In Hong Kong, we build a global business empire

Given John Reed's current relationship with Lin Haoran, he naturally wouldn't refuse Lin Haoran.

Even if it's difficult, he will do his best to help Lin Haoran get it done.

After all, he owed Lin Haoran far too many favors.

Not only did it help him oust his most threatening competitor at the board meeting, but it also enabled his Foresight Capital to make a fortune on multiple occasions.

As for Lin Haoran's claim that he would arrange for Huanyu Investment Company to collaborate with Citibank again within six months at the latest, and that Citibank would earn a hundred million dollars or so from this, John Reed did not think that the other party was exaggerating.

He might not believe others, but he absolutely believed in Lin Haoran's abilities.

Therefore, John Reed didn't hesitate for long before saying, "Mr. Lin, please rest assured, I will immediately send someone to contact SVLT Semiconductor on behalf of Citibank to ensure you obtain the right of first refusal."

John Read quickened his pace, clearly already rapidly planning the steps of the operation in his mind.

"As for Samsung's bond..."

He paused for a moment, seemingly weighing the pros and cons, "We and Morgan Stanley are indeed leading the issuance, but it is still in the preliminary preparation stage and has not been officially launched to the market."

Stopping it would be troublesome, requiring a reasonable explanation to Morgan and the board, but it's not impossible.

"I will personally explain the situation to the board of directors, emphasizing the importance of maintaining our most important strategic partnership and the considerable benefits expected from future cooperation."

I believe the board will make a wise choice, and I will give you a clear answer no later than tonight, that is, tomorrow morning Hong Kong time.

"As for a complete halt to cooperation with Samsung," John Reed paused for a moment, "that requires more careful evaluation and steps, involving many of our businesses in South Korea."

But since you've brought it up, I will push for an internal assessment and gradually reduce or even cut off cooperation with Samsung in core areas.

Let's start by sending a clear signal through this bond and its future financing services.

“Very good.” Lin Haoran was satisfied with John Reed’s statement. “John, I owe you a favor this time.”

"I will ensure that the next collaboration between Global Investments and Citibank is implemented as soon as possible, and that it is both large-scale and high-quality."

“Mr. Lin, you flatter me. We are the closest of partners,” John Reed said with a smile. “Helping a partner solve a problem is our duty. So, I’ll get started right away.”

"Thanks for your hard work."

After hanging up the phone with John Reed, Lin Haoran leaned back in his armchair, his gaze once again falling on the faxed report.

While John Reed couldn't promise that Citigroup would directly announce the termination of all cooperation with Samsung, his attitude and actions were enough.

True business competition often lies not in a single statement, but in concrete actions at key junctures.

As long as the crucial $2.8 million bond issuance is blocked, as long as the acquisition of SVLT Semiconductor is hijacked, as long as Sharp's technology transfer negotiations are indefinitely postponed...

Samsung's semiconductor expansion plans will immediately feel the chill.

These chills will manifest in the tight cash flow, the stagnation of technology introduction, and the delays in project progress, ultimately translating into a series of frustrating reports on Li Bingze's desk.

By then, Li Bingze will understand just how much power and resources that "outsider" he tried to manipulate at will in the convenience store business truly possessed.

That was no longer a battle over interests in the South Korean domestic market, but had risen to the level of the lifeline of the future development of the Samsung Group.

This is exactly the effect Lin Haoran wanted.

The message is meant to intimidate the tiger, and to make sure that tiger clearly understands where the tremor comes from and the consequences of continued provocation.

I checked the time; it was already past nine o'clock at night.

He knew that John Reed in New York had already begun to take action, and Huo Jianning in Tokyo was also following up on the matter.

Meanwhile, Hong Kong, where he was stationed, became a relatively calm corner in the eye of the storm.

But beneath the calm lies a deeper scheme.

He picked up his mobile phone and dialed the number of Ma Shimin, chairman of the Galaxy Strategic Committee.

The call was quickly connected, and Ma Shimin's voice came through the phone: "Boss, is it urgent this late?"

“Mr. Ma, you’re still up, aren’t you? The semiconductor strategy we talked about before has been progressing very slowly over the past year!” Lin Haoran said.

"Boss, the semiconductor industry requires a lot of capital investment, long-term technological accumulation, and a top talent pool. It's not something that can be achieved overnight." Ma Shimin's voice carried a hint of caution in his explanation, but it also revealed the truth.

"Although we have established a basic team and made some investments and cooperation attempts with some technology companies in the United States, we are still in the learning and exploration stage overall."

Compared to giants like Intel and Motorola, and even to Japanese semiconductor companies that have already begun to exert their strength, we still have a long way to go.

Lin Haoran was fully aware of this.

His previous investments were more of seed investments and initial contacts, rather than a strategic bet made with the full resources of the Samsung Group.

Now, spurred on by Samsung, he realized that he had to speed things up.

“Mr. Ma, you’re right. Our strategy in the past may have been too cautious. Now the situation has changed, and we can no longer follow up slowly.”

Afterwards, Lin Haoran recounted his investigation into Samsung's plans to dedicate all its resources to developing semiconductors, as well as his counterattack plan.

Developing the semiconductor industry was originally part of his plan.

Now, it's just that the plan has been brought forward a little bit.

Retaliating against Samsung was just a side effect.

What's truly important is seizing this historic opportunity for the industry's explosive growth.

He paused for a moment, then continued, "I need Hongkong Land to take advantage of the current downturn in Hong Kong's real estate industry and immediately adjust its priorities, elevating the development of the semiconductor industry to a strategic level."

Starting today, we will operate on two fronts: on the one hand, in coordination with my countermeasures against Samsung, we will leverage our global network to seek opportunities to target Samsung's key areas in technology, talent, and equipment procurement.

On the other hand, and more importantly, we need to accelerate the development of our own semiconductor business.

Lin Haoran knew that one of the key reasons Samsung Semiconductor was able to develop so rapidly was its recruitment of professional talent.

If his semiconductor company manages to poach most of the semiconductor experts that Samsung wants to recruit, it will not only significantly slow down the development of Samsung's semiconductor business, but also build a world-class core team for himself, achieving two goals at once.

Ma Shimin on the other end of the phone immediately understood Lin Haoran's strategic intention: "Boss, I understand what you mean. This is to undermine our strength while simultaneously strengthening ourselves."

Samsung is currently at a critical stage of going from zero to one, and it relies most on importing technology and talent from advanced regions such as the United States and Japan.

If we can get ahead of them, or even offer more attractive terms, it's entirely possible to disrupt their plans.

Lin Haoran praised, "That's right. This matter needs to be carried out secretly, quickly, and precisely. We need to immediately utilize all our connections and headhunting resources in Silicon Valley, Japan, and even Europe."

Pay particular attention to key technical personnel who may have already been contacted by Samsung, or who have connections with other companies that Samsung may still be in contact with, such as Sharp, Toshiba, Intel, and Texas Instruments.

Money is not an issue. We want to offer more generous compensation than Samsung, a more flexible research environment, clearer career prospects, and even stock options.

"In addition," Lin Haoran added a key point, "not only engineers and scientists, but also management talents with project management experience, familiarity with semiconductor factory operations, and understanding of the global supply chain are also urgently needed by us."

A top-notch team needs both commanders and soldiers.

“Understood, boss. I will immediately launch a special plan focused on recruiting top global talent for our semiconductor business, while closely monitoring and interfering with Samsung’s related recruitment activities.” Ma Shimin quickly gave the action code and direction.

"Very good. You will be in charge of this plan directly, and the confidentiality level will be raised to the highest level," Lin Haoran instructed. "In addition to talent, the structure of our own semiconductor business also needs to be clarified as soon as possible."

I am considering establishing an independent semiconductor group, focusing on the research, development, manufacturing and investment of semiconductors and related cutting-edge technologies, including chips, lithography machines, etc. Initially, it can be located in Hong Kong, but the research and development center must be globally deployed.

You set up the initial framework; I need to see the detailed organizational structure, talent map, technology roadmap, and preliminary list of acquisition/investment targets as soon as possible.

Finally, he gave a clear time requirement: "Within three years, I want to see our own computer processors and lithography machines, and their level must reach or exceed the mainstream commercial standards in the industry."

Lin Haoran's words made Ma Shimin on the other end of the phone gasp for breath.

Three years!

Starting from scratch, design and manufacture computer processors and lithography machines that reach or exceed the mainstream commercial level in the industry!

This is practically an insane goal. Keep in mind that even Intel, now at its peak, launched its first microprocessor, the 4004, in 1971. Eleven years later, in 1982, it had undergone countless iterations and technological breakthroughs before establishing its leading position in the personal computer processor field.

Although Japanese semiconductor companies have developed rapidly, they are far from achieving a dominant position in general-purpose CPU design.

“Boss, three years, that’s a requirement…” Ma Shimin’s voice was filled with disbelief and pressure.

Even with strong financial support, how can one not take time to accumulate technology, integrate talent, develop design tools, and manufacture processes?
"Is it very difficult?" Lin Haoran asked with a smile.

"Indeed, boss, you should also know that there are technology export restrictions in the United States. As you mentioned, Silicon Valley SVLT Semiconductor Company's technology is not particularly outstanding among American semiconductor companies, so the United States will not impose too many restrictions."

However, if we want to import the most advanced semiconductor manufacturing equipment on a large scale, or acquire certain core design tools and process technologies, the United States is likely to create obstacles.

Especially if we are viewed as an independent, emerging competitor that could pose a threat to American businesses.

Ma Shimin pointed out the most practical difficulties.

In the early 1980s, although the Cold War atmosphere eased somewhat, the United States and other Western countries still maintained strict controls on the transfer of advanced technology to socialist countries and some regions that were considered to be potential competitors.

Although Hong Kong holds a special status, its sovereignty is still uncertain, and Lin Haoran's business empire has a distinct Chinese capital background, which will undoubtedly increase the difficulty of acquiring technology.

Lin Haoran had anticipated this, and his decision to globalize the R&D center was also driven by considerations of diversifying risks and circumventing regulations.

He said confidently, "Mr. Ma, the problem you mentioned does exist, but there are always more solutions than problems. First of all, we don't necessarily have to pursue the most advanced and latest generation of equipment and technology."

We can start with relatively mature and less strictly regulated processes, such as some secondary production lines, less sensitive design software versions, or by obtaining them through third-party channels.

Secondly, we can bypass the restrictions of direct purchase through various flexible methods such as joint ventures, collaborative research and development, and technology licensing.

For example, we could deepen our cooperation with companies we've already worked with, such as Motorola and Mitsubishi, and even consider inviting them to participate in our overseas R&D centers through technology-based equity investment.

He paused for a moment, then continued, "More importantly, we need to broaden our horizons. While the United States is the center of semiconductor technology, Europe and Japan also have deep technological expertise and excellent companies."

Philips of the Netherlands, Zeiss of Germany, Nikon and Canon of Japan have unique strengths in optical precision instruments, while the UK has many small but excellent companies in semiconductor design and software.

We can establish a diversified network of technology sources through investment, acquisitions, and the establishment of joint laboratories.

"In addition, talent itself is the most core technology carrier. If we can successfully gather a group of top Chinese scientists and engineers, they themselves possess advanced knowledge and experience."

Furthermore, with the favorable environment created by our overseas R&D centers, it is entirely possible to achieve internal breakthroughs and reinvention of technology, which is more grounded than simply relying on external imports.

"Our biggest advantage is our ample funds. With money, we can save a lot of time from the long process of trial and error starting from scratch, and directly start from a higher level by acquiring, investing, and hiring top talent at high salaries." Lin Haoran's words were filled with strong confidence.

"Boss, now that you mention it, it seems that achieving your goal within three years isn't entirely an impossible fantasy."

Although Ma Shimin's voice still carried pressure, it had lost that unbelievable suffocating feeling and gained a more thoughtful and eager tone.

"If we can truly gather top global talent regardless of cost, especially by recruiting some leaders who can stand alone, and then supplement this with precise technology acquisitions and a global R&D layout, we might really be able to create a miracle in three years."

"Okay, it's decided then. This matter is entrusted to you. You can mobilize the resources of all members under the Galaxy Strategic Committee. I hope you can successfully complete this goal!" Lin Haoran said with a smile.

"Yes, boss, I will set up an independent team as soon as possible and then start studying relevant solutions!" Ma Shimin said solemnly.

"Well, it's late, so I won't bother you any longer."

After hanging up the phone, Lin Haoran lay half-reclined on the sofa chair in the study.

His ambitions are great; he not only wants to make moves in the processor field, but also to lay the groundwork for lithography machines ahead of time.

He clearly remembers that decades later, the mainland was held back in the fields of chips, lithography machines, medical imaging equipment, and precision instruments. He had felt that sense of frustration countless times in news reports and industry analyses, and he knew the pain deeply.

Now that he has the ability and opportunity to make a change in this life, he will never allow himself and the Chinese capital he represents to fall into that passive situation again in the future.

Since he has chosen to keep his base in Hong Kong, he is destined to stand on the same side as the mainland and share weal and woe in the future.

Hong Kong's prosperity and stability are inseparable from the support of the mainland, while the mainland's modernization process also needs a window and bridge like Hong Kong.

Technological self-reliance, especially in core technologies like semiconductors, is a key focus of future great power competition.

Since Lin Haoran has this ability and this opportunity, he cannot and does not want to stay out of it.

Most importantly, lithography machines and chips are both extremely lucrative fields, especially when the technology reaches the international leading level. Customers are even actively offering money to purchase them, and orders are so numerous that production capacity needs to be reserved years in advance.

That not only means huge profits, but also unparalleled bargaining power and pricing power at the top of the industry chain.

The commercial value of this is enough to support a vast technology empire and even support its expansion into other fields.

After all, whether it's the development direction of lithography machines or the development direction of chips, although he is not an expert in this field, he has been deeply popularized by many online bloggers or media during the years when China's technology was held back, so he also has some understanding.

For example, in the field of lithography machines, DUV and EUV technologies are the mainstream lithography technologies of the future; while electron beam lithography, X-ray lithography, and nanoimprint lithography are clearly some of the wrong directions in terms of development.

Although Lin Haoran did not understand technology, he could use his superficial knowledge from his previous life to ensure that the lithography machine research company he invested in avoided those technologies that were destined to be eliminated or difficult to commercialize on a large scale from the very beginning, and instead concentrated resources and talent on the most promising and mainstream directions.

For example, in this era, photolithography technology is still in the stage of mercury lamp light source, while deep ultraviolet (DUV) laser light source technology is being developed in the laboratory or has just begun.

Extreme ultraviolet (EUV), which is even further away, is still just a theoretical concept.

Furthermore, he roughly understood that although electron beam lithography has high precision, it is inefficient and cannot be mass-produced, and is destined to be a technological dead end.

While the DUV path is not yet mature, it represents the mainstream direction for the future.

He knew that immersion lithography in future DUV and eventually EUV lithography would be the key to driving Moore's Law forward.

Although it is too early to talk about EUV, he can instruct the advanced manufacturing equipment divisions of future semiconductor companies to closely monitor and intervene in the research and development of core subsystems such as DUV laser sources, precision optics, and dual-stage systems from now on.

Instead of wasting energy on techniques that seem like "shortcuts" but are actually dead ends.

Similarly, in the field of chip design, he knows about the debate between reduced instruction set computing (RISC) and complex instruction set computing (CISC) architectures, the huge demand for low-power, high-performance processors in future mobile devices and data centers, and the ultimate success of pure-play foundry models like TSMC.

These seemingly directional prophets may be more valuable than specific technical details.

It allows him to avoid countless detours in the vast sea of ​​technological paths and business choices, and to accurately invest his precious resources and time in the most promising tracks for success.

This is one of his greatest strengths.

Although Intel and AMD have been established for over a decade, processor giants like Nvidia, Qualcomm, and MediaTek have yet to emerge.

As for lithography machines, the Dutch company ASML, which later almost monopolized the high-end lithography machine market, had not yet emerged.

Therefore, Lin Haoran is now starting to lay out his plans in the semiconductor field, focusing on the two core technologies of chips and lithography machines. Although he is much later than established giants such as Intel and Texas Instruments.

However, compared to future giants like Nvidia, Qualcomm, and ASML, it can be said that we arrived on the eve of their rise, or even earlier!

This is a historic window of opportunity.

Although Intel had risen to prominence, it was far from achieving the near-monopoly it would later attain, and the personal computer market was still in its infancy with its landscape undefined.

AMD is still struggling to catch up.

Japanese companies are thriving in the storage field, but they have not yet established an absolute advantage in the design of logic chips such as CPUs and GPUs.

As for lithography machines, the current era is still one of competition between Japanese companies like Nikon and Canon and American companies like GCA. The technological paths have not yet fully converged. ASML, which later dominated the market, was not officially established until 1984.

This is a godsend!
If he can leverage his substantial capital, use the directional guidance of a visionary as a compass, gather top Chinese scientists and engineers from around the world, and further enhance this with flexible and efficient business operations and a global footprint.

Therefore, it is entirely possible for them to gain a foothold in the future chip design and lithography machine fields, and even challenge the status of the giants!
Thinking of this, Lin Haoran's heart couldn't help but beat faster.

Previously, the considerations were more about countering Samsung and strategic planning, but now they see more clearly the huge historical opportunities and commercial possibilities hidden within.

This is not simply about catching up, but about securing a position in advance on the eve of a dramatic shift in the industrial landscape, and participating in or even leading the next wave of technological innovation!

At this moment, Lin Haoran was filled with countless thoughts.

Today, wealth is nothing more than a collection of numbers to him, and his social status has long since reached its peak.

Being the world's richest man has never been his goal, because he prefers to keep most of his wealth hidden!

So, it's time to set some brand new goals for yourself! (End of Chapter)