting 25% of data traffic in that area, showing the vulnerability of global data connectivity.
  2. More than 20 countries are involved in the ownership and operation of these damaged undersea cables, highlighting the geopolitical implications of such incidents.
  3. A Hong Kong company, HGC Global Communications, played a central role in addressing the cable damages, emphasizing the fragility of the global data network despite its powerful infrastructure.
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($) Do We Need Sovereign AI?

76 implied HN points • 17 Mar 24
🕹 Technology AI Cloud Computing Data Governance
  1. Sovereign AI is a concept gaining attention, especially with Nvidia's involvement, and raises questions about AI infrastructure and global talent flow.
  2. The idea of sovereign AI has potential benefits in addressing issues like hallucination and data governance that plague generative AI.
  3. Global discussions are evolving around the necessity of sovereign AI to tackle complex AI challenges and leverage economies of scale.

($) Tracking Global AI Talent Flow

76 implied HN points • 08 Mar 24
🕹 Technology AI Analysis Data Visualization
  1. China is producing a significant amount of AI talent at the undergraduate level, with many choosing to stay in the country for graduate studies and work.
  2. Tracking AI talent flow through conferences like NeurIPS provides valuable insights into global trends and migration patterns.
  3. Understanding the definition and limitations of how AI talent is measured is crucial when interpreting and drawing conclusions from talent tracking analyses.

China May Stay Permanently Behind the US in Generative AI

446 implied HN points • 12 Nov 23
🕹 Technology AI Data Regulations China US
  1. China may be permanently behind the US in Generative AI due to factors like blocking quality datasets.
  2. Unique attributes of Chinese Internet data, like linguistic challenges, present additional hurdles for AI developers in China.
  3. New regulatory burdens in China around AI development may hinder progress and keep the country behind the US in generative AI.

A Thankful Note

230 implied HN points • 22 Nov 23
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Startups Newsletter
  1. The author expresses gratitude for support from subscribers and readers.
  2. Thanksgiving holds personal significance for the author, combining birthday celebrations and favorite food.
  3. Energy and support from readers have fueled the author's entrepreneurial pursuits and encouraged growth.

🔋Is Ford’s Pause on CATL Plant Really About China?

184 implied HN points • 02 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Labor Unions China Automotive Industry Economic Impact
  1. Ford's pause on the CATL plant is not primarily about China, but rather about leverage between Ford and the UAW in a labor strike.
  2. Multiple incentives and support were provided for the CATL-powered plant, despite CATL being a Chinese company.
  3. The uncomfortable reliance on Chinese technology by US EV makers like Ford is a mutual issue, not just a one-sided concern.

Re-Introduction

384 implied HN points • 07 Jun 23
🕹 Technology Politics Cloud Startup Global
  1. The author provides a re-introduction of their background in three phases: US Politics, Foreign Policy, Washington DC; Cloud Infrastructure, Open Source, Startup Operator; Global Lens, GitHub, Investing and Writing.
  2. Their experience ranges from working in the Obama administration, studying law and computer science, to engaging in early stage investing and working at GitHub.
  3. They emphasize the importance of achieving bilingual information symmetry between English and Chinese through their writing.

🔊Capital Allocators China - Generative AI Panel

200 implied HN points • 14 Aug 23
🕹 Technology AI Cloud Data Centers Open Source Geopolitics
  1. Generative AI requires a significant amount of electricity and power for training, leading to data centers being located near cheap energy sources.
  2. Open source technologies are challenging closed source in the generative AI space, with implications for competition and innovation.
  3. Chinese AI model makers are emerging in unexpected places like niche internet companies and academic research institutes, showing diversity in the AI landscape.

🏴‍☠️Traitors or Treasures: the Semiconductor Talent Conundrum

230 implied HN points • 10 Jul 23
🕹 Technology Semiconductors Chip Manufacturing Global Competition
  1. South Korea is facing a conundrum in the fight for semiconductor talent, treating engineers suspiciously instead of as treasures.
  2. The case of Choi Jin-seok highlights the challenges faced by talented semiconductor executives, like being caught up in geopolitical tensions.
  3. There is a mismatch between demand and supply of semiconductor talent globally, with countries not properly valuing and nurturing their home-grown talent.