semiconductor development

Lenovo Group reported strong fiscal year results with annual revenue rising 21.5% YoY to RMB 498.5 billion ($68.7 billion), its second-highest on record. Non-PC businesses now make up 47% of total revenue, up 5% points, with all regions achieving double-digit growth. R&D investment grew 13%, with R&D staff comprising 27.8% of its workforce. CEO Yang Yuanqing highlighted strategic focuses on hybrid AI infrastructure, in-house semiconductor development (including a 5nm chip prototype), and operational efficiency through vertical integration. The company emphasized long-term growth driven by innovation, supply chain control, and market analytics, rather than short-term gains.

Xiaomi founder Lei Jun sparked discussions by emphasizing perseverance and innovation through social media posts aligning with the company’s 15th-anniversary product launch. Introducing three flagship devices featuring its self-developed Surge C1 chip, Lei highlighted Xiaomi’s 11-year semiconductor journey amid skepticism. His 7:10 AM gym post six hours after a late-night update reinforced his disciplined ethos. 360 Security’s Zhou Hongyi praised Xiaomi’s strategy of transparently addressing product flaws to build trust, reflecting shifting dynamics in China’s tech sector. With $1.4 billion invested in 2023 R&D and a 27% YoY rise in premium smartphone sales, Xiaomi signals confidence in vertical integration and its transition from fast-follower to high-end innovator.