TSMC Founder: "China Is Not a Threat Yet... Samsung Is a Strong Competitor"

Maurice Chang's Speech at Think Tank Forum
"China's Semiconductor is Over 5 Years Behind Taiwan"

▲Morris Chang, Founder of TSMC

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jae-hee] Morris Chang (Jang Jung-mou), the founder of TSMC and known as the "Father of Taiwan Semiconductor," stated in a public appearance that "South Korea's Samsung Electronics is TSMC's strongest rival." This remark has attracted attention amid the ongoing global semiconductor shortage.

According to Taiwanese media SETN on the 22nd, Morris Chang said at the '2021 Master Think Tank Forum' held the previous day, "Despite the government pouring subsidies for over 20 years, China is still more than five years behind TSMC in the semiconductor foundry (contract manufacturing) sector."

He added, "Samsung Electronics of South Korea remains TSMC's most formidable competitor."

Taiwanese media reported that this was Morris Chang's first public speech of the year.

Morris Chang attributed TSMC's rise to the world's number one foundry to its possession of excellent engineers.

He assessed, "Taiwan has many outstanding engineers and managers. While American engineers are highly skilled, they cannot be compared to Taiwanese engineers."

He also mentioned that Samsung Electronics is TSMC's strongest competitor because it also has excellent talent.

Regarding Samsung's competitiveness, Morris Chang said, "Samsung secures outstanding talent just like Taiwan."

When asked whether Taiwan has industries other than semiconductors that could give it a global competitive edge in the future, Morris Chang responded, "It is difficult to find an industry that can replace the semiconductor industry," and suggested, "Semiconductors are the first industry where Taiwan has gained a global competitive advantage, and continuous efforts must be made to maintain this competitive edge."

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