As Moore's Law slows, performance gains are increasingly sought at the system level rather than the single-chip level. This shift elevates the importance of advanced packaging, which integrates multiple components (logic, memory, passives) into a single, high-performance unit, akin to a city planner building vertically and underground to increase density.
The decision for ASE to divest its China manufacturing operations was driven solely by geopolitical considerations. The company prioritized maintaining the trust of its US customer base, which accounts for the majority of its revenue and provides access to future technology roadmaps.
The success of Taiwan's semiconductor industry is presented as a collective achievement, built on a decades-long partnership with US and European customers and technology providers. Taiwan's manufacturing prowess is an 'asset to facilitate the progression' of the global tech economy, not a siloed, independent force.
The discussion emphasizes a long-term perspective on industry growth and investment. The CEO projects strong AI-driven demand for the next 20 years and believes the industry reaching $1 trillion in revenue is highly achievable, justifying massive, forward-looking investments in technology and capacity.
Keep pulling the thread on Dr. Tien Wu.