Chapter 216 Pawning Everything for Success
Because the conference leaned toward a forum style, there were far fewer formalities. Aside from the designated speakers, who had reserved seats in the front row, everyone else sat wherever they pleased.
Since Zhou Boguang didn't have a speaking task, Su Yuanshan and Zhou casually grabbed two seats along the aisle and continued chatting.
At 9 a.m., the leadership stepped up to give the opening speech.
As expected, it was the usual polite welcome, affirmations of continued support for the semiconductor industry in Shanghai, and wishes for a successful conference.
The first formal presentation came next—Professor Su Xinghe, fresh off having his technical paper published in the top integrated circuit journal ISSCC, delivered a speech titled "The Future of Semiconductors is the Future of Industrialization."
"Since the first steam engine, the Industrial Revolution has shown us the immense power of technological development. From steam to internal combustion, then to nuclear and electric energy. Today, with the booming development of the semiconductor industry, we are reaching the end of the Third Industrial Revolution."
"The revolutionary impact of semiconductors on industry is undeniable. Reviewing past development and summarizing recent trends, we can confidently and clearly predict the future."
"In the future, full automation will inevitably be the direction of all machinery and tools. And to achieve full automation, micro-automation must come first. We can already see signs of this from the rapid growth in production and use of programmable logic devices (PLDs), microcontrollers, and the entry of many companies into high-end programmable devices like FPGAs."
"It is encouraging to note that domestic demand for automation control chips is growing the fastest—even exponentially."
...
Su Yuanshan pursed his lips, feeling unusually proud as he listened to his father's near-flawless, almost impromptu speech.
—There was no way Professor Su Xinghe memorized a nearly 5,000-word speech in two days.
Clearly, the speech content resonated with him deeply.
"I'm pretty sure you wrote this speech," Zhou Boguang muttered next to him, also diligently taking notes.
As Professor Su Xinghe paused for a sip of water, Zhou Boguang nudged Su Yuanshan, glancing at his blank notebook.
"Hey, he's my dad after all," Su Yuanshan said ambiguously, peeking at Zhou Boguang's notes.
The key points were captured precisely—proof that Zhou was truly paying attention.
Onstage, Professor Su Xinghe continued.
"Thus, we have reason to believe that the next thirty years will be a golden age where industrialization reaches its peak and information technology flourishes—and the foundation of all this is the semiconductor."
"As a lifelong educator in the semiconductor field, I am gratified to have the opportunity to witness the dawn of this new era."
"Thank you, everyone."
Su Yuanshan was the first to applaud the moment his father's voice faded, and soon, thunderous applause filled the hall.
...
After such a commanding speech by Professor Su Xinghe, the following speakers' industry forecasts seemed weak by comparison. What caught attention instead were the more technical breakthrough predictions.
After all, no matter how nice the words, progress ultimately depended on technological breakthroughs.
Without solid scientific theories and practical technologies, lofty dreams were about as attainable as flying to the sun.
Zhang Rujin, invited as a guest of honor, didn't prepare a speech but still sat in the front row with the officials, a mark of high respect for his standing as a master in factory building.
Lunch was a simple working meal—basic but refined enough. Su Yuanshan again stayed with Zhou Boguang and his circle rather than his father's group, much to Zhou's amusement, who joked that Su Yuanshan was personally conducting "espionage."
In the afternoon, Su Yuanshan relaxed a bit more. Although many in the room knew he was the real controller of Yuanxin, his father's presence, plus the large number of professors and experts, meant most people merely greeted him briefly before focusing on the leadership, Professor Su, and major figures like Zhang Rujin and Zhou Boguang.
Around 3 p.m., the city leadership wrapped up their attendance, leaving a polite note: the doors of Shanghai's government would always be open for the semiconductor industry.
Friends, if you enjoyed the novel, you can subscribe to my Patreon channel.
Until November 30th, get 40% off your subscription and the purchase of the novel.
Read 30 Chapters In Advance: patreon.com/Albino1