TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC, 台積電), the world's largest contract chipmaker, will not transform into "American TSMC" despite its ambitious U.S. expansion plans, Chairman C.C. Wei (魏哲家) declared Tuesday (June 3). During the company's annual shareholders meeting, Wei forcefully addressed mounting concerns about potential technology leaks, reassuring investors that TSMC's intellectual property would remain protected as the semiconductor giant extends its global manufacturing network beyond its Taiwan home base.
Wei swiftly dismissed widespread speculation about TSMC establishing operations in the Middle East, categorically rejecting any such plans. The chairman highlighted the formidable barriers against technology leakage, pointing to TSMC's intricate manufacturing processes developed by a specialized workforce of 10,000 R&D engineers matched by an equal number of production specialists. These proprietary techniques require six months to a year to transition from research to mass production, creating natural safeguards against intellectual property theft as the company pursues its global expansion strategy.
Wei projected unwavering confidence in TSMC's ability to protect its crown jewels of semiconductor technology while simultaneously expanding its global manufacturing footprint. With a touch of humor, he brushed aside persistent Middle East facility rumors, remarking that "rumors are flying everywhere" before emphatically reiterating that the company has no plans to establish operations in that region. The chairman's lighthearted yet firm response underscored TSMC's strategic focus on existing expansion projects rather than entering new geographical markets.
Pivoting to emerging business segments, Wei addressed investor questions regarding TSMC's humanoid robot chip orders, revealing that these advanced components are already making substantial contributions to the company's bottom line. Shareholders need not wait until 2026 or 2027 to see financial benefits from this cutting-edge market segment, he assured the audience. The chairman's comments highlighted how TSMC continues to diversify its technological portfolio while executing its global expansion strategy, positioning the semiconductor powerhouse to maintain its industry leadership through multiple growth vectors. ◼