TSMC Engineer to Intel Sparks Taiwan National Security Probe

Taiwan has launched a national security investigation after a senior engineer left Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) to join US chip giant Intel. The government is using laws designed to protect state secrets and prevent economic espionage. Officials stated the engineer’s move poses a risk to national security due to TSMC’s vital role in the global technology supply chain. TSMC is the world’s largest contract chipmaker. Its advanced manufacturing technology is a cornerstone of Taiwan’s economy and global strategic importance. The company supplies semiconductors to firms like Apple and Nvidia. The investigation highlights the intense global competition for top semiconductor talent and proprietary technology. Both the US and China are investing heavily in domestic chip production. Taiwan’s action shows it is treating the protection of TSMC’s trade secrets as a matter of urgent national interest.