TSMC leads the world in advanced semiconductor technology, but according to Yang Guanglei, former head of R&D at TSMC, Eastern culture plays a crucial role alongside technical prowess.
In an interview with the media, Yang stated that outstanding engineers and a disciplined work culture are two major advantages in advanced semiconductor manufacturing in Asia. His decades of experience working for chip manufacturers in the United States, Singapore, Taiwan, and mainland China have convinced him that "Confucian culture aligns perfectly with modern chip manufacturing."
He emphasized that the chip manufacturing process is intricate and requires highly precise and well-trained individuals who can strictly adhere to rules and standard operating procedures, rather than engaging in extensive debates.
"They need to be willing to follow orders, willing to work overtime to get things done right."
He believes that Confucian culture emphasizes respect for elders and experienced mentors, upholding traditions, focusing on social harmony and collectivism, and prioritizing the welfare of the community over individual interests.
In contrast, Western cultural values prioritize creativity, innovation, and independent thinking, which are essential abilities in creating new industries.
Yang Guanglei pointed out that for the United States to regain its dominance in global semiconductor manufacturing as it did in the 1980s, it must embrace Asian culture and welcome immigrants with specialized technical skills.
Currently, the United States is actively wooing TSMC to promote American manufacturing, offering a whopping $6.6 billion in cash subsidies and $5 billion in low-interest loans to establish three semiconductor fabs in Arizona.
However, cultural clashes between East and West have made it challenging for TSMC to set up shop in the U.S. The significant differences in work culture have created a rift, with American employees struggling to grasp TSMC's strict hierarchy and long working hours, while headquarters staff feel their American counterparts earn more and leave work early.
Dozens of new American hires have quit before completing training, with one former employee bluntly stating that TSMC is the worst employer on the planet.
TSMC founder Morris Chang once mentioned that if equipment at the U.S. factory breaks down at 1 a.m., engineers have to wait until 8 a.m. the next day for repairs; whereas at TSMC's headquarters, engineers would rush back to the factory immediately upon receiving a late-night call.
Currently, on the workplace review site Glassdoor, TSMC only scores 3.2 stars out of 5, while other U.S. chip manufacturers like Intel and Texas Instruments rate 4.1 stars.
Earlier this month, TSMC pledged to build a third advanced chip plant in the U.S., but the progress of the first-phase factory in Arizona is significantly behind schedule, with mass production delayed until 2025.
In contrast, the Kumamoto factory in Japan, which started construction a year later than the Arizona plant, began production as early as February this year.
TSMC cites a lack of skilled workers and high costs as the main reasons for the slow progress at the U.S. factory.
