Page 33 - 2019 Annual Report Hsinchu Science Park

Chapter 4 │ Talent Hub 31
Bolster display technologies, diversify AI applications
A leader in display driver ICs/Novatek Microelectronics Corp.
Spokesman/Vice President David Chen Vice President Tommy Chen
Novatek Microelectronics Corp. is a global leader in flat-panel display driver ICs that has focused on developing display technologies since its inception in 1997. Drawing on its two upgraded core technologies Smart Image and Smart Display, the company is now keen to integrate key components for provision of total solutions, thereby securing its position as the best partner of customers worldwide.
Advance AI applications, take advantage of 5G opportunities
There is consensus that AI and 5G will impact every aspect of daily life. Recognizing early on that image recognition technology will definitely move toward intelligentization, Novatek has zoomed in on the development of AI technologies and applications over the years. Vice President Tommy Chen stresses: “Rather than being mere individual products, AI is really about multiple applications, or a technological multiplier bound to prevail in the arena of applications.” As such, Novatek is set to redouble efforts on AI development for precision applications in a wider range of areas.
Novatek expects 5G, given its high speed, high bandwidth, and low latency, to facilitate the penetration of high-definition TVs and handsets and give impetus to such products as narrow bezel, large-size OLED display panels. To secure an early start in the 5G display sector, Novatek is placing special emphasis on the development of Touch and Display Driver Integration (TDDI) and Frame Rate Control (FRC) technologies.
Build on existing strengths, capitalize on the U.S.-China trade war
The U.S.-China trade conflict has sent shock waves across the global semiconductor industry and Novatek is certainly not immune to this turmoil. Because of this very bilateral dispute, however, over time Taiwan may
prove a beneficiary as China will all but certainly cut back on the weighting of procurement from the U.S.
“In the wake of the U.S.-China trade war, mainland China will definitely redouble efforts on developing its own semiconductor industry to free itself from reliance on the U.S.,” Vice President David Chen says. “Companies in Taiwan may well emerge as beneficiaries and what Novatek needs to do is stay competitive.” In so doing, Novatek expects to consolidate its standing in the display technology market even though the U.S.-China trade war drags on and thus does the global economy more harm going forward.
Value talent cultivation, look forward to industry- government-academia collaboration
In addition to staying at the forefront technologically, Novatek has placed equal emphasis on bolstering its talent base. “At Novatek, the ratio of founding employees staying on to the present day is higher than those of most peers,” Vice President David Chen says. “The solid technological continuity and teamwork Novatek thus enjoys certainly offer an extra strength in an ever-changing industry.”
When it comes to talent cultivation, mainland China’s still lagging behind Taiwan explains why the former still resorts to employee poaching. To help Taiwan promote science education and grow talent, Novatek has teamed up with institutions of higher learning for training programs. The Novatek Education Foundation has also offered scholarships as incentives for students to undertake academic research and technological innovation. Novatek hopes that the government will pay closer attention to keeping semiconductor professionals in Taiwan.