Liang Mong Song: The AQ Khan of the Semiconductor Revolution?

Proliferator or Innovator? The Global Impact of Liang Mong Song

Dec 10, 2024

Introduction

In the ever-evolving arena of global technological competition, a handful of individuals stand out as pivotal figures shaping the trajectory of innovation and geopolitics. Liang Mong Song, a towering presence in semiconductor technology, is one such individual. His career, marked by groundbreaking achievements at TSMC, Samsung, and later SMIC, places him at the nexus of technological progress and international power struggles. Often likened to Abdul Qadeer Khan, the infamous "father" of Pakistan's nuclear program, Liang's work has drawn comparisons for its potential to disrupt global dynamics through the transfer of critical technological expertise. Just as Khan's actions enabled nuclear proliferation, Liang's role in advancing China's semiconductor capabilities under U.S. export restrictions has sparked debates about technology proliferation, intellectual property, and strategic sovereignty. This paper delves into Liang Mong Song's journey, from his formative years in Taiwan to his transformative influence on China's semiconductor ambitions, exploring the implications of his contributions on the global geopolitical landscape.

Early life and country of origin

Liang Mong Song was born in Taiwan, though specific details about his birthplace are not widely documented.

Education

Liang obtained his Bachelor's and Master's degrees from the Department of Electrical Engineering at National Cheng Kung University in Taiwan. He furthered his education in the United States, earning a Doctorate in Electrical Engineering from the University of California, Berkeley, where he studied under Professor Chenming Hu, a future CTO at TSMC.

His career

Liang's career began at Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) in the United States, where he was involved in memory-related semiconductor work and was named in over 180 patents. In 1992, he returned to Taiwan to join Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), where he rose to the position of Senior Director of Research & Development. His work there was pivotal in establishing TSMC's reputation in advanced semiconductor processes.

He has been dubbed one of the "Six Knights of TSMC R&D" for his early work, and his career has significantly influenced the technological landscape of major semiconductor companies across Asia. The term "Six Knights of TSMC R&D" refers to a group of highly influential engineers who were instrumental in advancing Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC)'s research and development capabilities during its formative years. Liang Mong Song is recognized as one of these six, due to his significant contributions to the development and implementation of key semiconductor technologies. The "Six Knights" include Liang Mengsong, Lin Benjian, Yang Guanglei, Jiang Shangyi, Sun Yuancheng, and Yu Zhenhua. This group was pivotal in the early 2000s, particularly in the transition from traditional aluminum interconnects to copper, a breakthrough that significantly improved chip performance by reducing resistance and power consumption.

Liang Mong Song's ascent within TSMC was marked by his leadership in the development of the 130nm process node with copper interconnects, which was a critical leap forward in semiconductor technology at the time. His work on this project was so pivotal that it helped TSMC surpass IBM in semiconductor manufacturing prowess. In 2003, he was part of the team awarded the Outstanding Scientific and Technological Worker Award by Taiwan's Executive Yuan for his contributions to this copper process technology. Liang was one of the key engineers behind TSMC's decision to develop its own copper interconnect technology rather than licensing it from IBM. This decision was crucial for TSMC's independence and leadership in the semiconductor industry. He was involved in the development of several process nodes, which not only increased TSMC's technological edge but also helped in establishing a competitive edge in the market. Liang holds numerous patents, with nearly 500 attributed to his name at TSMC, showcasing his innovative approach to solving complex semiconductor engineering challenges.

Liang did not just contribute through technical innovation but also through leadership. He was known for his exacting standards and deep engagement with the details of the process, which, while making him difficult to work with at times, also led to high-quality outcomes in R&D projects. His mentorship has been vital in shaping the next generation of semiconductor engineers at TSMC, influencing the company's culture of continuous innovation.

The "Six Knights," including Liang, were instrumental in building TSMC's reputation as a global leader in semiconductor manufacturing. Their collective work laid the groundwork for TSMC's strategy of rapid technology scaling, which has become a hallmark of the company's business model. Liang's contributions were particularly crucial because they occurred during a period when TSMC was still establishing itself as a formidable player against larger, more established Western companies.

Liang Mong Song's designation as one of the "Six Knights of TSMC R&D" is a testament to his technical acumen, leadership, and pivotal role in shaping the technological trajectory of TSMC. His work not only advanced the company's technical capabilities but also had lasting implications on how semiconductor technology was developed and commercialized globally. His journey from this point at TSMC to his later roles in Samsung and SMIC illustrates his enduring impact on the industry, making him a central figure in the narrative of semiconductor technology evolution.

Subsequently, in 2017, Liang was appointed as co-Chief Executive Officer at Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation (SMIC) in China, where he has been instrumental in advancing SMIC's capabilities.

Leaving TSMC to Samsung

In February 2009, he left TSMC to join academia briefly at National Tsing Hua University, but soon moved to South Korea to work for Samsung Electronics in 2011. At Samsung, he played a critical role in advancing their technology, notably in shifting from the 28nm to the 14nm process, which helped Samsung compete fiercely with TSMC. This move sparked a notable legal battle with TSMC over trade secrets. This was a significant legal battle centered around allegations of trade secret misappropriation, which had profound implications for both companies involved and the broader semiconductor industry.

Liang had signed a non-compete agreement with TSMC that prohibited him from working for competitors for a period after his departure, which included forfeiting a significant portion of his stock if he breached this agreement. In 2011, after Liang officially joined Samsung as the Chief Technology Officer of the System LSI division, TSMC accused him of leaking trade secrets related to their 28nm process technology. The allegations were that Liang's knowledge and possibly documents he had access to at TSMC enabled Samsung to rapidly catch up in semiconductor process node technology.

Initially, the Intellectual Property Court in Taiwan ruled in Liang's favor in 2013, stating that his non-compete clause had expired and his right to work should not be violated. TSMC appealed this decision, and in 2014, the appeal resulted in a ruling against Liang. The court found that there was indeed a special relationship between Sungkyunkwan University and Samsung, suggesting that Liang's move was a strategic placement to later join Samsung without immediately breaching his non-compete agreement. In August 2015, Taiwan's Supreme Court upheld the decision of the second instance, concluding that Liang had indeed disclosed trade secrets to Samsung. This ruling prohibited him from working for Samsung in any capacity until December 31, 2015.

The legal battle highlighted the fierce competition and the lengths to which companies would go to protect their intellectual property in the highly competitive semiconductor industry. It underscored the risks associated with knowledge transfer when key personnel move between competitors. For Liang, this was a significant career setback. The case contributed to a narrative of corporate espionage within the semiconductor sector, affecting how companies manage employee transitions and protect their technological edge. Liang was often portrayed by Taiwanese media as a "traitor" or "industrial spy", reflecting nationalistic sentiments and concerns over the leakage of Taiwanese tech prowess to competitors. Internationally, the case was seen as a cautionary tale for tech companies regarding the management of intellectual property and the risks of employee mobility in high-tech industries.

Liang Mong Song's legal entanglements with TSMC when he transitioned to Samsung were emblematic of the complex interplay between personal career moves, corporate strategy, and national interests in the semiconductor industry. The legal outcomes not only affected his career trajectory but also set precedents for how similar cases might be handled in the future, emphasizing the importance of stringent IP protection measures and the careful management of employee non-compete agreements.

Leaving Samsung to go to SMIC

Liang's move to SMIC was driven by several factors. The opportunity to lead a major Chinese semiconductor firm, the allure of contributing to China's technological self-sufficiency, and possibly dissatisfaction with the legal and professional constraints of the west following the TSMC lawsuit. There were also rumors of a very large salary increase. His expertise was also highly sought after by SMIC to bolster China's semiconductor industry amidst U.S. trade sanctions.

Liang Mong Song's involvement at SMIC has been linked to significant advancements in semiconductor technology in China. Reports suggest that under his leadership, SMIC made progress with 7nm processes using Deep Ultraviolet (DUV) lithography and techniques like Self-Aligned Quadruple Patterning (SAQP) for density improvements, although specific details on his direct contributions are not publicly detailed. His role at SMIC has been crucial in pushing forward China's semiconductor capabilities, particularly in response to U.S. restrictions on technology exports. This use of on hand DUVs and the use of SAQP has made China able to produce sub 7nm chips but the yield is quite low. Reports suggest that as co-CEO of SMIC that he is actively involved in R&D decisions including trying to use triple beam technology and photonics as a way around the US export controls to develop lower nanometer semiconductors at scale. At SMIC, Liang is focusing on continuing the development of advanced semiconductor processes, aiming to narrow the technology gap with leading global players like TSMC and Samsung. His work involves enhancing SMIC's capabilities in smaller node technologies, possibly including further development in 3nm and below, leveraging advanced techniques to bypass some of the technological barriers imposed by international trade restrictions.

A Non-Public Man with a Big Role

Liang Mong Song's involvement with Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation (SMIC) has positioned him as a central figure in China's quest to advance its semiconductor industry, particularly in the face of stringent U.S. export controls. This section examines how vital Liang is to China's strategic ambitions in this sector. Since 2019, the U.S. has imposed stringent export controls on semiconductor technology to China, aiming to curb its technological advancements in sensitive areas like AI, 5G, and high-performance computing. These controls particularly target advanced manufacturing equipment like EUV lithography machines and specific semiconductor designs. These restrictions have significantly hampered China's ability to independently produce leading-edge chips, forcing reliance on domestic innovation to close the technological gap. Under Liang's leadership, SMIC has made notable strides in semiconductor manufacturing, notably achieving 7nm process technology using DUV lithography in innovative ways, like multiple patterning, to bypass the need for EUV. His expertise has been crucial in pushing these boundaries. Liang has helped steer SMIC towards a path of self-reliance, focusing on developing indigenous technologies to counteract U.S. sanctions. His vision aligns with China's "Made in China 2025" initiative, aiming for technological self-sufficiency. Having worked at TSMC and Samsung, Liang brought invaluable experience to SMIC. His understanding of cutting-edge processes from two of the world's leading semiconductor companies has been a boon for China's technological capabilities. Beyond his direct contributions, Liang has been instrumental in training and guiding a new generation of Chinese engineers, fostering a culture of innovation and resilience against external pressures. Liang's work at SMIC represents a direct response to U.S. export controls. His ability to innovate around these restrictions, through alternate manufacturing techniques or by developing home-grown solutions, has been pivotal for China's strategic interests. His career trajectory, especially after the legal challenges with TSMC, symbolizes China's resolve to overcome technological blockades, making him a figurehead in the narrative of technological independence. By enhancing SMIC's capabilities, Liang directly influences China's economic landscape, reducing dependency on foreign technology, which is critical for sectors like telecommunications, automotive, and defense. His contributions help China in its geopolitical strategy of asserting technological sovereignty, which has implications for global tech leadership and national security.

Simply put, Liang Mong Song's role at SMIC is vital for China's semiconductor ambitions under U.S. export restrictions. His leadership has not only advanced China's technological capabilities but also symbolized and spearheaded the country's push towards technological independence. His contributions are seen as a strategic asset in China's broader goal to become a global leader in semiconductor technology, thereby countering the impact of U.S. sanctions and enhancing China's position in the global tech landscape.

Is Liang Mong Song a Proliferator of Advanced Chips? Is it Fair to Think of Him as the AQ Khan of the Chip World?

The comparison of Liang Mong Song to Abdul Qadeer Khan (A.Q. Khan) in the context of technological proliferation stems from the significant impact both individuals have had on their respective fields. This section explores why China hawks might view Liang as a semiconductor equivalent to Khan, known for his role in nuclear proliferation.

Who was A.Q. Khan?

Abdul Qadeer Khan was a Pakistani scientist credited with fathering Pakistan's nuclear weapons program. Born in 1936 in India, he moved to Pakistan after the partition and later studied in Europe, where he gained expertise in uranium enrichment technologies. Khan became infamous for his role in nuclear technology proliferation. He set up a clandestine network that supplied nuclear technology to countries like Iran, Libya, and North Korea, significantly undermining global non-proliferation efforts. His actions earned him the title "Father of Pakistan's Nuclear Bomb" but also made him a pariah in international nuclear policy circles.

Much like nuclear technology, semiconductor manufacturing processes are considered vital for national security and economic prowess in the modern era, given their role in advanced computing, telecommunications, and military applications. Liang moved from TSMC, where he was instrumental in developing leading-edge semiconductor processes, to Samsung, significantly enhancing their capabilities, and then to SMIC in China. Each move involved transferring high-level expertise to competitors, which could be seen as a form of technology proliferation. At SMIC, Liang has been credited with advancing China's semiconductor industry, particularly in developing processes that bypass U.S. export controls, such as achieving 7nm and potentially 5nm nodes without EUV lithography. This has helped China reduce its dependency on foreign technology, akin to how Khan's network helped countries achieve nuclear capabilities independently.

Just as Khan transferred nuclear technology to multiple nations, Liang's career has involved moving semiconductor know-how from Taiwan to South Korea and then to China, where it has been used to incrementally enhance technological capabilities, potentially threatening U.S. technological dominance. For those concerned about China's rise in technology sectors crucial for national security (often referred to as "China hawks"), Liang's contributions are viewed as a strategic boon for China, paralleling Khan's enabling of nuclear proliferation by expanding China's technological sovereignty in semiconductors. Although Liang's actions were within the professional realm and legally contested rather than clandestine, the outcome—enhancing a strategic competitor's capabilities—might be seen as analogous to Khan's nuclear technology transfers. Both scenarios involve the spread of technology that could alter international power dynamics. The fear is that, like Khan's network destabilized global nuclear non-proliferation, Liang's work in China might shift the balance of power in technology, affecting military, economic, and espionage capabilities.

While the comparison might be controversial due to the differing contexts of nuclear versus semiconductor technology, China hawks might argue that Liang Mong Song's career has effectively acted as a conduit for semiconductor technology proliferation, impacting global tech hegemony much like A.Q. Khan's actions influenced nuclear proliferation. This perspective underscores concerns about intellectual property, strategic technology, and the implications of such transfers for international relations and security.

Conclusion

Liang Mong Song's career embodies the interplay of personal ambition, technological brilliance, and geopolitical significance. His trajectory from Taiwan's TSMC to China's SMIC mirrors a broader narrative of technological transfer and competition, akin to A.Q. Khan's role in nuclear proliferation. Liang’s contributions to China's semiconductor sector, particularly in circumventing U.S. export controls, underscore his critical importance in reshaping the global semiconductor landscape. Whether viewed as a pioneer driving innovation or as a catalyst of strategic imbalance, Liang’s impact is undeniable. His work at SMIC, advancing China’s semiconductor self-sufficiency, has positioned him as a key figure in the shifting balance of global technological power. In an era where semiconductors are as vital as energy resources or nuclear deterrents, Liang Mong Song’s story serves as a case study in the power of individual expertise to influence global dynamics and challenge the established order.

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Sources:

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/enigmatic-liang-mong-song-man-who-shook-semiconductor-amr-elharony-lexvf

https://asiatimes.com/2023/09/us-curbs-on-tsmc-ex-engineer-liang-wont-hurt-smic/

https://www.livemint.com/technology/tech-news/a-70-year-old-taiwanese-chip-wizard-is-driving-china-s-tech-ambitions-11659965745667.html