Early Life and Education
Morris Chang was born in Ningbo, China, on July 10, 1931. Due to the Second Sino-Japanese War, his family moved frequently, including Hong Kong and Shanghai. He later immigrated to the United States. He studied at Harvard University before transferring to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where he earned Bachelor's and Master's degrees in mechanical engineering. He then obtained a Ph.D. in electrical engineering from Stanford University in 1964.
Rise to Success
Chang began his career in the semiconductor industry in 1955 at Sylvania Semiconductor and later moved to Texas Instruments (TI) in 1958. At TI, he quickly advanced, becoming a key figure in semiconductor manufacturing. In the 1980s, he returned to Taiwan to lead the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI). In 1987, at the age of 56, he founded Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC).
Key Business Strategies
Chang pioneered the foundry model, where TSMC focused solely on manufacturing chips designed by other companies. This strategy allowed TSMC to become the world's first dedicated semiconductor foundry, dominating the market. He emphasized innovation, technological advancement, and building strong relationships with key customers, including Apple, Nvidia, and Qualcomm.
Philanthropy
Morris Chang has made significant contributions to educational institutions and research organizations through philanthropic efforts. His wife, Sophie Chang, chairs the TSMC Charity Foundation, participating in various non-profit initiatives in Taiwan.