The Quiet Powerhouse Behind Asia’s Chip-Making Boom: Jason Chang

From Shanghai Roots to Semiconductor Royalty

Jason Chang was born on May 18, 1944 — a birthdate that marks the beginning of a journey from Shanghai through Taiwan to global business prominence.  Raised in a family with real-estate roots, Chang’s early exposure to business and enterprise laid the groundwork for his future ambitions. 

After finishing his undergraduate studies in electronic engineering at National Taiwan University and earning a Master of Science in industrial engineering from Illinois Institute of Technology, Chang possessed both the technical credentials and global perspective needed to navigate a rapidly evolving electronics landscape.

In 1984, together with his brother Richard Chang, Chang founded ASE Technology Holding (ASE) — a bold leap at a time when Taiwan was just beginning to assert itself on the global semiconductor stage.

Building ASE Into a Global Semiconductor Force

In its early years, ASE faced the typical hardships of a start-up in a capital-intensive industry: limited resources, technological barriers, and uncertain demand. But Chang’s vision — to position Taiwan as a hub for outsourced semiconductor assembly and testing (OSAT) — proved prescient.

ASE went public in Taiwan in 1989, and later listed in New York in 2000. Under Chang’s leadership, the company expanded aggressively, investing in advanced IC packaging, embracing automation, and focusing on research and development to stay ahead of global demand. 

By 2018, ASE had integrated a major acquisition — consolidating itself as one of the largest independent semiconductor assembly and test providers worldwide. 

Chang also helped diversify the family’s holdings beyond semiconductors: alongside Richard, he has substantial investments in real-estate development through Sino Horizon Holdings and other related entities. 

In recognition of his leadership and contributions to Taiwan’s tech industry, he received an honorary doctorate from National Cheng Kung University in 2022 — a symbolic nod to ASE’s lasting impact on IC packaging, automation, and industry-academia collaboration. 

Wealth Built on Chips — The Net Worth Story

Thanks to his substantial ownership in ASE and associated enterprises, Chang has amassed significant wealth over decades. According to Forbes, his net worth stands at US$ 8.8 billion. 

Most of this fortune derives from his roughly 22 % stake in ASE, held via a combination of direct ownership, joint holdings with his wife, and through holding companies such as ASE Enterprises and JC Holdings.

Moreover, Chang’s financial footprint expands beyond semiconductors. He owns major shares in Sino Horizon, as well as stakes in entities like Hung Ching Development & Construction — a real estate developer under the broader ASE umbrella. 

This diversified asset base, combining tech and real estate, has allowed Chang to navigate market cycles while maintaining strong financial grounding — reinforcing his status among the world’s most influential tech-industry magnates.

Home, Family, and Quiet Influence

Though a titan of industry, Chang maintains a relatively private personal life. He is married to Ching Ping Chang, and together they have three children.  Their children — including one named Rutherford Chang — have pursued creative and artistic paths, inspired by their mother’s background in interior design. 

Despite his immense success, Chang is not immune to public scrutiny. In 2013, ASE faced environmental backlash when untreated wastewater from one of its plants caused pollution — prompting a public apology and a modest fine from local authorities.

Yet even this episode ultimately became a catalyst for improvement: under Chang’s stewardship, ASE renewed its commitment to sustainable practices and closer collaboration with academic institutions to drive environmentally responsible innovation. 

Legacy Woven Through Chips, Real Estate — and Quiet Tenacity

Jason Chang’s story defies the typical “overnight-success” narrative. Instead, his journey reflects long-term vision, technical insight, and disciplined execution. What began as a modest engineering career evolved into a leadership role at the helm of a global semiconductor powerhouse — all while maintaining a diverse portfolio of investments and a grounded approach to family and legacy.

His birthday, May 18, 1944, marks not just the birth of a man, but the foundation of a legacy that continues to resonate in chip-making facilities worldwide, high-rise developments across Asia, and the ecosystem linking technology, real estate, and generational wealth.

For readers tracking the trajectories of industry-defining entrepreneurs, Jason Chang offers a timeless reminder: greatness isn’t always loud — sometimes, it’s built quietly, steadily, and with deep conviction.