Semiconductor pioneer Simon M. Sze passed away on November 6 at the age of 87. His contributions to invention and achievements in non-volatile memory have had a profound global impact. He was also a key figure in advancing Taiwan’s semiconductor industry, mentoring the first four engineering Ph.D. holders in Taiwan: Chun-Yen Chang, Lung-Ying Chen, Chi-Liang Chu, and Hsiang Su. His passing has evoked expressions of nostalgia and mourning from various circles.
Among the numerous articles commemorating Professor Simon M. Sze, I came across a tribute from mainland China’s ‘Semiconductor Industry Observer.’ The article discusses Prof. Sze’s lifelong achievements and highlights his contributions to nurturing talent in Taiwan’s semiconductor industry. It particularly emphasizes his belief that historically significant inventions and innovations have often been made by young individuals—an idea with which I strongly agree.
The article also presents another perspective, discussing the political debate in Taiwan in 2002 regarding semiconductor industry investments in China. At that time, some scholars and experts, including Prof. Sze, advocated for an earlier opening of the industry to China. Nevertheless, the author holds a different opinion on this viewpoint and aims to share perspectives on national industrial development policies through this column.
Simon M. Sze: The Catalysts of Scientific Progress Are the Youth
Firstly, reviewing Prof. Sze’s speech to young students, he emphasized the importance of the younger generation in science and innovation. Throughout history, many significant inventions have been driven by young people due to their powerful creative and exploratory capabilities.
For instance, Einstein discovered E=mc² at the age of 26, Noyce invented the integrated circuit at the age of 32, and Edison invented the light bulb just after turning 32. Similarly, when Prof. Sze discussed topics like ohmic contact or floating-gate, he was only around 31 years old.
Simon M. Sze cited these examples with the hope that young people would develop an interest in science, understand the importance of future scientific advancements, and contribute to the well-being of humanity. I strongly agree with this perspective. The innovative capabilities of young individuals surpass those entrenched in older industries, and Taiwan’s industrial development history serves as a compelling illustration of this.
The computer industry in Taiwan fifty years ago had its roots in a group of young individuals, including Stan Shih and Barry Lam. In the author’s book, ‘The Radiance of the Chip Island,’ I mentioned that during the early development of semiconductors in Taiwan, individuals in their early thirties, such as Ting-Hua Hu, were assigned to lead the IC National Development Project. This group of young individuals, unburdened and driven by a sense of mission, successfully propelled the most significant industrial transformation in Taiwan.
Prof. Sze’s contributions to the semiconductor field were also achieved during his youth, further confirming the irreplaceable role of young people in scientific development.
Exploring Controversies in Semiconductor Investment Policy
Through the Lens of Simon M. Sze’s Experience
Furthermore, in the article mentioned in the ‘Semiconductor Industry Observation,’ another perspective is presented, suggesting that Taiwan should encourage early investments from the semiconductor industry in China. On this point, the author holds a different opinion.
The article notes that in early 2002, amid intense global competition in the semiconductor market, Taiwan’s semiconductor industry, led by major wafer foundries such as UMC and TSMC, actively urged authorities to open up the possibility of investing in and establishing 8-inch wafer fabs in China with a mutual benefit approach.
At that time, Simon M. Sze, in his capacity as the director of the micrometer laboratory, went to the Legislative Yuan for questioning. It was a period marked by continuous debates among various political forces on whether to allow the investment in 8-inch wafer plants in China.
When asked about his views on the matter, Simon M. Sze pointed out that the 8-inch wafer plants should have been established in mainland China two years prior. If TSMC and UMC were not allowed to expand their 8-inch wafer plants to the west, both companies might face difficulties surviving in the future.
This perspective, of course, clearly represents the stance of the Chinese authorities regarding Taiwanese businesses investing in China. However, in 2002, the social atmosphere in Taiwan did indeed show a strong call for opening up investments in China.
Looking back at this historical period, it is evident that while investments in certain industries, such as laptops, in China might have been appropriate, it is crucial to maintain Taiwan’s autonomy in high-value-added industries like semiconductors. Otherwise, it would be challenging to establish the current highly competitive position that Taiwan holds.
In summary, the passing of Professor Simon M. Sze is a moment that warrants deep reflection. We should cherish the lasting contributions he made to the semiconductor field and, at the same time, maintain the enthusiasm and confidence of the younger generation for future technological development. This is the best way to remember Professor Shih Min and to carry forward his spirit.
Memories and Condolences for Simon M. Sze
Please add a memory or share condolences on “In memory of Academician Simon M. Sze,” provided by NYCU. You can do so by filling out the online form or sending your thoughts to patty@nycu.edu.tw. Alternatively, share your memories in Memoriam Simon M. Sze through The San Francisco Chronicle.
By Hung-Wen Lin, Trend Perspective Expert and Bestselling Author
Translated by Yen-Chien Lai