Reports surfaced recently that a senior TSMC manager approaching retirement had plans to join Intel. Given the sensitivity surrounding advanced semiconductor process technologies, TSMC launched a legal inquiry to determine whether any confidential information or trade secrets may have been taken.
Foreign media identified the executive as Dr. Lo Wei-Jen, a long-time contributor to TSMC’s most advanced process nodes, including 2nm and 1.6nm technologies. Over his 21-year career at TSMC, Dr. Lo was one of the few senior figures deeply involved in the company’s future process roadmap.
Aged around 75, Dr. Lo holds a physics degree from National Taiwan University and a Ph.D. in Solid-State Physics and Surface Chemistry from UC Berkeley. Before joining TSMC, he worked at Intel as a CTM factory manager and associate director for advanced process development, bringing decades of experience in wafer manufacturing and equipment integration. At TSMC, his portfolio spanned advanced process R&D, corporate planning, and cross-departmental operations—making him a highly influential technical leader inside the company.
Concerns Over Confidential Materials #
TSMC reportedly believes that Dr. Lo had access to highly classified internal materials related to ongoing process development. Meetings he attended were strictly confidential, and he was known for keeping detailed handwritten notes from technical discussions. According to reports, these notes were boxed and taken with him upon leaving TSMC—now becoming a central focus of the investigation.
Potential Impact on Intel’s Foundry Strategy #
If Dr. Lo ultimately joins Intel, his move could significantly influence Intel’s efforts to regain leadership in advanced manufacturing. During his time at TSMC, Dr. Lo contributed to:
- The introduction and scaling of EUV lithography
- The development of advanced process risk-control systems
- Organizational and workflow optimizations
- The establishment of TSMC’s internal “Night Hawk Team,” known for rapid cross-team problem-solving
These systems are widely regarded as core components of TSMC’s ability to deliver repeatable, reliable advances in cutting-edge process technologies. The possibility that similar methodologies could be transferred to Intel has generated extensive industry speculation.
Intel, meanwhile, is aggressively pushing its IDM 2.0 strategy, expanding fabs in the U.S. and Europe and investing heavily in its 18A and 14A nodes. Recruiting senior expertise from a global foundry leader could accelerate Intel’s roadmap and strengthen its manufacturing competitiveness.
TSMC’s Investigation and Industry Implications #
TSMC emphasizes that the investigation does not imply wrongdoing but aims to clarify whether confidential materials were properly controlled and whether improved safeguards are needed.
For Intel, such talent acquisition aligns with its goal of accelerating foundry development. For TSMC, it underscores the need to protect trade secrets at a time when global competition for semiconductor talent is escalating.
The situation remains in the assessment and communication stage, with no official confirmations yet. Regardless of the final outcome, the incident highlights the extreme sensitivity surrounding advanced process R&D, particularly as the global race toward next-generation nodes intensifies.
As the semiconductor industry grows more competitive, cross-company movement of senior technical leaders will face increasing scrutiny, and firms across the supply chain will need to strengthen compliance and information-protection mechanisms.