The fuss about IP theft at ASML is pure hypocrisy

The news that massive espionage had occurred at ASML’s San Jose’s affiliate made headlines in Dutch media. A few former ASML employees had stolen unique knowledge. Parliament was upset. Our high tech knowledge was stolen and Dutch interests had been damaged! Really!?

Last December, I was strolling through the Christmas malls in San Jose and was amazed that there were hardly any white customers in the heart of Silicon Valley. Almost all shoppers were Asian and among them many Chinese. When visiting companies, you will find the same pattern. In several offices, the working language is Mandarin or an Indian tongue. Silicon Valley was once a stronghold of white male engineers and has now turned Asian.

The Dutch high tech scene is moving in that same direction. This magazine is switching to English, a logical consequence of the changing scenery. If the staff had been really brave, they would have opted for Mandarin.