Look Beyond the Present
Ready — Morris Chang stands out as the architect of the modern semiconductor industry. His creation, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), is now the backbone of global electronics, supplying chips for everything from smartphones to artificial intelligence.
Set — Chang was a brilliant engineer at Texas Instruments, where he learned the intricacies of semiconductor manufacturing. In the 1980s, he saw an opportunity to revolutionize his industry by focusing on contract chip manufacturing rather than designing his own chips.
As he looked into the future, he . . .
Acted on his foresight, taking a chance at age 55-years-old when others thought of retirement.
Centered on competitive advantage, stressing the strengths of his context to get the upper hand over competitors.
Prioritized cutting-edge technology, investing in research to stay ahead of competitors.
Accentuated a customer-first approach, making TSMC the go-to partner for companies like Apple, Nvidia, and Advanced Micro Dynamics (AMD).
Stressed excellent manufacturing, proving it was just as crucial as innovation.
Pioneered a pure-play foundry model, specializing in manufacturing only semiconductors.
Grow! — Chang’s foresight turned Taiwan into a global tech powerhouse and cemented TSMC as the silent force behind the world’s most advanced technology. Today, TSMC produces over 50% of the world’s semiconductors and over 90% of the most advanced chips. Chang’s model inspired the global shift to fabless chip design, fueling the modern digital revolution.
Two Questions
Have you ever identified an unconventional solution to a problem in your field or personal life? What was the outcome?
How do you approach long-term growth and resilience in your career or personal pursuits?