Cover At 65, Tan Lip-Bu is the newly appointed CEO for Intel (Photo: Intel)
At 65, Tan Lip-Bu is the newly appointed CEO for Intel (Photo: Intel)
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From Muar to Singapore to Silicon Valley: Tan Lip-Bu is a familiar name returning to the high-stakes chip industry game
On March 18, Intel will place its future in the hands of Malaysian-born Tan Lip-Bu, a seasoned industry veteran in the semiconductor world. Tan’s appointment as chief executive officer (CEO) is pivotal for Intel as the company navigates a rapidly evolving semiconductor landscape and seeks to strengthen its competitive edge.
On his appointment, Tan said, “I am honoured to join Intel as CEO. I have tremendous respect and admiration for this iconic company, and I see significant opportunities to remake our business in ways that serve our customers better and create value for our shareholders.
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“Intel has a powerful and differentiated computing platform, a vast customer installed base and a robust manufacturing footprint that is getting stronger by the day as we rebuild our process technology roadmap,” Tan continued. “I am eager to join the company and build upon the work the entire Intel team has been doing to position our business for the future.”
At 65, the former CEO of Cadence Design Systems is stepping into a high-stakes role in the chip industry, with rivals like Nvidia and AMD seizing the market share, particularly in artificial intelligence (AI) chips and manufacturing technology.
Born in Muar, Johor, and raised in Singapore, Tan is well known for his transformative leadership at Cadence Design Systems and his pioneering role in venture capital. A physics graduate from Nanyang University, he initially pursued nuclear engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) before pivoting towards business, earning an MBA from the University of San Francisco. His ability to anticipate industry shifts has defined his career, first as the founder of Walden International, a firm that played a pivotal role in funding Asian tech start-ups, and later as the CEO of Cadence Design Systems from 2009 to 2021, where he oversaw exponential growth and innovation.
“One of the things you will learn about me is that I am never deterred by challenges. Throughout my career, they have motivated me to solve hard problems. As I prepare to come on board, I believe we have a truly unique opportunity to remake our company at one of the most pivotal moments in its history,” Tan shares in a company memo on March 12, and acknowledges the challenges ahead but remains confident. “That’s not to say it will be easy. It won’t be. But I am joining because I believe with every fibre of my being that we have what it takes to win.”
One of Tan’s immediate challenges will be steering Intel’s ambition to become a global chip foundry—a move that would put it in direct competition with industry giants like Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) and Samsung. His predecessor, Pat Gelsinger, initiated this shift, but progress has been slow.
With billions in US government funding allocated under the Chips and Science Act, Tan will need to ensure Intel meets its milestones to secure financial support while strengthening its technological capabilities.
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Lynette loves travelling and dancing to Latin music almost as much as she enjoys period films and pastry desserts. She is constantly in search of the perfect nude lipstick and finds her best ideas through walks in nature.
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As the Editor-in-Chief of Tatler Malaysia, Lynette leads the content teams for print, digital and social media platforms of the brand. She has over 20 years experience in media, having been editorial director and editor-in-chief for lifestyle titles such as Cleo, ELLE, Esquire, Men’s Health, and Women’s Health.
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