TSMC Chairman CC Wei (魏哲家) received an honorary doctorate from Asia University (亞洲大學), delivering a speech on artificial intelligence development and expressing gratitude to TSMC founder Morris Chang (張忠謀), who gave him his start. (CNA)
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) Chairman C.C. Wei (魏哲家) said that the true value of robotics lies not in performance but in intelligence, as he delivered remarks at a ceremony marking his receipt of an honorary doctorate from Asia University.
Speaking at the university's 25th anniversary celebration on March 21, Wei used the occasion to reflect on Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company's (TSMC) technological progress, the development of artificial intelligence, and the future role of robotics in society.
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Credits Morris Chang for TSMC's Success
Wei struck a notably modest tone, saying he had contributed little personally to TSMC's achievements. Instead, he credited the company's success to its founder, Morris Chang (張忠謀), as well as to the efforts of its employees.
He said Chang had established a resilient pure-play foundry business model and ensured a smooth leadership transition by cultivating a world-class management team. Wei also cautioned that companies can falter when executives become arrogant or lose sight of their role, adding that leaders who focus too much on public appearances or accolades risk undermining their organizations.
Asia University President Tsai Chin-fa (left) confers an honorary doctorate on CC Wei (center), witnessed by university founder Tsai Chang-hai (right). (CNA)
Semiconductor Advances Power AI Development
Reflecting on TSMC's technological trajectory, Wei noted that the company has advanced from 0.25-micron process technology to near mass production of 2-nanometer chips over roughly two decades — a leap he described as about a hundredfold improvement.
He said artificial intelligence had existed as a concept for decades but was long constrained by the limits of semiconductor capability. With recent advances, AI is now moving into practical applications, including healthcare. However, Wei emphasized that AI is intended to assist medical professionals and reduce workloads, rather than replace doctors.
“Brains” Key to Robots, Not Performance
Turning to the topic of robotics, Wei said the core challenge is not what robots can perform outwardly, but whether they possess sufficient computational capability. He noted that TSMC's chips enable robots to detect light, sense temperature, and process information to serve human needs.
He also offered a pointed critique of some high-profile demonstrations, saying robots designed primarily to dance or entertain are “all show” and lack practical value.
Wei added that companies such as Nvidia and AMD, along with other U.S. firms, are working to develop advanced robotic intelligence. He said that about 95 percent of the critical chips used in these systems are manufactured by TSMC.
Looking ahead, Wei said Taiwan's growing demand for long-term elder care could drive wider adoption of robotics, adding that it may eventually become common for households to have robots assisting in daily life.
Addresses Work Culture Concerns
Wei also addressed long-standing concerns about TSMC's demanding work environment. He remarked that medical professionals arguably face greater pressures, and acknowledged that TSMC has ranked among Taiwan's most heavily fined employers — a point he said he finds “embarrassing.”
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