Confers Honorary Doctorate on C.C. Wei, Shaping the Future of AI and Semiconductor Talent

AU President Jeffrey J.P. Tsai, Founder Chang-Hai Tsai, and TSMC Chairman C.C. Wei jointly cut the three-tier 25th anniversary cake.

To celebrate its 25th anniversary, Asia University (AU) held a grand Anniversary Celebration and Honorary Doctorate Conferment Ceremony for TSMC Chairman C.C. Wei on March 21. The university formally awarded an honorary doctoral degree to Chairman Wei in recognition of his long-standing leadership at Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), his contributions to advancing the global semiconductor industry, strengthening supply chain resilience, and driving technological innovation.

The ceremony brought together distinguished guests from government, academia, and industry, including Minister of Digital Affairs Yi-Jing Lin, Chairman of the China Medical University-Asia University System President Ann-Shyn Chiang, former President of the Examination Yuan Jong-tsun Huang, former Minister of Justice Tai-San Chiu, and Taichung City Government Secretary-General Chung-Tien Huang, among others. Their presence marked a significant moment of collaboration between Taiwan’s technology sector and higher education.

In his remarks, AU Founder Dr. Chang-Hai Tsai reflected on the university’s journey since its founding in 2001. Guided by the values of health, caring, innovation, and excellence, AU has steadily gained international recognition, ranking prominently in global university rankings such as Times Higher Education (THE) and U.S. News & World Report, where it is ranked second among private universities in Taiwan.

The 25th anniversary celebration opened with a performance by the China Medical University Hospital Symphony Orchestra.

Looking ahead to the AI era, Dr. Tsai emphasized AU’s vision of becoming a "Smart AI University and Hospital." The university has established an AI College, expanded into quantum computing and emerging technologies, and actively developed the health industry. A new integrated healthcare campus in Fengyuan—featuring a hospital, long-term care facilities, and a childcare center—is scheduled to begin operations in December, creating a comprehensive life-cycle care ecosystem. During the ceremony, Dr. Tsai presented Chairman Wei with a horse-themed artwork inspired by a Qing Dynasty painting by Giuseppe Castiglione, symbolizing wishes for continued success.

AU President Jeffrey J.P. Tsai, in his citation, highlighted that future competition will no longer be confined to single disciplines but will depend on interdisciplinary integration and innovation. AU is therefore actively promoting its "AI + X" talent development strategy. He praised Chairman Wei as a key figure shaping global technological progress and noted his receipt of the prestigious Robert N. Noyce Award from the Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA).

President Tsai further commended Chairman Wei’s strategic foresight in leading TSMC’s continuous investment in advanced process technologies and packaging, which underpin global high-performance computing and AI chip supply. He also emphasized Chairman Wei’s commitment to corporate sustainability, including TSMC’s pledge to purchase all available renewable energy—demonstrating that technological advancement must go hand in hand with ethical responsibility.

TSMC Chairman C.C. Wei enters the venue and greets AU Founder Chang-Hai Tsai, President Jeffrey J.P. Tsai, and distinguished guests.

In his keynote speech, Chairman C.C. Wei displayed his characteristic humility and humor. He shared that he once read How the Mighty Fall, which suggests that the first step toward failure for CEOs is arrogance. As a result, he approaches public speaking and honorary recognitions with caution. He expressed his strong connection with Asia University and the China Medical University healthcare system, affirming that AU is an excellent university. He also encouraged students to consider joining TSMC after graduation.

Addressing AI and healthcare, Chairman Wei reflected on the rapid evolution of semiconductor technology—from 0.25-micron processes in 1998 to the upcoming mass production of 2-nanometer technology—representing more than a hundredfold advancement. This exponential growth in computing power has laid the foundation for today’s AI revolution.

He further noted that aging populations and declining birth rates present major societal challenges, making long-term care a critical issue. In the future, robots will play a key role in supporting caregiving. However, developing practical robots is highly complex, requiring not only visual sensing but also precise pressure and temperature sensing to ensure safety. These systems depend on vast data processing powered by advanced semiconductor chips—most of which are manufactured by TSMC. He concluded by warmly inviting AU students to join TSMC and contribute to the future of technology.

Minister of Digital Affairs Yi-Jing Lin pointed out that while AI may raise concerns about job displacement, it also offers solutions to Taiwan’s aging society and labor shortages. He expressed hope that government, industry, and universities like AU will collaborate closely to cultivate talents with insights beyond what AI can replace.

Chairman Ann-Shyn Chiang of the China Medical University-Asia University System emphasized that, like the semiconductor industry, universities must move beyond isolated efforts toward large-scale collaboration. The system is building a comprehensive human health database to support precision medicine and drug development. Former President of the Examination Yuan Jong-tsun Huang praised the collaborative model between AU and China Medical University, highlighting its balance between academic excellence and social responsibility.

The ceremony concluded with a warm cake-cutting celebration marking AU’s 25th anniversary. Guests later gathered at the Rodin Plaza for the opening of the "Time Corridor" exhibition, reflecting on the university’s achievements over the past quarter century. AU hopes that this honorary degree conferment will further strengthen ties with world-class industries and pave the way for the next 25 years of growth and innovation.

AU Founder Chang-Hai Tsai, TSMC Chairman C.C. Wei, and President Jeffrey J.P. Tsai celebrate the 25th anniversary together.

AU President Jeffrey J.P. Tsai delivers remarks, emphasizing interdisciplinary talent cultivation for the AI and semiconductor era.

TSMC Chairman C.C. Wei walks onto the stage to receive the honorary doctorate.

AU Founder Chang-Hai Tsai delivers remarks, recognizing Chairman Wei’s contributions to global semiconductor innovation.

Chairman C.C. Wei delivers a keynote speech, sharing insights on semiconductor advancements and the future of medical robotics.

AU President Jeffrey J.P. Tsai confers the honorary doctorate upon Chairman C.C. Wei in a formal hooding ceremony.

Former President of the Examination Yuan Jong-tsun Huang praises AU’s collaborative strategy with China Medical University and its social commitment.

Minister of Digital Affairs Yi-Jing Lin delivers remarks, highlighting the importance of industry–academia–government collaboration in AI talent development.

Chairman Ann-Shyn Chiang emphasizes cross-disciplinary collaboration in higher education.

AU President Jeffrey J.P. Tsai (left) presents the honorary doctoral certificate to TSMC Chairman C.C. Wei (center), witnessed by Founder Chang-Hai Tsai (right).
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