TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The world's most valuable semiconductor company forcefully rejected workplace criticism Tuesday (June 3) as C.C. Wei (魏哲家), chairman of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC, 台積電), dismissed allegations that the chipmaking giant operates like a sweatshop. Wei took particular issue with characterizations suggesting the company's 90,000-strong workforce endures harsh conditions, defending TSMC's reputation as an employer of choice in Taiwan's competitive high-tech sector.
Addressing reporters following the company's annual shareholders' meeting, Wei pointed to TSMC's robust hiring practices, which bring approximately 9,000 new employees into the organization each year. The executive outlined the company's talent acquisition philosophy, which prioritizes finding individuals who share TSMC's core values of integrity and innovation, while fostering reciprocal loyalty between the institution and its workforce. Wei then employed self-deprecating humor to counter workplace criticism, gesturing to his well-maintained appearance and asking rhetorically, "Do I look like I have shed blood and sweat?" — a moment that drew laughter from the assembled press corps.
The chairman described TSMC's organizational philosophy as one that cultivates employee initiative and workplace satisfaction, arguing that these elements are fundamental not only to the semiconductor industry's continued advancement but also to maintaining healthy family lives for employees. Wei expanded his vision beyond TSMC's walls, expressing goodwill toward Taiwan's broader technology ecosystem and stating that his company hopes to see emerging startups flourish and potentially transform into industry powerhouses comparable to NVIDIA (輝達), the AI chip designer whose market value has soared in recent years.
Pivoting to broader economic conditions, Wei acknowledged the significant volatility in global markets, which he noted creates particular difficulties for entrepreneurial ventures attempting to secure investment capital and make strategic planning decisions. Nevertheless, the executive projected confidence about TSMC's future prospects, emphasizing the company's continued technological dominance and manufacturing excellence in the semiconductor space. Wei reassured shareholders that customer relationships remain robust and that accelerating demand for artificial intelligence computing solutions continues to drive growth, painting an optimistic picture for TSMC's business trajectory despite macroeconomic headwinds. ◼