In the second volume of his autobiography, Morris Chang, the founder of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), recounts his life and career from 1964 to 2018. Among the many anecdotes and insights, Chang shares a fascinating revelation: he once offered Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang the top job at TSMC. Despite the prestige and opportunity, Huang turned down the offer in just 10 minutes.
This pivotal moment, along with Chang’s reflections on the semiconductor industry and his relationships with key players, highlights the deep connections and strategic moves that have shaped TSMC’s and Nvidia’s paths to global prominence.
Chang recounts how, in 2013, while searching for a successor to lead TSMC, he identified Jensen Huang as an ideal candidate. Huang, who had co-founded Nvidia in 1993 and served as its CEO, was already making waves in the tech world. Chang admired Huang’s character, professional experience, and semiconductor expertise, believing he was the perfect choice to continue TSMC’s legacy.
“I spent about 10 minutes concisely explaining my deep expectations for TSMC,” Chang writes in his memoir. However, Huang, ever loyal to Nvidia, politely but firmly declined, stating, “I already have a job.”
Undeterred, Chang approached Huang again a few weeks later. But Huang remained resolute, emphasizing his commitment to elevating Nvidia to new heights. Reflecting on this decision, Chang acknowledges the wisdom in Huang’s choice, as Nvidia has since become a global leader in artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced chip technology.
A Longstanding Friendship
Despite Huang’s refusal, the two men maintained a close friendship, spanning more than two decades. They have frequently praised each other in public, with Huang crediting Chang and TSMC for contributing to Nvidia’s success.
Chang’s memoir highlights how Nvidia and TSMC’s partnership has been mutually beneficial. In 1998, when Nvidia faced staffing shortages, TSMC sent two production staff members to assist the fledgling company. This collaboration laid the foundation for a strong business relationship, with Nvidia eventually becoming one of TSMC’s key customers.
Huang’s decision to choose TSMC as a manufacturing partner was described as a bold move, one where he was willing to “bet everything” on the Taiwanese chipmaker. This partnership has since helped Nvidia revolutionize AI processing and graphics technology, further cementing both companies’ positions as industry leaders.
Insights Into TSMC’s History and Industry Dynamics
The new volume of Chang’s autobiography delves into more than just personal anecdotes. It sheds light on TSMC’s rise to prominence, including its early struggles and major milestones. Founded in 1987, TSMC pioneered the foundry business model, manufacturing chips designed by other companies—a stark contrast to the integrated approach taken by firms like Intel.
Chang recounts a key moment in the 1980s when he approached Intel CEO Gordon Moore for funding to support TSMC’s early operations. Intel declined to invest but later became one of TSMC’s significant customers. Reflecting on this, Chang discusses Intel’s recent efforts under CEO Pat Gelsinger to pivot towards becoming a foundry player. While wishing Intel luck, Chang notes that its traditional focus on in-house chip production could pose challenges in adapting to a foundry model.
The Rise of Nvidia and the Role of TSMC
Nvidia’s meteoric rise under Huang’s leadership has been nothing short of extraordinary. Initially known for its graphics processing units (GPUs) for gaming, the company has since become a leader in AI and high-performance computing. Huang’s decision to rely on TSMC’s manufacturing expertise has been a crucial factor in this success.
TSMC’s cutting-edge fabrication capabilities have enabled Nvidia to produce advanced chips that power everything from AI applications to data centers. This symbiotic relationship underscores the importance of strategic partnerships in the tech industry.
Chang’s Reflections on Leadership and Legacy
Chang’s memoir also offers insights into his leadership philosophy and the challenges of succession planning. His attempt to recruit Huang reflects his commitment to finding the best talent to lead TSMC into the future. Although Huang declined, Chang’s respect for him only grew, as evidenced by their enduring friendship and mutual admiration.
Chang’s reflections also extend to broader industry trends, including the growing demand for advanced semiconductor technology and the shifting dynamics of global competition. As TSMC continues to play a pivotal role in the semiconductor supply chain, Chang’s vision and leadership remain integral to its success.
Morris Chang’s attempt to recruit Jensen Huang offers a glimpse into the intersecting journeys of two titans of the tech industry. While their paths diverged, their shared commitment to innovation and excellence has shaped the future of semiconductors and AI.
Chang’s memoir serves as both a historical account and a testament to the power of vision, collaboration, and perseverance. As TSMC and Nvidia continue to push the boundaries of technology, the story of their partnership and the leaders behind them will remain a source of inspiration for generations to come.
