Nexperia Chairman Wing Zhang’s Yale Summit Speech: Globalization Empowers Civilization
March 31, 2025New Haven, Connecticut -- On March 30, 2025, the 11th Yale China-U.S. Summit was held simultaneously at the main venue in Yale University’s Science Building and the Yale Beijing Center. Themed "Gathering on the Shore: The Bridge to the Future," this year’s summit attracted hundreds of leaders from academia, business, technology, and cultural sectors worldwide. At the summit, Zhang Xuezheng (Wing), Chairman and CEO of Nexperia, delivered a keynote speech titled "Globalization Empowers Civilization" Drawing on Nexperia’s century-long global practice, he elaborated on the profound significance of globalization in human civilization’s development. As the new technological revolution reshapes globalization, nations and regions are redefining their roles in the evolving global ecosystem. Wing affirmed Nexperia’s commitment to active participation in this transformation, collaborating with global regions to achieve and enable strategic growth.
A New Phase of Globalization: Strategic Restructuring and Role Repositioning Amidst the Technological Revolution
Wing pointed out that from the agricultural era to the industrial age and now the information age, every leap in human civilization has been accompanied by the deepening of globalization. Globalization is not a new concept but a historical inevitability that has driven technological, talent, and cultural integration through resource redistribution and industrial restructuring. He emphasized that while globalization may bring challenges, which also means differences, conflict is never the right choice; collaboration remains the only path forward. Differences should be resolved through collaboration, leading to a new balance and shared success.
Amidst the current AI-driven technological revolution, Wing believes globalization is undergoing a "deeper transformation." Regions are reconfiguring their strategic layouts, attracting top global resources to establish new ecosystems rapidly. Only by doing so can they form a stronger and more influential force to drive regional and societal advancement in the era of new technologies.
Nexperia: A Century of Globalization in Practice
As a European semiconductor company with a century-long history – originating from Royal Philips - Nexperia's development reflects the trajectory of globalization. Established in 1920, the company now commands nearly 10% of the global power semiconductor market share, with an annual production capacity exceeding 100 billion pieces — equating to more than 3,000 pieces produced per second. Its 15,000 power device products are widely used in automotive, consumer electronics, and industrial applications. Nexperia holds the top global market share in diodes and transistors, and ranks second in automotive power MOSFETs.
Wing specifically highlighted that over 60% of Nexperia’s revenue comes from the automotive sector. “From early ICE cars incorporating just 10+ Nexperia products, to feature cars using over 100, and to new EV cars integrating over 1,000, we now foresee AI-powered cars potentially exceeding 10.000 of our products. This exponential growth is fueled by technological advancements.” Currently, Nexperia serves 25,000 customers worldwide, with a manufacturing network spanning Europe and Asia. Its 15,000 employees are strategically positioned globally, fostering an ecosystem of "globalized production, globalized talent, and globalized technology."
Notably, Wing referenced Nexperia’s century-long journey, underscoring that the company’s resilience stems from its steadfast belief in globalization. “From Industry 2.0, 3.0, and 4.0 to today’s AI revolution, every iteration of technological transformation has reshaped globalization.” He emphasized that Nexperia has not only witnessed and benefited from globalization but has also been an active participant and driver of its progress.
Embracing Change: Transforming Crisis into Opportunity
Acknowledging the dual challenges of geopolitical shifts and industrial transformations, Wing candidly stated that “Nexperia’s greater opportunity emerges”. He revealed that Nexperia has devised an ambitious "$10 Billion Growth Strategy," with a clear roadmap in place, aiming to stay a key player in the evolving global industrial landscape. History has demonstrated that every technological revolution has propelled human civilization forward. Nexperia remains committed to integrating into national strategies with an open mindset, engaging in regional development with a spirit of cooperation and shared success, and striving to stay an essential member of the global ecosystem. The company is dedicated to advancing and enabling global industries toward higher efficiency and sustainability.
Globalization as the Catalyst for Economic Growth and Human Civilization Advancement
Concluding his speech, Wing emphasized that history has consistently shown that every wave of technological transformation has led to exponential economic growth while simultaneously advancing human civilization.