The nation’s technology leaders yesterday warmly welcomed Lin Chuan’s (林全) appointment as the next premier, citing the former minister of finance’s strong communication skills and long-term involvement in local semiconductor companies.
Commenting on Lin’s appointment by president-elect Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文), Asustek Computer Inc vice chairman and president Jonathan Tsang (曾鏘聲) said that Lin is a talented, professional and modest person.
“In addition, Lin has great capabilities in integrating resources,” Tsang told reporters on the sidelines of a 5G summit in Taipei.
Tsang said Lin understands how the government operates given his previous experience and has an in-depth knowledge of Taiwanese industries, having served as an independent board member in several companies.
“Given that Lin is familiar with the nation’s industrial development, I hope he can lead the nation to shine on the global stage,” Tsang said.
Lee Pei-ing (李培瑛), president of chipmaker Nanya Technology Corp (南亞科技), agreed, saying he “considers this [Lin’s appointment] very positive to the development of Taiwan’s semiconductor industry.”
“I think he is very professional as he has insight into [the semiconductor industry]. With his background ... we believe he can help the local semiconductor industry overcome challenges and grow further,” Lee said.
Lin currently serves as an independent board director of Inotera Memories Inc (華亞科技), a DRAM manufacturing venture between Nanya Technology and US memory giant Micron Technology Inc. He took the position in May 2014 and his term is to end next year.
He also served as chairman of LCD driver chip supplier Vanguard International Semiconductor Corp (世界先進) from 2006 to 2009.
Aside from Inotera, Lin is also an independent board director at Pegatron Corp (和碩), one of Apple Inc’s iPhone assemblers, and Casetek Holdings Ltd (鎧勝), a metal casing supplier for Apple.
In related news, Cathay Financial Holding Co (國泰金控) chief investment officer Sophia Cheng (程淑芬) yesterday urged the public to refrain from overly fixating and relying on the government.
Instead, the nation must focus on re-evaluating its industry landscape, which is dominated by low value-added contract manufacturing.
“Taiwan’s economy is entering a menopausal state, and little has been done in adapting recent challenges since its transformation into a tech-sector powerhouse decades ago,” she said.
The nation must cultivate one or two sectors where local companies can compete effectively on the international stage, she added.
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