Samsung and SK Hynix explore deeper AI chip partnerships and integration with Nvidia ahead of CES 2025.

The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2025, scheduled for Jan. 7 to 10 in Las Vegas, will showcase artificial intelligence as a central theme, with major technology companies demonstrating real-world applications of their innovations. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang's keynote speech is expected to be a major highlight of the event, with the influential industry figure anticipated to share his vision for Nvidia's advancements in AI computing and unveil new graphics processing units (GPUs) based on the cutting-edge Blackwell architecture. Industry watchers are closely anticipating Huang's remarks on the AI chip supply chain, which could offer valuable insights into the future of major memory chip suppliers, including SK hynix and Samsung Electronics.

Attention is growing around a potential meeting between Huang and SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won at CES 2025, though Chey's attendance remains uncertain due to ongoing political turmoil in Korea. Chey has emphasized the significance of the trilateral alliance between Nvidia, SK hynix, and TSMC in developing Nvidia's AI accelerators. During SK Group's AI conference on Nov. 4, Chey revealed that Huang has been consistently requesting more high-bandwidth memory (HBM) chips whenever a new GPU is released, specifically asking SK hynix to expedite delivery of HBM4 chips by six months. In a video message to the same conference, Huang highlighted the significant role of HBM memories in Nvidia's progress, stating: "The work that we did with HBM memories has really made it possible for us to achieve what appears to be super Moore's law."

To showcase its advancements in high-bandwidth memory technology, SK hynix will set up an exhibition at CES 2025 featuring its latest memory chips, including the HBM3e, which is already being supplied to Nvidia for its cutting-edge AI processors. Samsung Electronics, the world's biggest memory chipmaker, is seeking to use CES 2025 as an opportunity to expand its HBM client base but has been struggling to provide HBM to Nvidia. While Samsung stated plans during a third-quarter earnings call in October to expand its HBM3e chip offerings to major clients, including Nvidia, progress in meeting these expectations has been delayed. Samsung will not establish an independent booth at this year's event, instead focusing on engaging with partner companies in private zones during the show.

Korean firms are planning to highlight practical applications of AI in real-world services beyond chip technologies. Samsung Electronics will showcase its AI-powered home solution under the theme "AI for All," enabling remote monitoring and control of all home appliances, with CEO and Vice Chairman Han Jong-hee delivering a press conference on Jan. 6 to elaborate on the company's vision for AI in the home. LG Electronics will showcase its AI-powered in-cabin sensing technology and new home appliances embedded with AI functions, with CEO Cho Joo-wan holding a press conference on Jan. 6 to share the company's vision on how AI can transform users' daily lives. SK Group will highlight its subsidiaries' contributions to the AI value chain, spanning from chips to datacenters, with SK hynix showcasing its latest HBM chips, Rebellions introducing neural processing unit-based AI accelerators, and SK Telecom exhibiting datacenter solutions and AI agents.