How BIG is Samsung? (They Have a Military Department!)

Summary

This Cold Fusion video uncovers the astonishing breadth of Samsung's business empire, starting from its humble beginnings in 1938 to becoming a global powerhouse. From electronics to shipbuilding, and even military technology, Samsung's reach is vast and varied. The video highlights Samsung's role as the largest memory chip producer, its dominance in smartphones and televisions, and its lesser-known ventures in construction, finance, and healthcare. It also reveals Samsung's significant contributions to technology and innovation, challenging the common perception of the company as merely a consumer electronics brand.

Takeaways

• 🏢 Samsung built notable skyscrapers like the Burj Khalifa in Dubai and the Petronas Towers in Malaysia.
• 📺 Samsung started in 1938 as a trading company dealing with groceries and expanded into electronics by the 1960s.
• 💾 Samsung has been the largest producer of memory chips since 1993, supplying chips for the original iPhone and other devices.
• 📱 Samsung became the world's largest smartphone manufacturer in 2011.
• 🌟 The name Samsung means 'three stars' in Korean, symbolizing greatness, power, and eternity.
• 📺 Samsung has been the largest television manufacturer since 2006 and dominates the AMOLED screen market.
• 💡 Samsung invested $4 billion in research and development in 2014 alone.
• 👩‍💼 Samsung employs 490,000 people, more than Apple, Google, and Microsoft combined.
• ⚓ Samsung Heavy Industries operates the most efficient shipbuilding center in the world, building colossal ships.
• 🏥 Samsung donates $100 million annually to its nonprofit Medical Center, consisting of several hospitals and research facilities.

Q & A

What is the significance of the year 1938 in Samsung's history?

The year 1938 is significant because it marks the founding of Samsung by Lee Byung-chul. It started as a small trading company dealing with local groceries and had 40 employees at the time.

What was Samsung's first product in the electronics industry?

Samsung's first product in the electronics industry was a 12-inch black and white TV, produced in the late 1960s.

When did Samsung release its first computer?

Samsung released its first computer in 1983, which was two years ahead of Windows PCs.

What does the name 'Samsung' mean in Korean and what did the founder intend it to represent?

In Korean, 'Samsung' means 'three stars'. The founder intended it to indicate that the company was big, powerful, and numerous, with the stars also symbolizing eternity.

Why does the Samsung logo have an opening on both ends of the ellipse?

The opening on both ends of the ellipse in the Samsung logo is intended to illustrate the company's open-mindedness and desire to communicate with the world.

Since when has Samsung Electronics been the largest producer of memory chips?

Samsung Electronics has been the largest producer of memory chips since 1993.

What is the meaning of the 'S' at the end of the Galaxy S Series in Samsung's product naming?

The 'S' at the end of the Galaxy S Series stands for 'super smart'.

How much did Samsung invest in the clothing brand FUBU in 1995, and what has been the outcome?

Samsung invested $2 million into the clothing brand FUBU in 1995. Since then, FUBU has generated $6 billion in sales.

What is the size of Samsung in terms of the number of employees compared to Apple, Google, and Microsoft combined?

Samsung has 490,000 employees, which is more than the combined number of employees at Apple, Google, and Microsoft.

What is one of the less known businesses that Samsung is involved in, and what products does it produce?

One of the less known businesses Samsung is involved in is Samsung Techwin, which produces surveillance systems, aeronautics, automations, and weapons technology, including military robots and tanks.

What is the significance of Samsung Heavy Industries in the shipbuilding industry?

Samsung Heavy Industries has the most efficient shipbuilding center in the world, with a size of over 400 million square feet, and has built some of the largest ships in the industry.

What is the role of the new research lab for drones, robotics, 3D printing, and virtual reality within Samsung?

The new research lab is part of Samsung's mobile division but operates independently. It will build on the work Samsung has done with its robot vacuum cleaners and contribute to advancements in drones, robotics, 3D printing, and virtual reality.