Siliconware Precision Industries

In 1984, a group of engineers including Bough Lin, Chung Li Lin, and C.W. Tsai founded Siliconware Precision Industries Ltd. (SPIL) in Taiwan. The company's focus was on the essential, yet often overlooked, part of the semiconductor industry: integrated circuit (IC) packaging and testing. This involves taking a finished semiconductor wafer, testing it, and packaging it for use in electronic devices. SPIL quickly became a key player, initially serving major Taiwanese clients like United Microelectronics Corporation. The company went public on the Taiwan Stock Exchange in 1993, which fueled its expansion, including opening an office in San Jose, California. A significant milestone followed in 2000 when SPIL listed on the NASDAQ, gaining a larger international presence. The company's journey took a dramatic turn starting in 2015 when its larger rival, Advanced Semiconductor Engineering (ASE), launched a takeover bid. After a period of resistance from SPIL's management, a deal was eventually struck. In 2018, SPIL was acquired by ASE and became part of the newly formed ASE Technology Holding Co., Ltd. While now a subsidiary, SPIL continues to operate as a distinct entity, remaining one of the world's largest providers of semiconductor assembly and testing services.