Samsung and SK Hynix’s mega South Korea chips gamble tests optimism of AI cycle - The Japan Times

• A June heatwave across Europe triggered a significant surge in electricity demand and wholesale power prices due to increased cooling needs. • France experienced the most substantial impact, with daily electricity demand rising by nearly 20% over a two-week period.

• Ransomware attacks in Europe surged by 55.1% year-over-year during the first four months of 2026, averaging 171 incidents per month. • The manufacturing sector has become the most affected industry as cybercriminals increasingly utilize supply chains as a primary attack path.

• The Hague-based cybersecurity firm Eye Security has successfully raised €60 million in a Series C funding round. • The company intends to utilize the new capital to expand its operational presence across Europe and enhance its AI-driven capabilities.

• Exclusive research will be unveiled at the EDGE 2026 event focusing on how channel partners can create value and drive growth amid the rise of AI. • The study examines the intersection of AI, cybersecurity, marketplaces, and ecosystem-led selling to identify new business opportunities.

• Tech stocks achieved their strongest first-half performance since 2023, mirroring the initial surge driven by the artificial intelligence boom. • This growth occurred despite several "Magnificent 7" companies facing a period of stagnation or decline, known as the "penalty box."

• The U.K. government has unveiled a new strategic defence plan focused on technological advancement to counter an aggressive Russia and a less reliable U.S. • The plan allocates nearly 300 billion pounds ($400 billion) over the next four years to modernize military capabilities.

• The Vertex Companies announced on June 29, 2026, that Chad Paulin will join the firm as its new AI Strategy Officer. • Starting in mid-August, Paulin will lead the development of Vertex's artificial intelligence strategy and oversee the application of AI technology for clients.

• The landscape of online discovery has shifted as users increasingly rely on ChatGPT and Google AI Overviews for information rather than traditional search. • Specialized AI SEO companies are emerging to help brands maintain visibility by treating LLM ranking as a problem of statistical expectation.

• Asia's manufacturing sector experienced a boost in June driven by the global AI boom, which increased demand for technology-related goods. • This growth helped offset economic drags caused by the Iran war, providing critical relief for the region's export-dependent economies.

• Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix announced on Monday a combined investment of 800 trillion won ($518 billion) to establish a new semiconductor hub in South Korea. • The facility will be located in the country's southwest region, an area that has historically lagged in economic development and lacks major industrial centers.

• South Korea's exports exceeded US$100 billion in a single month for the first time in June 2026. • This achievement makes South Korea the fourth nation globally to reach this milestone, joining Germany, China, and the United States.