Khien-Seng Pua, who earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from National Chiao Tung University (NCTU), said the technological foundation behind Phison’s success was built upon the education and training he received at his alma mater. “All of Phison’s R&D roots trace back to NCTU,” he said.

From Campus Startup to Global Storage Pioneer

NYCU President Chi-Hung Lin said Pua co-founded Phison in 2000 with four classmates, building the company from a small startup into one of the world’s leading NAND flash controller providers. Today, Phison’s technologies are widely used across smartphones, PCs, servers, automotive systems, and AI-driven applications.

Lin said Pua has consistently championed independent innovation and long-term investment in research and development, helping elevate Taiwan’s IC design industry onto the global stage. Under his leadership, Taiwan-developed storage technologies have expanded into enterprise computing, high-performance computing, automotive electronics, and AI infrastructure — sectors increasingly critical to the global digital economy.
 

The timing of the honorary doctorate also carries symbolic meaning for NYCU. Phison is now 26 years old — the same age Pua was when he launched the company — marking the journey of a once-young entrepreneur who has since become a role model for the next generation of innovators.

Giving Back to Education and Society

Beyond his achievements in technology and business, Pua has remained deeply connected to his alma mater and has long supported education through philanthropy and mentorship. Among his contributions is the donation of “Phison Hall” at NYCU’s Tainan Guiren Campus, which has become an important hub for IC design, semiconductors, and AI research in southern Taiwan.

He has also regularly returned to campus to speak with students, sharing lessons from his entrepreneurial journey and insights into the semiconductor industry. NYCU also highlighted Pua’s long-standing support for disadvantaged students, overseas Chinese students, and charitable organizations, much of it carried out quietly and without publicity.

The honorary doctorate recognizes not only Pua’s technological achievements and international influence but also his sustained contributions to higher education and social impact.

Former ITRI President Chintay Shih, who also attended the ceremony, praised Pua’s entrepreneurial journey as an overseas Chinese student who built a globally influential technology company in Taiwan. Shih said Pua’s story reflects the spirit of innovation that has helped shape Taiwan’s thriving technology ecosystem and continues to inspire younger generations of entrepreneurs.

Chi-Hung Lin (left) presents the Honorary Doctor of Engineering degree to Khien-Seng Pua during the conferment ceremony at NYCU.