TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Mark Liu (劉德音), the former chairman of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC, 台積電), expressed skepticism on Tuesday (Nov. 26) about the potential impact of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump on Taiwan's semiconductor industry.
Liu made the comment earlier that day before receiving the Pan Wen Yuan Prize (潘文淵獎). He expressed confidence in the mutually beneficial relationship between Taiwan and the U.S. semiconductor industries, but he remarked that tariffs likely would not affect the industry.
Liu emphasized the symbiotic nature of the Taiwan-U.S. semiconductor relationship, with Taiwan focusing on manufacturing and the U.S. on design. He noted this alignment of interests as a reason for stability despite political changes. After retirement, Liu engaged with his alma mater in the U.S. to establish a think tank aimed at promoting more rational industrial policies in the States. He plans to share further developments when they are more mature.
Discussing the capabilities of engineers from the U.S. and Japan, Liu acknowledged that each has strengths and weaknesses. He recalled the initial challenges Taiwan faced in building its factories due to a lack of workers. However, he remains optimistic that with continued effort, Taiwan can further expand its capabilities.