Seoul: Samsung Electronics Co. announced plans on Thursday to invest over 110 trillion won (US$73.3 billion) this year in research and development and facilities for artificial intelligence (AI) semiconductors, aiming to bolster its leadership in the competitive semiconductor industry.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the world's largest memory chip maker detailed its investment plan in a regulatory filing, emphasizing its goal to secure a leading position amid the AI boom. This investment represents a 21.7 percent increase from last year's 90.4 trillion won and marks the highest annual spending in the company's history. Notably, it is the first time Samsung's annual investment has surpassed the 100 trillion won mark.
The company also revealed plans to pursue mergers and acquisitions in sectors such as robotics, medical technology, automotive electronics, and air conditioning solutions. These strategic moves come as Samsung addresses rising chip demand, with efficiency improvement work currently underway at its P4 plant at the Pyeongtaek campus, located south of Seoul.
Samsung is also advancing with key equipment installation for its planned P5 production line and is constructing new manufacturing facilities within its chip cluster in Yongin, south of Seoul. Additionally, the company is expanding its international footprint by building a new foundry in Taylor, Texas, in the United States, with operations expected to commence by the end of the year.