TSMC CEO C.C. Wei hinted at a recent meeting with Tesla founder Elon Musk, at the opening of the National Science and Technology Conference on Monday. The event, which happens once every four years, is a gathering of the top names in tech in Taiwan. Also in attendance was President Lai Ching-te, who underscored the government’s commitment to the tech industry.

C.C. Wei
TSMC CEO and chair
You might all be mistaken in thinking that the chair of TSMC must be knowledgeable and experienced. That’s only really true when the chair’s surname is Chang.

In front of the president and other government officials, TSMC CEO C.C. Wei opened his speech with a little self-deprecating humor. He revealed that a few days ago he had a meeting with a special person in San Francisco.

C.C. Wei
TSMC CEO and chair
We excel at chip manufacturing, packaging and testing. And we have great data centers that strengthen our company’s position in the artificial intelligence market. A few days ago, I spoke with the richest person in the world, and he told me he was focusing on multifunction robots, not cars for his company’s future. He said his biggest concern was a shortage of chips. I told him not to worry. I said, “If you’re willing to pay, you’ll get your chips.”

Though Wei didn’t name names, it is likely that he spoke with Tesla founder Elon Musk, who is currently the wealthiest man in the world. He also made it clear that Taiwan’s technological prowess could be harnessed in the development of multifunction robots and drones, further cementing Taiwan’s position as a key tech hub. TSMC is reportedly also helping its own competitor, Intel, to train talent in advanced semiconductor manufacturing, amid operational difficulties brought about by the ousting of former CEO Pat Gelsinger. Observers say the move could also benefit Taiwan.

Nicky Lu
Etron Technology
From its beginnings to today, TSMC has been an important supplier for Intel, and they have always helped each other. Taiwan is indispensable part of the puzzle especially now that there are changes in the US.

Lai Ching-te
President
Our tech budget for next year is NT$196.5 billion. That’s a NT$7.7 billion increase from this year. The rise shows the government’s commitment to the science and technology industry.

Some of the biggest names in the industry came together for the quadrennial conference to discuss Taiwan’s tech outlook.

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