TSMC Founder Zhang Zhongmou: Samsung Cooperation Still Not Viable
TSMC Founder Zhang Zhongmou Remains Skeptical of Samsung Collaboration
Taipei, Taiwan – TSMC founder Zhang Zhongmou expressed continued reservations about a potential collaboration between TSMC and Samsung, citing ongoing technical challenges within the South Korean tech giant.
Speaking at a press conference hosted by Tianxia Culture on December 9th, 2024, to promote his new autobiography, Zhang Zhongmou stated, “It’s still not very good” when asked about the possibility of a TSMC-Samsung partnership. While acknowledging that Samsung faces some technical hurdles, he emphasized that these are not strategic in nature.
However, Zhang Zhongmou expressed concern over the current political and social climate in South Korea, stating, “The current chaotic situation in South Korea definitely will not be conducive to the company’s operations.”
This skepticism echoes sentiments expressed in Zhang Zhongmou’s autobiography, where he recounts a 1989 meeting with then-Samsung chairman Lee Kin-hee. Lee had proposed a collaboration, suggesting that Taiwan’s memory industry would benefit from partnering with Samsung.Zhang Zhongmou, however, remained unconvinced, likening the situation to “the devil who does not know can be more sinister than what he knows.”
The press conference also touched upon Zhang Zhongmou’s early career and his decision to pursue a career in the semiconductor industry instead of his initial dream of becoming a writer. His autobiography, now in its second volume, offers a rare glimpse into the life and mind of one of the most influential figures in the global tech landscape.
TSMC Founder Remains Wary of Samsung Collaboration
Taipei, Taiwan – Despite recent speculation, TSMC founder zhang Zhongmou remains skeptical about the feasibility of a collaboration between TSMC and Samsung. Speaking at a press conference on december 9th, 2024, too promote his new autobiography, Zhang expressed continued reservations about such a partnership.
While acknowledging technical challenges faced by Samsung, Zhang downplayed them as non-strategic in nature. Though, he voiced concern over the current political and social climate in South Korea, stating, “The current chaotic situation in South Korea definately will not be conducive to the company’s operations.”
Zhang’s skepticism echoes sentiments detailed in his autobiography, which recounts a 1989 meeting with then-Samsung chairman Lee Kin-hee. Lee had proposed a collaboration, suggesting mutual benefits for Taiwan’s memory industry. Zhang, though, remained unconvinced, likening the situation to “the devil who does not know can be more sinister than what he knows.”
the press conference also served as a platform for Zhang to discuss his early career and his decision to pursue a career in the semiconductor industry over his initial aspiration of becoming a writer. His autobiography,currently in its second volume,offers intimate insights into the life and mind of one of the most influential figures in the global tech landscape.