Intel CEO's Taiwan Visit: A Semiconductor Power Play in the Heart of Asia

Lip-Bu Tan's Trip Signals Intel's Commitment to Taiwanese Partnerships Amidst Industry Challenges.

Taipei, April 22 – Lip-Bu Tan (陳立武), the newly appointed Chief Executive Officer of Intel Corp., is scheduled to visit Taiwan in mid-May, coinciding with the opening of Computex Taipei 2025, according to supply chain sources. This visit underscores the crucial role Taiwan plays in the global semiconductor landscape.

Sources revealed that this will be Tan's inaugural visit to Taiwan since assuming the CEO position. The primary objective of the trip is to reinforce Intel's relationships with its Taiwanese suppliers, a vital strategy in the company's efforts to revitalize its position in the competitive chip market.

Before the commencement of Computex on May 20, Tan plans to host a banquet commemorating Intel's 40-year presence in Taiwan. The event will serve as a platform for Tan to engage with numerous Taiwanese suppliers and discuss the future prospects of the global semiconductor industry.

While the visit is expected to be significant, sources indicate that Tan will not be giving a public speech at Computex.

During his stay, Tan will also be visiting key Intel suppliers across Taiwan, although the details of his itinerary are still being finalized.

Intel describes Tan as a seasoned technology investor and a highly respected executive, bringing over two decades of experience in the semiconductor and software sectors. He is known for his strong connections throughout the company's ecosystem.

In a recent annual report released on March 27, Tan emphasized the company's strategic focus on strengthening its presence in the cloud-based artificial intelligence data center market. He also highlighted the development of competitive "rack-scale system solutions" as a core priority.

Furthermore, Tan has pledged to prioritize the advancement of process technologies to build a world-class wafer foundry business.

However, the modernization and upgrade of Intel's production facilities remains a key area of focus.

Rumors have circulated regarding a potential joint venture between Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) and Intel, along with other partners, to manage Intel's wafer foundry operations. However, TSMC Chairman C.C. Wei (魏哲家) recently refuted these claims at an investor conference.

International reports have suggested that TSMC may take a stake in this new venture, driven by pressures related to tariffs imposed by the Trump administration. This has sparked discussions about the potential for the sharing of sensitive business information from TSMC.