How a Dutch electronics giant became the secret architect of Taiwan's semiconductor rise.
TSMC is the world's dominant independent semiconductor foundry, yet its existence was far from guaranteed. This video explores the vital, often overlooked role that the Dutch multinational Philips played in supporting the company during its fragile early years, cementing a long-standing industrial partnership between Taiwan and the Netherlands.
The collaboration between Taiwan and the Netherlands stretches back nearly four centuries, beginning with the Dutch East India Company's arrival on Formosa. While that era ended in 1662 when Koxinga besieged Fort Zeelandia to establish the Kingdom of Formosa, the relationship evolved into a modern industrial alliance.
In the late 20th century, this connection proved decisive for the global technology landscape. Philips provided the essential support that allowed TSMC to transition from a startup concept to a global leader in chip manufacturing. This history highlights how international cooperation was a fundamental, if under-reported, ingredient in the success of Taiwan's semiconductor industry.
