Merck Addresses Tariff Impact, Emphasizes Global and Local Presence
18 April 2025 · Uncategorized ·
Source: · https://technews.tw/2025/04/18/merck-touch-taiwan-2025-damien-tuleu-talk/
Merck, a leading global science and technology company, underscored its focus on electronics, life sciences, and healthcare at Touch Taiwan. Within the Electronics division is the optronics business unit.
Damien Tuleu, Global Executive Vice President of Optronics for Merck’s Electronics Business Sector, observed that artificial intelligence (AI) is not only transforming data processing but also redefining the value proposition of augmented reality/virtual reality (AR/VR) applications. The introduction of AI-generated content has enabled practical implementations in AR—a trend Meta and others are actively pursuing—while smartphones increasingly incorporate edge-AI capabilities.
Tuleu further highlighted three additional trends: a shift within the automotive industry toward smarter, autonomous vehicles that will function as interactive AI platforms providing immersive experiences for drivers and passengers; advancements in semiconductor chip development necessitating advanced packaging technologies to enhance performance through photonic integration while improving measurement accuracy; and evolving tariff policies which Merck monitors closely with a cautious approach due to their rapidly changing nature. As a global company operating locally, Merck can tailor its services to meet the specific needs of customers in regions such as Taiwan, Japan, and South Korea.
Chia-Yeh Chang, General Manager of Optronics for Merck’s Electronics Business Sector in Taiwan, emphasized that displays remain critical across IT devices, televisions, and automotive applications—all demanding increasingly stringent requirements from display materials. The AI era introduces new challenges, particularly regarding energy consumption; therefore, the company is developing LCDs with high transmittance and low driving voltages to improve battery life.
Chang also discussed exploring future application scenarios including CPO (co-packaged optics), PLP (panel-level packaging), Micro LED, and AR/VR technologies—for which RM liquid crystal materials are well suited for AR optical modules. White photoresist enhances light concentration efficiency in micro-LEDs, while Merck is investigating the potential applications of CMP material within CPOs and developing solutions to address advanced package measurement needs.
Chou Kuang-Ting, Chief Research Officer at Merck globally, noted that the company has recently increased its R&D investments by integrating AI, molecular simulation, and machine learning for faster and more accurate materials development; photoresist and RET technologies are utilized to overcome high-resolution challenges.
Merck believes that while AI drives revolutionary change, it also presents significant energy consumption concerns—underscoring the crucial role of photonics technology in optimizing data transmission efficiency.
Damien Tuleu, Global Executive Vice President of Optronics for Merck’s Electronics Business Sector, observed that artificial intelligence (AI) is not only transforming data processing but also redefining the value proposition of augmented reality/virtual reality (AR/VR) applications. The introduction of AI-generated content has enabled practical implementations in AR—a trend Meta and others are actively pursuing—while smartphones increasingly incorporate edge-AI capabilities.
Tuleu further highlighted three additional trends: a shift within the automotive industry toward smarter, autonomous vehicles that will function as interactive AI platforms providing immersive experiences for drivers and passengers; advancements in semiconductor chip development necessitating advanced packaging technologies to enhance performance through photonic integration while improving measurement accuracy; and evolving tariff policies which Merck monitors closely with a cautious approach due to their rapidly changing nature. As a global company operating locally, Merck can tailor its services to meet the specific needs of customers in regions such as Taiwan, Japan, and South Korea.
Chia-Yeh Chang, General Manager of Optronics for Merck’s Electronics Business Sector in Taiwan, emphasized that displays remain critical across IT devices, televisions, and automotive applications—all demanding increasingly stringent requirements from display materials. The AI era introduces new challenges, particularly regarding energy consumption; therefore, the company is developing LCDs with high transmittance and low driving voltages to improve battery life.
Chang also discussed exploring future application scenarios including CPO (co-packaged optics), PLP (panel-level packaging), Micro LED, and AR/VR technologies—for which RM liquid crystal materials are well suited for AR optical modules. White photoresist enhances light concentration efficiency in micro-LEDs, while Merck is investigating the potential applications of CMP material within CPOs and developing solutions to address advanced package measurement needs.
Chou Kuang-Ting, Chief Research Officer at Merck globally, noted that the company has recently increased its R&D investments by integrating AI, molecular simulation, and machine learning for faster and more accurate materials development; photoresist and RET technologies are utilized to overcome high-resolution challenges.
Merck believes that while AI drives revolutionary change, it also presents significant energy consumption concerns—underscoring the crucial role of photonics technology in optimizing data transmission efficiency.