台积电创始人张忠谋在一次“类型8”科技论坛上公开批评了英特尔CEO帕特·基尔辛格,称其“非常不客气”,并回忆了过去的一次会面。该论坛是为庆祝台湾蒙太奇援助科技协会成立20周年而举办的,张忠谋在会上深入探讨了他为台积电制定的商业战略,揭示了他在20多年前为公司设定的目标,这些目标此前一直秘而不宣。
张忠谋表示,23年前,他的目标是台积电通过技术质量、可靠性和有效的营销来取得市场优势。他承认,多年来,唯一没有完全实现的目标是提供低价格。这一坦诚的反思为了解台积电崛起背后的战略思想提供了难得的机会。
张忠谋讲话中最引人注目的部分是他对帕特·基尔辛格的评论。他透露,曾多次与基尔辛格会面,其中一次是在五年前,当时基尔辛格是VMware的CEO。张忠谋指出,即使在当时,基尔辛格就显得“有点傲慢”,而且他现在的行为对台积电“非常不客气”。他补充说,“我用他对待我们的方式对待他,”暗示着一种紧张的关系,或许也暗示着他们在互动中的竞争优势。
有趣的是,张忠谋还回忆起基尔辛格在台湾的会面中,能够简洁地解释VMware给他留下了深刻的印象。他回忆起当时询问VMware的情况,坦承自己不熟悉,但基尔辛格15分钟的解释给他留下了深刻印象,以至于他认为基尔辛格“很有才华”。这揭示了他对基尔辛格的复杂看法,既承认了他的能力,同时也表达了对他所认为的“不客气”的不满。
除了对基尔辛格的评论,张忠谋还谈到了更广泛的半导体供应链问题,特别是美国政府为建立完整的国内供应链所做的努力。他对这一努力的可行性和成本效益表示怀疑。张忠谋认为,“时钟不可能倒转”,强调了逆转导致当前全球半导体格局的趋势的困难。他断言,在美国重建一个全面的半导体供应链将是一项不可能完成的任务。
关于持续的半导体短缺问题,张忠谋预测,问题最终会得到解决,尽管他没有明确具体的时间表。这种观点为当前全球对半导体供应的担忧以及半导体对各行业的影响提供了一些安慰。
最后,张忠谋重申了他对台积电持续重要性的信心,特别是对台湾经济而言。他回顾了他在两年前的台积电运动会上做出的预测,即该公司将获得全球地缘战略重要性。如今已经退休的他仍然坚信,台积电将继续成为台湾经济实力的基石。这反映了张忠谋持久的遗产,以及台积电作为全球科技领域关键参与者的重要性。他的评论突显了美国在建立自己的半导体供应链方面面临的挑战。
总而言之,张忠谋的讲话是多方面的,包括对台积电战略发展的反思、对英特尔CEO的批评,以及对美国重建完整的国内半导体供应链努力的警惕性看法。他的讲话为半导体行业的动态以及它所面临的挑战和机遇提供了宝贵的见解。
Morris Chang, the founder of TSMC, publicly criticized Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger at a type 8 tech forum, labeling him "very discourteous" and reflecting on a past encounter. The forum, held during the 20th anniversary of the Montage Aid Science and Technology Association of Taiwan, saw Chang delve into his business strategy for TSMC, revealing goals he set for the company over two decades ago, which were previously kept secret.
Chang stated that 23 years prior, he aimed for TSMC to achieve a market advantage through technical quality, reliability, and effective marketing. He admitted that, over the years, the only goal that had not been fully realized was offering low prices. This candid reflection offered rare insight into the strategic thinking behind TSMC's rise to prominence.
The most striking aspect of Chang's address was his comments regarding Pat Gelsinger. He revealed having met Gelsinger several times, including once five years ago when Gelsinger was the CEO of VMware. Chang noted that even then, Gelsinger appeared "a bit cocky" and that his current behavior is "very discourteous" towards TSMC. He added, "I deal with him the way he deals with us," suggesting a strained relationship and perhaps a competitive edge in their interactions.
Interestingly, Chang also recalled being impressed by Gelsinger's ability to succinctly explain VMware during their meeting in Taiwan. He recounted asking about the company, admitting his lack of familiarity, and being impressed by Gelsinger's 15-minute explanation, which led him to consider Gelsinger "talented." This reveals a complex view of Gelsinger, acknowledging his abilities while simultaneously expressing disapproval of his perceived discourtesy.
Beyond his comments about Gelsinger, Chang addressed the broader issue of semiconductor supply chains, particularly the US government's efforts to establish a complete domestic supply chain. He expressed skepticism about the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of this endeavor. Chang argued that "it's not going to be possible to turn back the clock," emphasizing the difficulty of reversing the trends that have led to the current global semiconductor landscape. He asserted that recreating a comprehensive semiconductor supply chain in the United States would be an impossible task.
Regarding the ongoing semiconductor shortage, Chang predicted that the issues would eventually be resolved, although he did not specify a timeline. This perspective provides some reassurance amidst the ongoing global concerns about the availability of semiconductors and their impact on various industries.
Finally, Chang reiterated his confidence in TSMC's continued importance, particularly for Taiwan's economy. He recalled a prediction he made two years prior, at a TSMC Sports Day, that the company would attain global geo-strategic importance. Now retired, he remains certain that TSMC will remain a cornerstone of Taiwan's economic strength. This reflects Chang's enduring legacy and the significance of TSMC as a key player in the global technology landscape. His comments highlight the challenges facing the United States in building its own supply chain for semiconductors.
In summary, Morris Chang's address was multifaceted, encompassing reflections on TSMC's strategic development, a critique of Intel's CEO, and a cautionary perspective on the US efforts to re-establish a complete domestic semiconductor supply chain. His remarks offer valuable insights into the dynamics of the semiconductor industry and the challenges and opportunities it faces.