As the most influential high-performance computing (HPC) event in the Asia-Pacific region, HPC Asia 2025 was held from February 19 to 21, organized by the National Center for High-Performance Computing (NCHC) under the National Applied Research Laboratories (NARLabs), supervised by the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC). Themed “Chip-based Exploration and Innovation for HPC,” this year’s conference brought together over 200 leading experts and scholars from around the world in Hsinchu. Participants discussed the latest trends in HPC hardware and software, as well as the pivotal role of chip technology in the field. They also explored how these advancements integrate to drive future developments and promote breakthrough applications in real-world scenarios.
In addition, a series of international HPC professional exchange events took place before and after HPC Asia 2025, including the AI-NWP (Artificial Intelligence-Numerical Weather Prediction) Workshop on February 17 and CENTRA 8 on February 22-25. These activities further expanded HPC’s impact on interdisciplinary collaborations.
Taiwan Emerges as an HPC Hub: Chip Technology Driving Innovation
HPC Asia 2025 is not only a technological event but also an important platform for deepening international cooperation and showcasing technological advantages. With its robust expertise in the global semiconductor and high-performance computing sectors, Taiwan is hosting this year’s conference. Chau-Lyan Chang, Chairman of HPC Asia 2025 and Director General of NCHC, said, “HPC Asia 2025 is an important opportunity for Taiwan to engage with the international HPC community. Through this conference, we aim to connect global HPC experts, deepen Taiwan’s experience and strengths in semiconductor innovation, and extend these advantages to breakthroughs in high-performance computing as we work together to drive technological innovation.” Tzi-Dar Chiueh, Executive Director of the Chip Innovation Program Office, introduced the future development strategies and roadmap of the ‘Taiwan Chip-Based Industrial Innovation Program’, laying a solid foundation for Taiwan’s technological capabilities.
The conference invited several world-renowned experts as keynote speakers, including Dr. Jack Dongarra, Co-founder of TOP500 and Professor Emeritus at the University of Tennessee; Tuo-Hung Hou, Director General of Taiwan Semiconductor Research Institute (TSRI); and Dr. Xian-He Sun, Distinguished Professor at Illinois Institute of Technology. They shared the latest research findings and development trends, exploring the future of chip integration with HPC.
At the conference, Dr. Jack Dongarra analyzed global supercomputing trends, emphasizing, “Whether it’s hardware design or algorithms, both are continuously evolving to meet application demands. In recent years, with the rise of AI, mixed precision in high-performance computing has become particularly important. Its goal is to enhance computational efficiency without an excessive focusoverly focusing on absolute precision. High-performance computing plays a crucial role in scientific advancements and solving complex human challenges, yet it must continuously evolve to achieve faster and more precise solutions. Therefore, optimizing computing architectures to improve performance and energy efficiency, and maximizing hardware efficiency in rapidly evolving computing environments remain fundamental to HPC.”
TSRI Director General Tuo-Hung Hou said, “Chip technology and high-performance computing are deeply interconnected. With the development of chip miniaturization technologies and the emergence of new design architectures—such as application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), high-bandwidth memory (HBM), and advanced 3D/5D packaging—the computational efficiency and energy performance of HPC will be significantly enhanced. However, the evolution of chip technology and high-performance computing forms a mutually reinforcing cycle. Advanced manufacturing processes and heterogeneous integration technologies will be key drivers in pushing HPC breakthroughs, while improvements in HPC will, in turn, benefit semiconductor process development, bolstering innovation and productivity in the semiconductor industry.”
Five Core Themes Showcase Cutting-edge HPC Technology and Application
HPC Asia 2025 features five core themes, including HPC systems and software, big data and visualization technologies, AI and emerging technologies, performance modeling and optimization, and processor and accelerator architecture innovation. The technology exhibition area featured presentations of the latest HPC technologies and applications by leading international organizations such as the National Supercomputing Centre (NSCC) of Singapore, the Institute of Physical and Chemical Research (RIKEN), and local companies, fostering academiauniversity-industry exchanges and international collaborations.
In addition, the conference hosted several specialized workshops that delve into the Arm architecture, RISC-V instruction set, Intel IXPUG architecture, and the application of AI in the HPC field. These sessions offered attendees ample opportunities for learning and technological exchange, with academia and industry collaboratively building an HPC innovation ecosystem.
Strengthening Talent Capabilities and Nurturing the Future of HPC
NARLabs President Hung-Yin Tsai said, “Taiwan, leveraging its leadership in semiconductor manufacturing and chip design, is driving innovative developments in HPC technology. The fusion of advanced chip technology with continually refined HPC capabilities will generate exciting interdisciplinary synergies. NARLabs is committed to promoting scientific research and technological innovation through its seven major research institutes. We continuously build platforms and infrastructures to support the research community and actively foster international collaboration. We look forward to sharing these experiences and achievements with global partners. This conference is the perfect manifestation of our sustained efforts.”
HPC Asia 2025 is not only a platform for technological exchange but also a crucial event for deepening international cooperation and nurturing future talent. NCHC attaches great importance to HPC talent cultivation and education. Through a special program for domestic students, the center provides opportunities for students to participate in this international conference and experience firsthand the latest technologies and trends in high-performance computing applications. Additionally, the event features a dedicated exhibition area for the “HiPAC (High Performance Application Competition),” showcasing the competition outcomes and the remarkable achievements in nurturing HPC talent in Taiwan. NCHC will continue to play a significant role, connecting the global HPC community and partnering with international allies to usher in a new era of HPC innovation.
This conference has garnered support from numerous internationally renowned companies and institutions, including AMD, MediaTek, SambaNova Systems, WeiCloud, RIKEN, VAST Data, Intel, ITRI, Seagate Technology, WEKA, Neuchips, Quanta Cloud Technology (QCT), GIGABYTE, NVIDIA, Taiwan AI Service Corporation, and NSCC of Singapore. Together, they are working to drive HPC innovation and application.
*HPC stands for high-performance computing. HPC Asia is the most influential international HPC conference in the Asia-Pacific region. Held annually in different Asian countries, it aims to advance HPC research and development in the region. Hosted by NCHC, the 2025 conference not only highlights Taiwan’s technological strengths in HPC but also fosters deeper international collaboration, contributing to global scientific and technological advancements.
Date: 2025-03-11 Source: National Center for High-performance Computing