TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — National Science and Technology Council Minister Wu Cheng-wen (吳誠文) on Wednesday addressed reports that a former senior TSMC executive may have taken confidential information on advanced semiconductor processes before joining Intel, per UDN.
Wu said TSMC is still investigating former Senior Vice President Luo Wei-ren (羅唯仁), who retired in July after 21 years with the company. Luo, 75, surprised many in the industry when he later joined Intel as an executive vice president overseeing wafer manufacturing.
Luo is suspected of bringing with him insights into key technologies, including 2nm processes. Throughout his TSMC career, he led major teams and played a central role in introducing extreme ultraviolet lithography.
Media reports claim Luo continued to collect information and receive briefings on advanced processes before leaving TSMC, despite signing a non-compete clause.
Wu said TSMC’s core technologies are too complex for any individual to replicate, but the company must still guard against leaks. He added that he learned of the case from recent news coverage and that both TSMC and government investigators are reviewing the matter. Any findings should be made public once confirmed, he said.
Wu emphasized that 2nm manufacturing processes constitute trade secrets vital to Taiwan’s economy and national security and are therefore a priority for government protection. However, taking personal notes without engaging in illegal activity does not constitute a crime, he said.
Issues related to non-compete clauses fall under labor contract law and will be handled directly by TSMC, without government intervention, he added.
The NSTC noted that advanced semiconductor technologies are considered core national assets. Under the Act Governing Relations between the People of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area, Taiwanese with such expertise must report to authorities when traveling to China. The rule does not apply to other countries.
The NSTC said it is discussing with the Ministry of the Interior how to manage foreign nationals involved in international core technologies. Currently, exit reporting requirements apply only to China, and the Cabinet will continue assessing whether further regulations are needed.
