He said industry watchers would continuously revise upward 2009 revenue goals for the industry, but 2009 results would remain below 2008 levels.

Chang originally thought global revenue of semiconductor industry would return to 2008 level in 2012 in line with the recovery of the American economy. However, brisk growth of the industry over the past six months drives him to make the better-than-expected forecast.

Notwithstanding the strong growth in the past six months, the guru of semiconductor community stressed the growth is simply underlined by the severe recession over the past one year or so, and many industries are still wrestling with the recession.

In reflection of business recovery, the world's No.1 silicon foundry has recently decided to pay its employees half-month of bonus in Nov. The company saw its second-quarter revenue surge at quarterly rate of 87.9% to NT$74.2 billion (US$2.2 billion at US$1:NT$33) and revenue for last quarter rise at 21.19% rate to NT$89.9 billion (US$2.7 billion), rebounding to levels it had before third quarter last year.

The decision had sparked speculation that the company would raise pay. In response, Chang said his company had begun assessing the need to review staff salaries. He noted that, despite offering decent bonus, TSMC salaries are similar to rivals' and hence not especially attractive.