📰 Jensen Huang Comments on Former TSMC Exec Joining Intel #
NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang recently addressed media questions regarding the departure of former TSMC senior executive W. C. Wu to Intel. Huang stated that TSMC operates as a highly systematic organization, and its long-standing security mechanisms ensure that sensitive information is not solely dependent on any single individual.
He noted that although he is not familiar with the internal details of the case, he has full confidence in TSMC’s processes for managing production, operations, and information protection. According to Huang, TSMC’s strength lies in its organizational systems, not in the exclusive knowledge of a few people—one of the key reasons the world’s advanced manufacturing supply chain continues to function reliably.
🔐 TSMC’s Information Security and NVIDIA’s Confidence #
When asked about potential technology leakage, Huang reiterated that TSMC has always excelled at safeguarding partners’ data, and NVIDIA has never doubted its information security.
He added that even if certain confidential details were leaked in theory, replicating NVIDIA’s technology is extremely difficult, as the company’s competitiveness stems from:
- decades of chip architecture innovations
- advanced system-level design
- a massive and mature software ecosystem
- long-term iterative development across multiple product lines
Huang emphasized this point by saying:
“It took us thirty-three years to get to where we are today.”
This underscores that piecemeal data cannot reproduce NVIDIA’s complete technology stack.
⚖️ Background: TSMC’s Lawsuit Against Former VP W. C. Wu #
This controversy originates from a lawsuit filed by TSMC against its former Senior Vice President W. C. Wu (羅唯仁).
TSMC alleges he violated:
- his employment contract
- non-compete clauses
- trade secret regulations
During his tenure, Wu had access to sensitive information on:
- advanced process development, especially 2nm
- key applications of EUV lithography
- detailed manufacturing roadmaps
Reports even mentioned handwritten notes containing sensitive data, raising additional concern within TSMC.
Since Wu joined Intel as Executive Vice President in late October, TSMC fears that such knowledge may offer Intel an unfair competitive advantage.
🏢 Intel Responds: “No Risk Found” #
Intel publicly denied the allegations and stated that:
- Wu’s hiring followed internal procedures
- Intel strictly prohibits the use of third-party confidential data
- Internal investigations found no indications of intellectual property risks
CEO Pat Gelsinger emphasized the company’s strict compliance policies and defended the personnel decision, likely aiming to minimize impacts on:
- Intel Foundry Services (IFS)
- management restructuring
- customer confidence
🌏 Why This Case Draws Global Attention #
The dispute touches several sensitive areas:
- advanced semiconductor processes
- supply chain security
- geopolitics
- competition for high-level technical talent
As the semiconductor industry becomes increasingly strategic, companies are more cautious about the mobility of top engineers, whose expertise often spans highly collaborative and specialized teams.
Meanwhile:
- TSMC is expanding production in the U.S., Japan, and Europe
- Intel is pushing its IFS manufacturing strategy
Against this backdrop, personnel movement can spark heightened scrutiny and speculation.
🔭 Industry Outlook and Potential Impact #
Analysts note that while TSMC and Intel differ significantly in:
- manufacturing approaches
- process technologies
- ecosystem strategies
the dispute could still influence both companies’ business planning.
Given the ongoing lawsuit and sensitive geopolitical context, the eventual outcome remains uncertain. The court will determine responsibility, and the global industry is closely watching whether this incident will affect the stability of critical semiconductor supply chains.