Values and Business Philosophy

TSMC Core Values

• Integrity

  Integrity is our most basic and most important core value. We tell the truth. We believe that the record of our accomplishments is the best proof of our merit. Hence, we do not brag. We do not make commitments lightly. Once we make a commitment, we devote ourselves completely to meeting that commitment. We compete to our fullest within the law, but we do not slander our competitors, and we respect the intellectual property rights of others. With vendors, we maintain an objective, consistent, and impartial attitude. We do not tolerate any form of corrupt behavior or politicking. When selecting new employees, we place emphasis on the candidates' qualifications and character, not connections or access.

• Commitment

  TSMC is committed to the welfare of customers, suppliers, employees, shareholders, and society. These stakeholders all contribute to TSMC's success, and TSMC is dedicated to serving their best interests. In return, TSMC hopes all of these stakeholders will make a mutual commitment to the Company.

• Innovation

  Innovation is the wellspring of TSMC's growth, and is a part of all aspects of our business, from strategic planning, marketing and management, to technology and manufacturing. At TSMC, innovation means more than new ideas; it means putting ideas into practice.

• Customer Trust

  At TSMC, customers come first. Their success is our success, and we value their ability to compete as we value our own. We strive to build deep and enduring relationships with our customers, who trust and rely on us to be part of their success over the long term.

Business Philosophy

1. Integrity
   
   Integrity means
   
   • We tell the truth.
   • We believe that the record of our achievements is the best proof of our merit. Hence, we do not brag or boast.
   • We do not make commitments lightly. Therefore, once we make a commitment, we devote ourselves completely to meeting that commitment.
   • With competitors, we compete to our fullest within the limits of the law, but we do not slander them in order to gain benefit for ourselves. We also respect intellectual property rights of others.
   • With vendors, we maintain an objective, consistent, and impartial attitude.
   • We do not tolerate any form of corrupt behavior or politicking. At TSMC, company politics are forbidden. When selecting new employees, we place emphasis on the candidates' qualifications and character, not connections or "guan-xi".
2. Focus on our Core Business: IC Foundry
   

   We must focus on our business at all times, which is dedicated IC foundry, and not distract ourselves with other pursuits.

3. Globalization
   

   Our target is and always has been the global market. We do not limit ourselves to Taiwan or any other specific geographical region. We recognize that the semiconductor business has no national boundaries, and that to be competitive anywhere we must be competitive worldwide.

4. Long-term Vision and Strategies
   

   An enterprise whose success endures is much like a successful marathon runner, whose skills and objectives are quite different from a short-distance sprinter. We truly believe that a person or company that does not plan carefully for the future will soon have problems in the present. We are confident that if we do a good job of long term planning and execution, we will greatly reduce the need for crisis management.

5. Treating Customers as Partners
   

   Since the company was founded, we have treated our customers as partners and have never competed against them. This policy is the key to our current success, and is crucial to our continued growth. At TSMC, customers come first. Their success is our success, and we value their ability to compete as we value our own.

6. Building Quality into all Aspects of our Business
   

   Every TSMC employee is responsible for providing the highest quality service. To achieve this, each person continuously evaluates and improves the quality of his or her own work. Our greatest goal is to achieve and maintain complete customer satisfaction.

7. Unceasing Innovation
   

   Innovation is the wellspring of TSMC's growth. It is vital to all sectors of our business, from strategic planning, marketing, and management, to technology and production.

8. Fostering a Dynamic and Fun Work Environment
   

   For most people who work at TSMC, participating in a challenging and enjoyable work environment full of opportunities to learn new skills is even more important than monetary rewards. To retain talented people who share our goals and interests, we work hard to foster a dynamic and enjoyable work environment.

9. Keeping Communication Channels Open
   

   TSMC has implemented an open-style management system designed to keep all lines of communication open. Employees openly cooperate with one another, while treating each other with honesty and sincerity. Everyone welcomes constructive criticism and is willing to seek improvement. This management style allows all opinions to be expressed before a final decision is made. Once a decision is made, everyone works together to achieve the set goal.

10. Caring for Employees and Shareholders, and Being a Good Corporate Citizen
    

    Employees and shareholders both are important constituents of our company. Our goal is to provide salary and benefits packages for employees that are above the industry average. TSMC also aims to earn a return on investment for shareholders above the industry average. We clearly understand that the success of our company depends greatly on the well-being of society and the environment where the company is established. Therefore, it is essential that we give back to society consistently, within our means, and serve as a model corporate citizen.