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Qualcomm may tap Samsung to co-produce 2nm chips with TSMC

Qualcomm is in talks with Samsung Electronics to help manufacture its next-generation 2-nanometre Snapdragon chips, opening up the possibility of a dual-sourcing strategy alongside Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC).

The shift could mark a return to form for the two technology giants. Samsung previously manufactured Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor on its 4nm process in 2021.

The chipset faced widespread criticism regarding thermal management and efficiency issues and Qualcomm subsequently switched orders for the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 and subsequent flagship chips to TSMC.

According to a report by South Korean news outlet ChosunBiz, Qualcomm and Samsung Foundry are currently negotiating the details of a partnership for 2nm chip production. The collaboration could involve the coming Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 series, with Qualcomm looking to split production capacity between Samsung and TSMC rather than relying on a single foundry.

Yield rates remain a crucial factor in the negotiations. Current industry data suggests Samsung’s 2nm yield rate is around 50 to 60 percent, while TSMC yields are slightly higher at 60 to 70 percent. However, Qualcomm is reportedly targeting a minimum combined yield rate of 70 percent or higher. Dual-sourcing would allow the US chip designer to mitigate production risks at a time when global demand for smartphone processors and key components remains high.

Supply constraints at TSMC are also driving Qualcomm’s decision. Although TSMC has ramped up its 2nm production capacity to approximately 60,000 wafers per month, the vast majority of its initial output has reportedly been secured by Apple for its A20 Pro chip, which is expected to power the coming iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. Relying solely on TSMC could leave Qualcomm vulnerable to supply shortages and unable to meet its production targets.

The news comes ahead of Qualcomm’s annual Snapdragon Summit 2026, scheduled for Sept 22-24, 2026. The company is widely expected to unveil its next-generation Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 series at the event, with previous reports indicating clock speeds could reach up to 5GHz.

Whether Samsung will ultimately secure the contract to manufacture Snapdragon chips again remains to be seen, as final agreements will depend on contract pricing, production volume commitments, and stabilised yield figures.

Azerbaijan rejects Tskhinvali ‘presidential elections’ and their results

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan once again reaffirms its support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia and does not recognise the so-called ‘presidential elections’ held in Georgia’s Tskhinvali region or their results.

The ministry reiterated that Azerbaijan supports Georgia’s internationally recognised sovereignty and territorial integrity.

It said the elections held in the Tskhinvali region, which is internationally recognised as part of Georgia, have no legitimacy and that their results are not recognised by Azerbaijan.

The statement comes as Azerbaijan continues to stress its support for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of states within their internationally recognised borders.

Why I dumped Tinubu, Atiku to support Obi – Babachir Lawal

Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal, has explained his decision to leave the All Progressives Congress (APC), subsequently quit the African Democratic Congress (ADC), and join the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in support of its presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

Lawal spoke on Tuesday when he was formally received into the NDC by the party’s National Leader, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson.

The former SGF said his movement between political parties was driven by what he described as his disagreement with the choices made by the parties in selecting their presidential candidates.

He said he remained in the APC when former President Muhammadu Buhari was the party’s presidential candidate because, in his assessment, Buhari was a person of integrity.

‘I did not leave when APC produced Muhammadu Buhari as a presidential candidate, a man of timber and calibre, a man that is known as honest, a man of integrity. I remained there,’ Lawal said.

He, however, said his position changed after the APC subsequently chose a presidential candidate whom he alleged did not prioritise Nigeria’s interests.

‘APC decided to put forward a presidential candidate that prefers self rather than Nigeria,’ he said.

Lawal said he had played an active role in the APC and remained committed to the party until he became dissatisfied with the direction it took.

According to him, he and others had worked to establish a political structure capable of delivering security, economic prosperity and improved relations among Nigerians, but he became disillusioned with what followed.

He said he eventually decided to leave rather than remain in a political platform whose direction he disagreed with.

‘I decided that I would better retire from politics if that is how Nigeria would play their politics,’ he said.

Lawal also explained why he later left the ADC, where he had been involved in opposition coalition activities. He said the decision followed his dissatisfaction with the process that produced the party’s presidential candidate, former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar.

According to Lawal, he had hoped the opposition coalition would produce a political platform capable of addressing Nigeria’s challenges, but said he became convinced that the process had not met his expectations.

He said his concern extended beyond political affiliation to the future of the country and the conditions facing ordinary Nigerians.

‘I looked at my life, I looked at the future of my children, I look at the future of the friends of my children. I look at the poverty, hunger and insecurity that my neighbours, my colleagues are living under,’ he said.

Lawal said those considerations eventually led him to the NDC and Obi.

‘I could find no other choice than to join a political party [that] presented Peter Obi,’ he said.

The former SGF described Obi as a politician he considers to have integrity, while also praising NDC vice-presidential candidate Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

‘Any sensible Nigerian that loves the country, that loves his neighbour will support this movement because Peter Obi is a man of integrity, also Kwankwaso is a man that loves his people,’ Lawal said.

He argued that the records of Obi and Kwankwaso as former governors demonstrated, in his view, their commitment to improving the welfare of their respective populations.

‘Both of them at the time they were governors, they left indelible marks among their people, they uplifted people, they brought security to their people and they brought economic prosperity,’ he said.

Lawal’s defection to the NDC comes three months after he left the ADC. Reports at the time said his departure followed his disagreement with the process surrounding the ADC presidential primary that produced Atiku as the party’s candidate.

His move to the NDC now places him behind the Obi-Kwankwaso ticket ahead of the 2027 presidential election, with Obi and Atiku currently representing separate opposition platforms.

PHL lands its biggest FTA yet with EU

AFTER nearly a decade of on-and-off negotiations, the Philippines and the European Union (EU) have reached a substantial agreement on a free trade pact that is set to become the country’s biggest and most comprehensive trade deal.

According to the European Commission on Tuesday, European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maroš Šefcovic and Philippine Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina A. Roque confirmed the agreement following a video call, with both sides instructing their negotiating teams to finalize the text as soon as possible.

For her part, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen spoke on Monday with Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., saying the two sides had agreed on an EU-Philippines free trade deal.

The agreement will still have to go through the formal steps toward conclusion, signature and ratification before it can take effect.

Once implemented, the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) would give Philippine exporters permanent preferential access to the EU market, which has nearly 450 million consumers.

It would also replace the Philippines’ current preferential access under the EU’s Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+), which provides tariff preferences on two-thirds of EU tariff lines.

The deal follows nearly a decade of negotiations. The talks were launched in December 2015 before being put on hold after the second round in 2017. The two sides resumed negotiations in March 2024, followed by six negotiating rounds through May 2026.

The European Commission said the agreement is expected to create new opportunities for businesses, including micro, small and medium enterprises, as well as farmers, manufacturers and consumers on both sides.

It also said the FTA is intended to strengthen and diversify supply chains and provide more predictable rules for businesses, at a time when supply-chain resilience has become a priority.

‘The agreement also sends a clear signal of reinforced engagement between the EU and the Philippines, anchored in their common interest in an open, inclusive, and rules-based international order in the current volatile context,’ the commission said.

The EU was the Philippines’ fourth-largest trading partner in 2025, with bilateral trade in goods reaching pound 17.6 billion, while two-way trade in services amounted to pound 10.3 billion in 2024, according to EU data. The bloc accounted for 8.3 percent of the Philippines’ total goods trade last year.

Broader Asean

THE agreement also comes as European businesses look at the Philippines’ role within wider Southeast Asian supply chains.

The EU-ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Business Council said the country now has an opportunity to strengthen its position as a destination for European investment and as part of regional value chains.

In its latest business sentiment survey, 43 percent of European business leaders said they plan to expand in the Philippines over the next five years, according to the council.

EU-ASEAN Business Council Executive Director Chris Humphrey said the challenge now is to translate the agreement into a more competitive operating environment that allows companies to invest, produce and integrate the Philippines into regional supply chains.

He also urged the EU to move forward with its FTA negotiations with Thailand and Malaysia, while noting that European businesses continue to push for a broader EU-ASEAN trade agreement.

‘Bilateral agreements should not be the end point,’ Humphrey said, adding that European businesses have consistently called for a region-to-region FTA.

With the 50th anniversary of ASEAN-EU relations approaching in 2027, he said concluding more bilateral agreements would reinforce the EU’s economic engagement with Southeast Asia while potentially laying the groundwork for a broader regional trade framework.

Lanka Aluminium Industries opens 10th retail outlet in bustling Kalutara town

Lanka Aluminium Industries PLC, a pioneer in high-quality aluminium extrusions in Sri Lanka, recently opened its 10th fully owned islandwide retail outlet in the bustling town of Kalutara at Central Junction, Nagoda, Kalutara.

The opening ceremony was attended by key staff of Lanka Aluminium Industries PLC and a large number of invitees, including key contractors, engineers, doctors and fabricators from in and around Kalutara.

‘Our vision is to enable our customers to access our solutions and services right where they need them. To support this vision, we will continue to expand our retail outlets across the island, providing easy access to technical advice, shop drawings, wind load calculations and other technical services. Furthermore, attractive pricing benefits will also be made available to our customers at these outlets,’ said Lanka Aluminium Industries PLC Chairman Dinal Peiris.

In addition to high-quality aluminium extrusions, the retail outlets also carry general accessories required for the making of doors and windows, all under one roof.

‘With the expanding presence of our fully owned sales outlets across the country, the company’s responsibility and accountability is extended and brought closer to our end-customers through these sales and service centres, which creates empathy with the trade while adhering to our strict corporate ethical standards,’ elaborated Head of Retail Development Susantha Paranagama.

More such outlets are planned to be rolled out in the near future.

H1 mineral fuel import bill up 30% on tighter oil supply

TIGHTER oil supplies amid the Middle East conflict may have pushed Manila’s mineral fuel import bill up nearly 30 percent in the first half of 2026, new data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showed.

The PSA on Tuesday reported that mineral fuels, lubricants and related materials emerged as the second-largest imported commodity group in the first semester of 2026, with a total value of $11.12 billion, up 29.9 percent from the $8.56 billion recorded in the same period last year.

Within the commodity group, ‘other’ mineral fuels posted the biggest annual increase, rising 39.5 percent to $7.5 billion from $5.38 billion a year earlier. The category includes diesel fuel and fuel oils, light oils and preparations, aviation turbine fuel, and other mineral fuels, lubricants and related materials.

This was followed by petroleum coke, which rose 17.7 percent to $2.29 billion from $1.95 billion, while coal and coke imports increased 7.3 percent to $1.32 billion from $1.23 billion.

Ateneo de Manila University economist Ser K. Peña-Reyes said the increase in fuel imports reflects both the higher cost of energy and supply conditions during the Middle East conflict.

‘Given the 2026 Middle East conflict, elevated crude or refined-fuel prices and supply disruptions clearly contributed,’ Peña-Reyes told the BusinessMirror.

However, Peña-Reyes said the PSA data alone does not allow for a reliable breakdown of how much of the $2.56 billion increase in the fuel import bill came from higher prices and how much came from larger import volumes.

‘Most of the $2.56-billion increase cannot be cleanly attributed to volumes from PSA data alone,’ he said, noting that the available figures report the change in import value but do not provide a price-volume decomposition.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. declared a state of national energy emergency in March amid concerns over tighter crude oil supplies following the escalation of the Middle East conflict.

The Department of Energy (DOE) earlier said the Philippines sources the vast majority-or around 98 percent-of its crude oil imports from the Middle East.

It has since explored alternative oil suppliers and held talks with non-traditional sources, such as China, India, and Russia.

Based on PSA data, the country’s major sources of mineral fuels, lubricants and related materials for the first semester of 2026 included South Korea at $2.33 billion, Indonesia at $1.51 billion, Singapore at $1.23 billion, Malaysia at $1.21 billion, Japan at $477.76 million, and Taiwan at $184.81 million.

Peña-Reyes said the increase in fuel imports ‘materially worsened’ the country’s external trade position.

PSA data showed that the Philippines’s trade deficit widened to $31.36 billion in the first half of 2026, up 28.1 percent from $24.48 billion in the same period last year.

‘Higher fuel import costs therefore add pressure to the current account and foreign-exchange demand, although strong exports and remittances/services can offset part of that pressure,’ he added.

China remained the Philippines’s largest trading partner in the first half of 2026, with bilateral trade reaching $28.43 billion.

This was followed by the United States at $12.85 billion, Japan at $11.70 billion, South Korea at $11.32 billion, and Hong Kong at $8.11 billion.

Among these major trading partners, the Philippines recorded its largest trade deficit with China at $18.02 billion and South Korea at $7.38 billion.

DepDev: Diversify energy mix

Meanwhile, Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DepDev) Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan said the government should ‘seriously consider’ diversifying the country’s energy mix, warning that reliance on a limited number of sources leaves the Philippines ‘so vulnerable.’

‘I’m talking about, for example, we can consider nuclear energy to the extent that these are technologically manageable and assure the safety of such technology,’ Balisacan said during the agency’s budget hearing at the Senate.

He said the relatively low cost of nuclear energy also makes it an option worth considering.

Balisacan also agreed that establishing a Philippine oil reserve or storage facilities could be explored, after Senator Erwin Tulfo raised the option during the hearing.

‘We need to look at what is the most advantageous, especially from a fiscal viewpoint because our fiscal space is so challenging,’ Balisacan said.

My Career Is Not Dead – Article Wan

Musician Article Wan has pushed back against claims that his music career is losing steam, insisting that he is still actively working and has no plans to slow down.

The ‘Solo’ hitmaker addressed the comments during an interview on the 3FM Blocparty Show, where he rejected suggestions that he has fallen off the music scene.

According to Article Wan, people may have their opinions about his career, but he does not allow such perceptions to define his reality.

‘I have not fallen, but if you feel like I’ve fallen, it’s your feeling. I am working,’ he said.

He revealed that even someone close to him once told him he would never achieve another major breakthrough, but he chose to laugh off the prediction.

Article Wan said he does not allow negative comments to affect his confidence, stressing that believing in such comments can make them psychologically damaging.

‘If someone tells you something and you accept it and believe in it, it can work on you, but not me. Watch out for me,’ he added.

The musician also spoke about the inspiration behind his music, explaining that while his songs are often categorised as secular or ‘circular’ music, he considers his talent and work a gift from God.

‘I am working for God,’ he said, adding that he believes no spiritual practice can manufacture the kind of talent he possesses.

Arbole takes solo lead in Negros Classic

ART ARBOLE sustained his fine play, firing a bogey-free 67 to post his personal-best 36-hole total and seize the solo lead in the second round of the International Container Terminal Services, Inc. Negros Occidental Classic in Bacolod.

At eight-under 132, Arbole is a stroke ahead of Jhonnel Ababa, who carded a 68.

‘This is the first time that I was able to lead in two days. My game continues to come together – driving, irons and putting,’ Arbole said.

He refuses to look beyond the next shot.

‘I just need to stay focused . Hopefully everything comes together,’ Arbole said. ‘Play doesn’t end until Thursday, so I just tell myself to stick with what I’ve been doing.’

Arbole missed three birdie putts but made four scrambling pars at the back.

‘Marapara’s back nine is really tough,’ added Arbole, who turned pro in 2012 with a career-best Top 5 finish.

Ababa, starting on No. 10, parred his first eight holes before dropping a stroke on No. 18 for the second straight day. He recovered in style, nailing three birdies on the front nine to salvage his round and move to 133.

Still, the former Order of Merit winner remains firmly in the hunt as he tries to add another title to his résumé after edging out Guido van der Valk in a sudden-death playoff at Apo in 2024.

Jeffren Lumbo is three shots behind at 135.

Lumbo erased the bitter memory of a triple-bogey 8 on No. 18 that marred his otherwise impressive opening-round 68, firing a 67 highlighted by four straight birdies from No. 4. He is tied with van der Valk, who also carded a three-under card in another scorching day.

Lumbo is chasing a second PGT title after breaking through at South Pacific last year, while van der Valk is likewise looking to snap a long title drought.

Albin Engino carded another 68 to move into solo fifth at 136, while Clyde Mondilla also shot a 68 to join Randy Garalde (69), Russell Bautista (70), defending two-time champion Rupert Zaragosa (70) and Josh Jorge (71) in a share of sixth at 138.

The tour’s biggest names all survived the cut and advanced to the final 36 holes of the P2.5-million championship organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc., but they now face a sizable deficit and will need a strong Moving Day charge to get back into the thick of the title fight.

Aidric Chan shot a 69 but remained tied for 17th at 141 with Tony Lascuña, who slipped to 72, along with Ira Alido (70) and Edmar Salvador Jr. (70).

Caliraya Springs and Summit Point leg winner Angelo Que rebounded from a 73 with a 69 to join Erwin Madrileño (70), Jobim Carlos (72) and Jay Bayron (75) at 21st at 142.

Eight players caught the last bus at the cutoff score of 145: Rico Depilo (71), Kim Tae Soo (72), Jeremy Tandoy (72), Ramil Bisera (73), Boni Salahog (73), Gab Manotoc (74), Francis Morilla (75) and Kristoffer Arevalo (76).

Fishing boat sinks off Chon Buri, 3 dead, 4 missing

A fishing boat carrying 22 crew members has sunk off the coast of Chon Buri, with three people confirmed dead, four missing and 15 rescued, marine authorities said.

The “S. Kanchanawari 888” reportedly sank about 10pm on Monday in the Samae San deep water channel, 4-5 hours off the Chon Buri coast, after encountering severe weather conditions with strong winds and high waves.

Nearby fishing boats responded to its distress call and rescued 15 of the crew. There were two Thais and 20 Myanmar nationals on board. The captain was reported to be among the dead.

The 15 survivors were being returned to shore at Chong Samae San in Sattahip district, Chon Buri.

Prasert Phitakkorn, mayor of Samae San and president of the Chong Samae San Fishing Association, said he heard of the tragedy about 5am on Tuesday. The Initial information indicated the boat had gone down several hours earlier.

The navy has sent the patrol boat “Tor 112”, an anti-submarine helicopter and navy divers to assist in the continuing search for the missing crew.

Chon Buri MP Thanathorn Pramuanphong of Sattahip constituency was also monitoring the rescue operation.

The vessel sank at 11°56.93′ north latitude and 100°50.30′ east longitude, about 40 nautical miles from Laem Pu Chao mountain. Maritime authorities are investigating.

SC: Corruption and extortion have no place in public service

THE Supreme Court (SC) has warned that it would not hesitate to impose necessary penalties against public officers who will be found engaged in corruption and extortion.

In a 14-page ruling penned by Senior Associate Justice Marvic M.V.F. Leonen, the Court’s Second Division affirmed the decision issued by the Court of Appeals (CA) on May 30, 2024 and resolution dated September 17, 2024, which found Police Senior Superintendent Amador Hernandez, an aviation security officer, guilty of grave misconduct.

The Court also upheld his dismissal from the service, the forfeiture of his retirement and other benefits, and perpetual disqualification from reemployment in any government agency or instrumentality, including any government-owned or controlled corporation or government financial institution.

The ruling stemmed from the petition for review filed by Hernandez seeking the reversal of the CA’s rulings which affirmed the administrative decisions and resolutions of the Office of the President and the National Police Commission (Napolcom).

Both tribunals found him administratively liable for grave misconduct for extorting the amount of P5,000 from a lady passenger.

The passenger was accosted by aviation security personnel on October 3, 2011 at the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport during check-in for carrying Philippine currency in excess of P10,000 as required under the law

She was then escorted to the airport security station chief’s office where Hernandez and another individual spoke to her about her violation of a banking circular limiting the amount of Philippine currency that may be taken outside of the country.

The passenger narrated that the two threatened to bring her to Customs authorities which would delay her flight boarding and result in the confiscation of her money.

To avoid such scenario, the lady passenger asked Hernandez what she could not and the latter replied ‘kung ano maluwag sa iyo’ (Whatever is convenient for you).

When the passenger offered P1,000 for her release, the police officer merely laughed at her.

After some negotiation, the passenger agreed to pay P5,000 for her release.

The lady passenger later filed an administrative complaint against Hernandez before Napolcom for grave misconduct for extorting money from her which ruled against the latter.

Hernandez subsequently appealed Napolcom’s ruling before the Office of the Preside which also denied his appeal, prompting him to elevate the case before the CA.

The CA affirmed both the decisions of the Napolcom and the Office of the President, which led Hernandez to bring issue before the SC.

Hernandez argued that CA ruling relied solely on the ‘bare statements given by the lady passenger and her companions.’

He added that the CA affirmed the findings of the Napolcom and of the Office of the President despite lacking factual and legal basis.

In denying his petition, the SC held that the CA acted within the bounds of its authority by affirming his liability after reviewing the evidence on record.

‘The established facts place petitioner’s actions squarely within the scope of grave misconduct, as it amounted to ‘unlawful behavior’ and a ‘deliberate violation of a rule of law.’ His unlawful behavior is further attended by corrupt intent, shown in how he used his public office to procure monetary benefit for himself,’ the SC said.

The Court also stressed that having a long track record of good service or that such misconduct was the officer’s first offense cannot be used as basis to lower the penalty against him.

‘Public office is a public trust. Any violation of this trust through grave misconduct is punishable by dismissal from service,’ the SC stressed.

The SC noted that the petitioner did not only extort money from the lady passenger but he also tried to conceal his wrongdoing by executing a sham waiver.