TAIPEI (Global Views Monthly/TVBS News) — Over the past fifty years, Taiwan has established a globally admired semiconductor legacy. Chintay Shih (史欽泰), the former president of the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI, 工研院), is a pivotal figure in the nation's semiconductor foundation. He has cultivated numerous scientific talents, exemplifying the humble and modest ethos of a gentleman scientist.
"I have officially gained the privilege of staying out of the kitchen!" Laughter rang out under the winter sun at the TSMC Building of National Tsing Hua University (NTHU, 清華大學).
Days before his interview with Global Views Monthly (遠見), Shih, an honorary professor at NTHU, was awarded the "Scientist of Noble Character Award" (君子科學家獎) at the 2024 Global Views Leaders Forum. He noted with a smile that his wife felt proud of him, yet teased that the award certified him as a "noble," thus providing a valid excuse to stay out of the kitchen.
At the forum on Nov. 6, former National Taiwan University (台大) president Chen Sun (孫震) and F.C. Tseng (曾繁城), chairman of the TSMC Education and Culture Foundation, awarded Shih this accolade, recognizing his lifelong commitment to promoting Taiwan's semiconductor industry and developing numerous scientific talents.
In his award speech, Sun highlighted that in 1987, when the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC, 台積電) was established, Shih declined an offer from Morris Chang, the then-president of ITRI and TSMC's founder, to join the new venture. Shih opted to stay at ITRI, focusing on academia and industry collaboration. Sun characterized Shih as the most humble and modest scientific expert he had ever encountered.

A 40-Year Career, Reflecting Taiwan's Semiconductor History
Shih not only turned down TSMC but also declined top-level positions at United Microelectronics Corporation (UMC, 聯華電子), ITRI's first spin-off, and other companies such as Vanguard International Semiconductor Corporation, which he played a role in founding. His career, spanning more than four decades, was devoted to ITRI and NTHU.
After returning to Taiwan at the age of 30, Shih spent approximately three decades at ITRI. He took part in the initial introduction of semiconductor technology and helped establish major semiconductor companies such as UMC, TSMC, Taiwan Mask Corporation (台灣光罩), and Vanguard International Semiconductor Corp. Despite these achievements, he stayed detached from the tech wealth frenzy.
To many, Shih appeared to have "missed several opportunities for tech wealth," yet he held a different perspective.
"I must thank my wife for her indifference to fame and fortune; she understood that entering the industry wasn't my desire!" quipped 78-year-old Shih, who feared "ruining a company." He remained committed to academia and never regretted his decision. Shih believes society shouldn't adhere to a single value system, where success is defined solely by financial gain in business. "Don't let money constrain our imagination!"
Shih's four-decade-long career essentially serves as a narrative of Taiwan's semiconductor history. He was a pioneer who forged a path despite numerous challenges.
The year 1976 was a pivotal one for Morris Chang, marking his first invitation to speak in Taiwan. It was equally significant for Shih, who referred to it as the "inaugural year of Taiwan's Silicon Island." During this time, ITRI signed a "CMOS Integrated Circuit Technology Transfer" agreement with the Radio Corporation of America (RCA, 美國無線電公司). Shih, along with Robert Tsao (曹興誠) and Tseng, was dispatched by ITRI to RCA for training, becoming part of the first group of engineers to acquire integrated circuit technology, effectively igniting the spark for Taiwan's semiconductor industry.
Two Directors, Committed to ITRI and National Tsing Hua University
The triumph of ITRI's demonstration factory gave rise to major semiconductor firms such as UMC and TSMC. Established in 1987, TSMC introduced a distinctive professional wafer foundry model, offering manufacturing services to fabless IC design companies globally. As the IC industry began to emerge, ITRI spawned companies like Taiwan Mask Corporation and Vanguard International Semiconductor Corp., further fostering the semiconductor industry's expansion in Taiwan and worldwide. These developments highlight Shih's substantial impact.
Shih believed back then that "Taiwan should not only engage in semiconductors but also in the computer industry." The emergence of personal computers would supply the main market for IC design companies, stimulating wafer demand. He eventually decided to remain at ITRI, concentrating on fostering innovation and technology transfer among small and medium enterprises.
Looking back on his path, Shih eagerly discusses his roles as "two directors." The first was his directorship at ITRI from 1994 to 2003. The second was when he joined NTHU in 2004, serving as the dean of its College of Technology Management. During his tenure, he partnered with Harvard University to develop case studies on Taiwan's exemplary local businesses and established Asia's first service science research institute in 2008.
During his terms as director, Shih focused on nurturing scientific talent and facilitating knowledge exchange between academia and industry. However, he believed it was essential to "change mindsets" and "build open platforms" beforehand.
In 1996, Shih founded an "Open Laboratory" (開放實驗室) at ITRI, similar to modern incubators, enabling small and medium enterprises to apply for residency. The lab offered advanced equipment, technical support, and market and technology information, striving to build a complete and healthy innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem. He also introduced "organizational revitalization" and "resource management" at ITRI, all rooted in the principle of "knowledge flow."
Shih Chintay: Turning Geopolitical Crises into Opportunities
Upon his arrival at NTHU, Shih "broke down barriers" again by launching "NTHU Entrepreneurs Day" in 2013. This event, akin to a campus hackathon, motivated students to present innovative proposals to companies, facilitating academic-industry collaboration and expanding alumni networks.
Known for years as "director," Shih defined the organizational principles of "innovation, integrity, and sharing" for ITRI and NTHU College of Technology Management. These six words encapsulate his lifelong leadership approach and personal beliefs.
Formerly a key figure in Taiwan's semiconductor advancement, Shih currently views geopolitical and protectionist risks as potential opportunities. "Education is the sole answer to future challenges!" This noble scientist asserts that talent is crucial for ongoing technological innovation, allowing Taiwan to rise prominently on the global stage.
The Gentleman Scientist is Also a Calligrapher, Aims for a Joint Exhibition at Age 80
While Shih is widely recognized for his calligraphy skills, few are aware that his drive to practice calligraphy originates from an educator's perspective.
Following the introduction of NTHU Entrepreneurs Day, Shih, who remained a chair professor at the university, sought to motivate students and foster corporate interaction. He inscribed fans as raffle prizes, gifted calligraphy to speakers, and even sold Spring couplets at campus markets for fundraising.
Through dedicated practice, he achieved a semi-cursive script. In 2016, at 70, he hosted a personal calligraphy and painting exhibition titled "Writing the Path — An Eighty Preview" at NTHU, displaying nearly 60 works. Morris Chang attended, commending Shih for excelling in his passions. At the time, Shih hinted at a joint exhibition with friends upon turning 80, now less than two years away.
"Ha, I'll organize it if I feel like it; perhaps everyone has forgotten!" Shih, who has said he finds tranquility and communicates with the world through calligraphy, chuckled. At 70, he embraces the idea of following his heart's desire. His weekly calligraphy sessions have become more about tea and chats with literary friends than practice. Now living a carefree life, Shih advises against clinging to the 80th exhibition, advocating for a relaxed approach, akin to his expressive cursive style.(Regina Lin)
史欽泰 | Shih Chintay
▋Born: 1946
▋Current ROle: Honorary Professor at National Tsing Hua University (清華大學)
▋Education: Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering from National Taiwan University (台大); Master's in Management Science from Stanford University; Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from Princeton University
▋Experience: Director of Electronics Research and Service Organization at ITRI; Director of ITRI; Chairman of ITRI; Dean of National Tsing Hua University College of Technology Management (清華科技管理學院)
For More Reading
This article is excerpted from the January issue of Global Views Monthly; for more articles, please visit the Global Views website
Here is the link to the Chinese story: 獨家專訪》從半導體先鋒到君子科學家,史欽泰寫下「兩個院長」傳奇
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