Lee Jae-yong Returns from the Netherlands: "Discussed Cooperation with ASML, Also Visited IOC"

Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong is returning to Korea on the 14th through the Seoul Gimpo Business Aviation Center (SGBAC). Photo by Moon Honam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporters Hyewon Kim and Gimin Lee] Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong returned to Korea on the 14th after completing a business trip to the Netherlands amid the COVID-19 pandemic. He visited ASML, a long-time business partner, to explore cooperation plans for developing next-generation semiconductor technologies.

According to Samsung Electronics, Vice Chairman Lee visited ASML headquarters in Eindhoven, the Netherlands, the day before, where he met with CEO Peter Wennink and CTO Martin van den Brink to discuss ways to strengthen cooperation for next-generation semiconductor technology development. Kim Ki-nam, Vice Chairman and head of Samsung Electronics' Device Solutions (DS) division, also attended the meeting.

Vice Chairman Lee and CEO Wennink exchanged views on ▲ plans for supplying extreme ultraviolet (EUV) equipment essential for producing cutting-edge semiconductors below 7 nanometers and ways to advance operational technologies ▲ cooperation on developing next-generation manufacturing technologies for future semiconductors such as artificial intelligence (AI) ▲ market outlook amid the prolonged COVID-19 situation and future semiconductor technology strategies for post-COVID-19 response.

When asked by reporters at Gimpo Airport about the expansion of EUV equipment supply, Vice Chairman Lee said, "We discussed cooperation plans," implying a positive transaction. He also visited ASML’s semiconductor manufacturing equipment production plant to directly observe the current status of EUV equipment production.

Vice Chairman Lee previously met with ASML executives, including CEO Wennink, who visited Samsung Electronics in November 2016, to discuss cooperation plans on next-generation semiconductor fine process technologies. In February last year, they met again in Paris, France, to exchange views on the semiconductor industry.

Samsung Electronics has cooperated with ASML since the 2000s to develop ultra-fine semiconductor process technologies and equipment, recognizing the necessity of EUV technology for next-generation semiconductors. In 2012, Samsung strengthened its partnership through a strategic equity investment in ASML. EUV lithography technology uses extreme ultraviolet light sources to etch semiconductor circuits onto wafers, enabling finer circuit implementation than existing technologies. It is essential for manufacturing cutting-edge, high-performance, low-power, ultra-compact semiconductors required for AI, 5th generation (5G) mobile communications, and autonomous driving.

Samsung Electronics and ASML have collaborated from the early stages to solve technical challenges related to EUV, including ▲ development of advanced semiconductor materials optimized for EUV ▲ improvement of equipment productivity ▲ performance enhancement across various fields. Samsung has recently expanded the use of EUV from system semiconductors to cutting-edge memory semiconductors. Especially as the foundry business grows rapidly, the cooperative relationship between the two companies is deepening.

Following visits to Brazil in January and China in May, Vice Chairman Lee continued his global on-site management by visiting the Netherlands amid the resurgence of COVID-19 in Europe. It is reported that during this European trip, he also visited the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Vice Chairman Lee said, "I also visited the IOC," adding, "The next business trip destination has not been decided yet." Samsung Electronics has an official Olympic sponsorship contract with the IOC through 2028.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.