Chip Talk > Celebrating Legends: TSMC's Icons Shape the Future of Semiconductors
Published July 28, 2025
The semiconductor industry is at the very heart of technological innovation. It's the backbone of the modern digital age where pioneers, companies, and leaders constantly push the boundaries of what’s possible. Recently, the Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) recognized the paramount contributions of two distinguished figures, Dr. C.C. Wei and Dr. Mark Liu, awarding them the prestigious Robert N. Noyce Award for 2025.
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) has long been a stalwart in the semiconductor sector, known worldwide as a leader in semiconductor innovations and manufacturing. Thanks to its leadership, particularly the efforts of Dr. C.C. Wei and Dr. Mark Liu, TSMC has escalated to become the world's largest contract chipmaker.
Under their guidance, TSMC revolutionized chip manufacturing technology, laying the groundwork for developments across diverse industries, from artificial intelligence to personal computing. Their efforts have not only positioned TSMC as a key supplier but have also influenced global supply chains in the process.
Dr. Wei and Dr. Liu led TSMC through transformative years. As strategic visionaries, they have expanded TSMC's influence by setting up critical manufacturing facilities abroad, most notably in the United States, which has significantly contributed to TSMC's global footprint.
Dr. Wei, who served as CEO and then Chairman of TSMC from 2018 to 2024, was pivotal in steering the company towards expansion and pioneering countless technology advancements. Similarly, Dr. Liu, in his tenure as TSMC's Chairman and Co-CEO, fostered innovative practices and upheld the company's critical role in the semiconductor supply chain.
Both executives boast remarkable academic and professional backgrounds that have contributed significantly to their illustrious careers. Dr. Wei's career began with a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from National Chiao Tung University, followed by a doctorate from Yale University. Before his roles at TSMC, he garnered experience at Texas Instruments and served as Senior Vice President of Technology at Chartered Semiconductor.
Dr. Liu, on the other hand, holds a bachelor’s degree from National Taiwan University and advanced degrees from the University of California, Berkeley. His professional journey saw him contributing significantly at AT&T Bell Laboratory and Intel Corporation before stepping into leadership roles at TSMC.
In acknowledging Dr. Wei and Dr. Liu's achievements through the Robert N. Noyce Award, the SIA not only honors their past contributions but also inspires current and future generations. Named after the co-founder of Fairchild Semiconductor and Intel, Robert N. Noyce himself was a visionary in the semiconductor field, making this award particularly symbolic.
Both leaders expressed humility and gratitude upon receiving this recognition, attributing their successes to the supportive environment created by TSMC's founder, Dr. Morris Chang, and the relentless dedication of their workforce. Their words resonate deeply with the community, serving as a call for continued innovation and the nurturing of future visionary leaders.
As the technology sector braces for new challenges, the legacies of Dr. C.C. Wei and Dr. Mark Liu serve as blueprints for aspiring engineers and semiconductor professionals. Their achievements are not just milestones; they are stepping stones paving the future of the ever-evolving semiconductor landscape.
The Robert N. Noyce Award ceremony will be an opportunity to reflect on these leaders' profound impact and celebrate the spirit of innovation. As the industry congregates in San Jose, California, in November 2025, the echoes of their contributions will undoubtedly accentuate what's achievable when expertise and leadership converge.
This honoring of milestones and contributions thus draws attention to the enduring importance of visionary leadership in propelling the semiconductor industry toward unprecedented achievements.
Join the world's most advanced semiconductor IP marketplace!
It's free, and you'll get all the tools you need to discover IP, meet vendors and manage your IP workflow!
Join the world's most advanced AI-powered semiconductor IP marketplace!
It's free, and you'll get all the tools you need to advertise and discover semiconductor IP, keep up-to-date with the latest semiconductor news and more!
Plus we'll send you our free weekly report on the semiconductor industry and the latest IP launches!
