TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) founder Morris Chang (張忠謀) on Friday (April 19) received one of the country’s top medals of honor from President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文).

He was awarded the Order of Dr. Sun Yat-sen with Grand Cordon for his contributions to the country, both as the founder of the world’s largest contract chipmaker, and for his other work on Taiwan’s behalf. Chang, 92, attended the annual Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit six times to represent Taiwan, Tsai pointed out.

She praised his vision for establishing a leading role for his company and for Taiwan in the global supply chain. His enthusiasm made the world know about the country’s capabilities and trustworthiness as a partner, she added.

Tsai reminded Chang that she had awarded him the Order of the Propitious Cloud in 2018 to thank him for his contributions to Taiwan’s high-tech sector and economic development. The Order of Dr. Sun Yat-sen was the highest honor she could bestow on a person who was not a head of state.

Tsai praised Chang’s wife, Sophie Chang (張淑芬), who was present at the ceremony, for her humanitarian and relief work at the head of the TSMC Charity Foundation.

In his reply, Morris Chang said the founding of the company 39 years ago merged his own desire to launch a world-class semiconductor maker with the government’s plan to support the sector. Over the past 30 years, TSMC has grown along with the benefits of free trade, but more recently, free market policies face challenges, requiring a high level of wisdom from the company’s new leaders, he said.