Morris Chang's Memoir Unveils Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang's Swift Rejection of TSMC Leadership Offer

In November of this year, TSMC's founder Morris Chang revealed an intriguing episode in his memoir. Back in 2013, as he was considering future leadership for the company, Chang approached Nvidia's CEO Jensen Huang, proposing the role of TSMC's CEO. Despite acknowledging Huang's exceptional character, expertise, and semiconductor experience, the proposition was swiftly declined within a brief 10-minute discussion. Huang politely turned down the offer, citing his existing commitments, with a steadfast refusal even after a subsequent attempt by Chang.

The memoir further elaborates on the profound and long-standing friendship between Morris Chang and Jensen Huang, which dates back to the late 1990s. During that time, TSMC, recognizing Nvidia's need for manpower, extended support by assigning two production personnel to aid the then-nascent company. This gesture laid the foundation for a durable partnership and mutual respect, as reflected in their personal interactions through the years.

Despite the declined offer, Jensen Huang's gratefulness is palpable. He stands as a testament to this by consistently choosing TSMC as Nvidia's chip manufacturing partner, reflecting a deep trust in TSMC’s capabilities. This partnership has been instrumental for Nvidia, especially considering its pivotal role in AI development and pioneering GPU technology, while TSMC’s advanced semiconductor manufacturing has facilitated turning these innovations into actionable realities.

Huang’s support for TSMC was publicly reaffirmed amidst speculations about the delay in Nvidia's latest AI chip, Blackwell. In response, Huang assured the market that production was on track and even anticipated exceeding prior delivery estimates. This illustrates the depth of the collaboration between Nvidia and TSMC.

Notably, this year, TSMC celebrated a significant milestone, becoming the first non-U.S. technology company to surpass a market capitalization of $1 trillion. As the premier global wafer foundry, TSMC continues to be the exclusive supplier for major AI companies, including Nvidia. Their triumphant financial performance in the third quarter underscores the robust demand for AI, with their revenue soaring by 39% annually, and net profits surging by 58%, expecting further growth in the subsequent quarter.