TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Dutch journalist Marc Hijink gained unprecedented access to ASML's secretive operations, becoming the only reporter to witness board meetings, tour restricted cleanrooms, and observe high-stakes diplomatic negotiations at the Netherlands-based semiconductor giant. His comprehensive investigation, detailed in his book "FOCUS" (造光者), reveals how the company has maintained its stranglehold on the global chip industry amid escalating U.S.-China technology tensions. Hijink shared his exclusive findings with TVBS Thursday (Sept. 11), offering rare insights into the inner workings of the world's most critical technology company.
ASML's success formula centers on strategic partnerships and sustained innovation investment, according to Hijink's analysis. The company has outpaced competitors like Nikon and Canon through collaborations with Germany's Zeiss and consistent research and development funding. Hijink emphasizes that ASML's flat organizational structure, deeply rooted in Dutch culture, enables swift communication that aligns remarkably well with Taiwanese business practices.
"It has a very flat organization, so no hierarchy," Hijink explained during the interview. "People weren't too polite with each other and too careful with each other. So there was not a lot of latency created by back and forth." This cultural approach has proven instrumental in maintaining the company's competitive edge in the fast-moving semiconductor sector.
In "Builders of Light," Hijink draws parallels between ASML's focused strategy and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing's (TSMC, 台積電) pure-play foundry model. Both companies prioritize long-term development and technological innovation over short-term gains. He notes that Asian companies, including TSMC, demonstrate greater willingness to embrace risk compared to their American counterparts, a trait that has benefited both organizations.
ASML's lithography machines have become indispensable single-source equipment in semiconductor manufacturing, with the latest models commanding prices of US$400 million (approximately NT$12.1 billion). Former Chief Technology Officer Martin Van der Brink spearheaded the company's product marketing strategy, creating long-term technology roadmaps based on customer requirements from industry giants like TSMC and Samsung. To maintain its technological leadership, the company conducts competitive research through Belgium's IMEC institute.
The Netherlands faces expansion challenges similar to Taiwan, despite being a small nation hosting one of the world's most significant high-tech companies. Hijink highlights how TSMC has pursued global expansion through facilities in Japan, Singapore, and Arizona to meet growing chip demand. Similarly, the Dutch government supports key industries like ASML through infrastructure development, education programs, and housing subsidies to address expansion constraints.
ASML also follows its clients globally, establishing operations in regions including South Korea and Singapore to create an interconnected ecosystem. This strategy mirrors TSMC's approach of building manufacturing capacity near major markets and customers. The symbiotic relationship between equipment manufacturers and chip producers has created a tightly woven international network that spans multiple continents.
While Moore's Law may be slowing in terms of miniaturization, ASML continues driving technological progress through increased output and efficiency improvements. Despite globalization challenges, including talent shortages, Hijink maintains that global expansion remains viable with proper management. He stresses the critical importance of skilled talent management and maintaining production discipline when establishing overseas facilities, particularly in markets like the United States, where TSMC has encountered staffing difficulties.
"They have to be run by disciplined humans and people will actually crave for technology," Hijink explained. "And are crazy enough to jump into their cars whenever there's an earthquake and they have to get a tool up and running again, because otherwise it will hurt production." Human factors often receive insufficient attention in globalization discussions, according to his analysis.
The semiconductor industry now navigates complex political considerations as trade wars and tariffs create market uncertainty and impact demand patterns. Hijink finds it difficult to predict how free market-driven globalization will evolve, particularly given ongoing uncertainties surrounding semiconductor-related investment exemptions. However, he notes that AI chip demand remains robust, with continued growth expected across the sector.
Major manufacturers, including ASML, TSMC, and SK Hynix, have demonstrated adaptability to current market conditions, ensuring strong demand and positive growth prospects. "There's still growth, but once there's less uncertainty in the market, I think the general idea is this is going to explode in a positive way," Hijink concluded. "So there's going to be a huge era of growth for the semiconductor industry."