Samsung Electronics said Thursday that operating profit soared 750 percent on-year to a record high in the first quarter thanks to strong sales of chips crucial for artificial intelligence, and forecast continued healthy demand in the next three months. The South Korean technology giant has emerged as a key player — along with rival SK hynix — in the supply of high-performing chips in demand from companies racing to keep up with the fast-evolving AI industry. Their strong performance has come as the South Korean government has pledged to make the country one of the world's top three AI powers…