TIME/CNN presents Global Influentials, the top 25 business people worldwide

DAVID HARTUNG

17. Morris Chang
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing CEO

Born in mainland China and edu-cated in the U.S., Chang, 70, is credited with creating Taiwan's semiconductor industry. The firm he founded in 1987, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing, has become a global leader, building microchips for everything from PCs to cell phones while leaving the design to others. This approach has freed small chip designers from having to build their own factories, resulting in more competition and innovation. Despite the global tech slump, Chang just announced a $20 billion expansion.

CNN Video: Watch a short profile of Morris Chang
Company Web Site: www.tsmc.com

Next: Prince al-Waleed >>

Get the Magazine - Try 4 Issues Risk-Free!