AMD CEO Lisa Su to Meet Samsung Chairman Jay Y. Lee in South Korea, Potentially Discussing HBM4 and Foundry Partnerships
AMD CEO Dr. Lisa Su is embarking on her first business trip to South Korea since assuming leadership of the semiconductor giant in 2014. The visit, scheduled to begin next Wednesday, is expected to include high-level meetings with executives from major Korean conglomerates, with a potential sit-down with Samsung Electronics Chairman Jay Y. Lee being a key highlight.
Focus on Semiconductor Collaboration and AI Infrastructure
The anticipated meeting between Su and Lee is likely to center on strengthening the strategic partnership between AMD and Samsung, particularly in the context of the booming artificial intelligence market. Discussions are expected to cover the supply of advanced memory chips and exploring deeper manufacturing ties.
A primary topic could be Samsung's sixth-generation high-bandwidth memory (HBM4). Samsung recently became the first company globally to commence shipments of these next-generation memory chips, which are critical for high-performance AI accelerators. While HBM4 is slated for use in Nvidia's upcoming Vera Rubin AI systems, AMD is also a potential major customer. AMD's existing AI accelerators already utilize Samsung's HBM memory, making a discussion on securing future HBM4 supply a logical step.
Potential Expansion into Foundry Services
Beyond memory, the leaders may discuss the potential use of Samsung Foundry to manufacture certain AMD chips. While AMD has publicly declared Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) its primary partner for upcoming 2-nanometer process technology, the company has not ruled out utilizing Samsung's manufacturing capabilities for specific products. Diversifying its manufacturing base could be a strategic consideration for AMD as it seeks to scale production and manage supply chain risks.
The two companies have a history of collaboration beyond simple supplier relationships. They previously partnered to develop RDNA-based mobile graphics processing units (GPUs) for Samsung's Exynos application processors, which power Galaxy smartphones and tablets. This existing engineering partnership could provide a foundation for more complex co-development or manufacturing agreements.
Broader AI Ecosystem Engagements in Korea
Su's itinerary is also reported to include a meeting with Naver CEO Choi Soo-yeon. This discussion would likely focus on the deployment of AMD's AI accelerators within Naver's extensive data center infrastructure. South Korea has articulated a national ambition to become a self-reliant AI powerhouse. Major domestic firms like LG AI Research, Samsung SDS, SK Telecom, and Upstage are involved in building a sovereign AI ecosystem, creating significant demand for advanced computing hardware from companies like AMD.
The visit underscores the strategic importance of the Korean market and its tech giants in the global semiconductor and AI supply chain. For Samsung, securing long-term partnerships with leading chip designers like AMD is crucial for its memory and foundry businesses. For AMD, ensuring a stable supply of cutting-edge HBM and exploring additional manufacturing capacity are vital as it competes aggressively in the AI accelerator market against rivals like Nvidia.
Conclusion
Lisa Su's trip to South Korea represents a significant diplomatic and business mission at a pivotal time for the semiconductor industry. A meeting with Samsung's Jay Y. Lee would signal a mutual interest in deepening a strategic alliance that spans memory supply, potential foundry work, and collaborative technology development. The outcomes could influence the competitive landscape for AI chips and strengthen the technological foundations of South Korea's sovereign AI ambitions. The discussions will be closely watched as indicators of future supply chain dynamics and partnership formations in the high-stakes AI hardware sector.