Key facts
- SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won called SK hynix's Nasdaq debut a "historical moment" and "dream come true."
- Chey anticipates significant investments in the AI sector, potentially tens of billions of dollars.
- Investments will target AI, AI data centers, technologies, startups, and joint ventures.
- The Nasdaq debut provides SK hynix with greater financial options and access to global markets.
- Chey highlighted that AI demand is growing exponentially due to AI agents and physical robots.
- SK Hynix is studying the possibility of building chip facilities in the United States, considering water, land, workforce, and supply chain ecosystem needs.
SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won has described the Nasdaq debut of South Korean chipmaker SK hynix Inc. as a "historical moment" and a "dream come true," anticipating substantial investments in the artificial intelligence (AI) sector.
During a CNBC interview following the company's listing of American depositary receipts on the tech-heavy Nasdaq, Chey stated that the debut marks a long-awaited milestone for SK, which acquired Hynix 15 years ago. He projected that the conglomerate would invest "at least ... tens of billions of dollars" in AI-related areas, including memory chips, AI data centers, technologies, startups, and potential joint ventures.
Chey emphasized that the Nasdaq listing provides SK hynix with increased financial flexibility and access to global markets. He also noted that the current "AI era" is driving exponential demand for memory chips, driven by AI agents and physical AI robots, differentiating it from past demand structures tied to hardware sets or population numbers.
Regarding potential investments in the United States, Chey indicated that SK hynix is studying the feasibility of building chip facilities, acknowledging the need for essential resources such as clean water, land, a skilled workforce, and a robust supply chain ecosystem. He also mentioned that the company is exploring investment opportunities globally, seeking the "right place" for future expansion.