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Merck Taiwan Chairman John Lee Inspires Perseverance in Future Talents

Written by Written by Hsu Tsu-Yueh. Image credit to News Center.
 
“Difficulty is always present.” John Lee, Chairman of Merck in Taiwan, was invited to National Cheng Kung University to give a speech on May 13. Regarding challenges faced by human such as energy, climate change, and pandemic, Lee, coming from ample personal experiences in international trading, said to the future talents, “Don’t solely consider the pay for your first job, instead choose something that stimulates your aspiration. You won’t find a job that simultaneously pays well, requires no effort, and is close to your dwelling. If you actively take on challenging tasks, keep your passion through your perseverance, and are willing to think further than others, you will surely come out different from others.”
 
John Lee, Chairman of Merck in Taiwan, was invited to National Cheng Kung University to give a speech on May 13
John Lee, Chairman of Merck in Taiwan, was invited to National Cheng Kung University to give a speech on May 13
 
John Lee acquired his PhD degree in polymer chemistry from Polymer chemistry. He has served executive roles in several international companies including the IBM, Procter & Gamble, and Cookson Electronics. After joining Merck in 2011, he was promoted to Chairman in 2021 and was rated as an outstanding leader by the media for his quick promotion in 10 years. Lee expressed, “In the past 26 years, I have picked up all sorts of tasks in six companies, five countries, and over ten industries. Before I became the chairman, I have donned lab coats for 21.5 years. My PhD dissertation was completed after 1,095 chemical experiments. There is determination in never giving up. Only through constant accumulation of efforts will the results of your hard work be shown.”
 
In terms of the global marker, Lee expressed that the electronic technology industry is full of opportunities and will require even more innovative material technologies. According to the predictions of market surveys, from 2010 to 2030, the number of AIoT devices will see a 350-billion increase and industry will need more innovative chips. It is shown that the multiple applications in electronic cars, servers, and wearable devices are driving the rapid growth of the semiconductor industry.
 
Wei-Chou Hsu, Associate Dean of the Academy, presented the recognition of ‘Chair of Industry and Academy Innovation’ to John Lee
Wei-Chou Hsu, Associate Dean of the Academy, presented the recognition of ‘Chair of Industry and Academy Innovation’ to John Lee
 
In response to the transformation and innovation of next generation industry, NCKU took the lead in 2021 to establish the Academy of Innovative Semiconductor and Sustainable Manufacturing, partnering with the industry focusing on circular economy and smart manufacturing. Bringing abundant academic energy and taking on University Social Responsibility, the university is committed to remain a stable force for a sustainable Taiwan. In the afternoon of the 13th, Wei-Chou Hsu, Associate Dean of the Academy, presented the recognition of ‘Chair of Industry and Academy Innovation’ to John Lee. Jen-Sue Chen, Distinguished Professor of Department of Materials Science and Engineering, humorously encouraged the students to “choose the most difficult topics for classes or research,” because it is the way to develop comprehensive abilities in school for facing the future.
 
Merck in Taiwan began in 1989 and has dedicated great efforts in Taiwan over 30 years. In December of 2021, the company announced its plan to invest 17 billion NTD in Taiwan in the coming five to seven years, planning to establish its first global Mega Site for research and development of semiconductor materials in Kaohsiung area of the Southern Taiwan Science Park. The Site will take up over 15 hectares of space. Incorporating the values of sustainable development through the initial factory design to future product manufacturing, the Site aims to devote to localized manufacturing of key materials for semiconductor, inducing thin film material, specialty gases, and graphics and polishing of materials. In May 2022, Merck in Taiwan secured the first place among international companies in the Global Views’ award for CSR and ESG for two consecutive years.
 
John Lee expressed that the electronic technology industry is full of opportunities on the speech
John Lee expressed that the electronic technology industry is full of opportunities on the speech
 
“Joining Merck is joining the United Nations.” The Merck Group was established in 1668, with branches spanning over 66 countries globally and its 60 thousand staff members from 142 countries. The international headquarters of Merck is located in Darmstadt, Germany. In the 354 years of its history, the Merck family has been passed down over 13 generations. The group maintains its curiosity and strives forward, devoting itself to medical healthcare, life sciences, and electronic technologies, developing high technologies that bring positive influences for human lives. From disease treatments to biotechnology development, even to future wearable devices, Merck is ever-present.
 
 

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