Samsung Electronics marked its Foundation Day on November 1 by reflecting on more than five decades of technological development, global expansion and innovations that have transformed everyday life.
Established in 1969, Samsung began its journey manufacturing consumer electronics, starting with black-and-white televisions before expanding into household appliances and international markets. The company made further progress in 1979 when it began mass-producing microwave ovens. In 1980, it established a research and development centre in Suwon, South Korea, followed by the start of personal computer production in 1983.
A major turning point came in 1988 when Samsung Semiconductor & Telecommunications merged with Samsung Electronics. The move strengthened its operations in home appliances, telecommunications and semiconductor manufacturing.
During the 1990s, Samsung increased its investment in research, product quality and international competitiveness. In 1992, it developed the world’s first 64-megabit DRAM, marking a major achievement in memory technology. A year later, it introduced its New Management initiative to strengthen quality and global standards.
By 1998, Samsung had started mass-producing digital televisions and secured a leading position in the global TFT-LCD market. In 1999, it developed a wireless internet phone and introduced what it identifies as the world’s first MP3 mobile phone. The company strengthened its global presence in the early 2000s, ranking first in NAND flash memory in 2002 before becoming the world’s leading television brand by market share in 2006.
In 2010, Samsung launched its Galaxy smartphone series powered by Android, opening a new chapter in mobile technology. It later acquired SmartThings in 2014 to expand its connected home technology capabilities.
Further innovations followed in 2017 with the introduction of QLED televisions and The Frame. In 2019, Samsung unveiled the Galaxy Fold and BESPOKE refrigerators, bringing new possibilities to foldable smartphones and personalised home appliances. The Galaxy Z Flip and Z Fold2 followed in 2020.
More recently, Samsung has increased its focus on artificial intelligence, advanced semiconductors and sustainability. In 2022, it began producing three-nanometre chips using gate-all-around transistor technology. It unveiled its Samsung Gauss generative AI model in 2023 and developed advanced memory products for AI computing in 2024.
The company also maintained its position as the world’s leading television manufacturer for the 18th consecutive year in 2024, while Interbrand valued its brand at US$100.8 billion. As it celebrates its Foundation Day, Samsung says its mission remains cezntred on using technology to improve lives, guided by its values of People, Excellence, Change, Integrity and Co-prosperity.