Seoul, March 19: Samsung Electronics announced on Thursday that it will invest over 110 trillion won (approximately $73.3 billion) this year in research and development related to artificial intelligence (AI) semiconductors. The company’s objective is to maintain its strong position in this rapidly growing and competitive industry.
According to a report by Yonhap News Agency, the world’s largest memory chip manufacturer revealed this plan in a regulatory filing, aiming to strengthen its leadership in the sector amid the increasing use of AI.
This investment represents a 21.7% increase compared to last year’s 90.4 trillion won and marks the largest annual expenditure in the company’s history. It is the first time that Samsung’s annual investment has exceeded 100 trillion won.
The company also stated that it will seek significant merger and acquisition opportunities in areas such as robotics, medical technology, automotive electronics, and air conditioning.
In response to the rising demand for chips, Samsung is currently enhancing operations at its P4 plant located in the Pyeongtaek complex, south of Seoul. Additionally, the company is progressing with the installation of necessary equipment for its proposed P5 production line.
Furthermore, Samsung is constructing a new manufacturing unit in its chip cluster in Yongin, south of Seoul. In the United States, Samsung is building a new factory in Taylor, Texas, with plans to commence production by the end of this year.
Meanwhile, employees associated with the company’s union have announced a press conference next week regarding performance-based bonuses. They are demanding the removal of bonus caps, a 7% salary increase, and transparency in bonus calculations.
The union indicated that negotiations for the 2026 wage agreement have been ongoing for several months without reaching an agreement. Due to management’s refusal to meet their demands, employees have decided to take action. They plan to protest in Pyeongtaek on April 23 and strike from May 21 to June 7.
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