The Rich Keep Getting Richer
- News
- Published on June 3
I found the following article interesting, It highlights the rising fortunes of key players in Taiwan's semiconductor industry amid the growing demand for AI technology. Below are some stats:
Key Highlights:
- TSMC (Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co.):
- The world's largest semiconductor foundry, with a 60% global market share.
- Reported a 17% revenue increase to NT$593 billion ($19 billion) in the first quarter of 2024.
- Founder Morris Chang's wealth soared by 44% to $3.3 billion.
- MediaTek:
- Led by Tsai Ming-kai, the father of Taiwan’s chip design industry.
- Saw a 40% revenue climb in the first quarter to NT$134 billion.
- Tsai Ming-kai's fortune increased by nearly a third to $3.2 billion.
- Hermes-Epitek:
- Founded by Archie Hwang, specializing in optoelectronic equipment.
- Hwang's wealth rose to $1.65 billion from $1.55 billion.
- ASE Technology Holding:
- Led by brothers Jason and Richard Chang, advanced to No. 6 with a combined $7.8 billion, up 24%.
- Despite a 13% revenue shrink in 2023, the company is expanding in Malaysia to meet AI chip demand.
Taiwan’s semiconductor companies are also expanding offshore to mitigate risks, with significant investments in new factories abroad. However, they face challenges such as labor shortages, particularly in the U.S., Japan, and Germany. Despite these hurdles, the industry’s focus on AI technology continues to drive wealth creation and market growth.