Today we turn to the story behind one of Taiwan’s greatest achievements—and one of the most consequential industries in the world: semiconductors. Taiwan’s chip industry is often discussed in the language of market share, advanced nodes, supply chains, and geopolitics. But behind those terms is a remarkable human story: the vision, institutions, engineers, and long-term commitment that transformed Taiwan into the indispensable center of global semiconductor manufacturing. Joining us on this episode is Konrad Young, 楊光磊 (Yang Guang-lei), former Senior Vice President of Research and Development at TSMC. Over a long and distinguished career at the company, Konrad helped shape the innovation culture and technical capabilities that enabled TSMC to become the world’s leading advanced semiconductor manufacturer. At a time when semiconductors are central to the AI revolution, economic security, and intensifying U.S.-China competition, Konrad offers a rare perspective on how Taiwan built its technological advantage—and what it will take to sustain it. We will explore the foundations of TSMC’s success, the challenges at the technological frontier, China’s semiconductor ambitions, and the implications for Taiwan’s security and future. Taiwan Frontlines is a podcast created in partnership with NOWNEWS, Taiwan's first, largest, and most timely online native news website.
Today we turn to the story behind one of Taiwan’s greatest achievements—and one of the most consequential industries in the world: semiconductors.
Taiwan’s chip industry is often discussed in the language of market share, advanced nodes, supply chains, and geopolitics. But behind those terms is a remarkable human story: the vision, institutions, engineers, and long-term commitment that transformed Taiwan into the indispensable center of global semiconductor manufacturing.
Joining us on this episode is Konrad Young, 楊光磊 (Yang Guang-lei), former Senior Vice President of Research and Development at TSMC. Over a long and distinguished career at the company, Konrad helped shape the innovation culture and technical capabilities that enabled TSMC to become the world’s leading advanced semiconductor manufacturer.
At a time when semiconductors are central to the AI revolution, economic security, and intensifying U.S.-China competition, Konrad offers a rare perspective on how Taiwan built its technological advantage—and what it will take to sustain it.
We will explore the foundations of TSMC’s success, the challenges at the technological frontier, China’s semiconductor ambitions, and the implications for Taiwan’s security and future.
Taiwan Frontlines is a podcast created in partnership with NOWNEWS, Taiwan's first, largest, and most timely online native news website.
Timestamps:
[00:00] Introduction
[02:06] The Story Behind Taiwan’s Semiconductor Success
[06:18] Consequential Decisions for Taiwan’s Success
[09:58] What Makes TSMC’s R&D Effective
[12:48] Identifying Short-Term Challenges
[16:40] How AI Influences Taiwan’s Semiconductor Industry
[21:45] Capital vs. Ecosystem in China’s Chip Ambitions
[28:51] Could China Close the Gap?
[33:57] Silicon Shield: Security or Vulnerability?