The person who did most of the work creating the company people around the world almost immediately associate with Taiwan has no ancestors from this island, was not born here, didn't go to school here, and only came here for the first time when he was almost 40 years old. 

But, of course, Morris Chang 張忠謀 didn't create Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) out of thin air, nor was he the sole person who set up the famous Taiwanese microchip powerhouse. He had partners, backers, and more than a little assistance from the Taiwanese government. 

As of this recording, the retired Morris Chang has a net worth of over US$3 billion and remains incredibly active, despite celebrating his 93rd birthday in early July. Check out this fascinating story on Formosa Files.     

See video from Asianometry on TSMC.