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Charles Liang

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Charles Liang
梁見後
Born
Liang Chien-Hou

1956 or 1957 (age 67–68)[1]
Chiayi, Taiwan[2]
EducationNational Taiwan University of Science and Technology (BS)
University of Texas at Arlington (MS)
TitleCo-founder, chairman, president and CEO, Supermicro
SpouseSara Liu
Children5

Charles Liang (traditional Chinese: 梁見後; born 1956 or 1957) is a Taiwanese billionaire businessman and electrical engineer. He is the co-founder (with his wife Sara Liu), chairman, president and CEO of Supermicro, an information technology company based in San Jose, California.[3]

Early life and education

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Liang was born in Chiayi, Taiwan.[4][2] He earned a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in electrical engineering from the National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, and a Master of Science (M.S.) in electrical engineering from the University of Texas at Arlington.[5] As a student, Liang was interested in medical technologies and worked on "developing computerized systems to help diagnose illnesses".[6]

Career

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After graduating, Liang took on a job teaching at his alma mater, but left sometime in the 1980s to pursue his passions.[2] He worked on a chip design for a healthcare company that utilized artificial intelligence, which he called an "AI Processor".[7] From July 1991 to August 1993, Liang was the president and chief design engineer of Micro Center Computer, a motherboard design and manufacturing company.[8] Among other roles, Liang worked for Chips and Technologies and Suntek Information International Group, serving as an engineer and project leader.[6]

In 1993, Liang co-founded Supermicro alongside his wife and company treasurer, Chiu-Chu Liu, known as Sara. The business began as a five person operation run by Liang.[9] In 1996, Supermicro opened a manufacturing subsidiary, Ablecom, in Taiwan, which is run by Charles's brothers, Steve Liang and Bill Liang. Charles and his wife own close to 31 percent of Ablecom, while Steve Liang and other members of the family own close to 50 percent.[10]

As of January 2024, Liang's stake in Supermicro is estimated at $3.3 billion.[11] Liang holds several patents for server technology.[8]

Green Earth Foundation

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Liang is the founder of the Green Earth Foundation, a nonprofit organization focused on increasing forestation worldwide. In 2022, the Green Earth Foundation purchased nearly 200 acres of land in Milpitas, California, formerly known as Rancho Higuera.[12] The foundation also seeks to plant drought-resistant trees in the Sahara Desert, supporting the Great Green Wall initiative.[13]

Personal life

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Liang is married to Sara Liu, and they have five children.[1]

References

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  1. ^ a b Bailey, Brandon (October 15, 2010). "Mercury News interview: Charles Liang, founder, Super Micro Computer". Mercury News. Retrieved January 24, 2024.
  2. ^ a b c Shan Wei, Lee; Williams, Scott (November 2021). "The Green Computing Vanguard".
  3. ^ "Charles Liang Chairman/Pres/CEO/Co-Founder, Super Micro Computer Inc". Bloomberg LP. Retrieved January 24, 2024.
  4. ^ "Super Micro Computer's CEO Made Money Grow On Trees". IBD. March 30, 2023. Retrieved January 24, 2024.
  5. ^ "Charles Liang Founder, President, Chief Executive Officer, Chairman of the Board". supermicro. Retrieved January 24, 2024.
  6. ^ a b Bailey, Brandon (October 15, 2010). "Mercury News interview: Charles Liang, founder, Super Micro Computer". Mercury News.
  7. ^ Prickett Morgan, Timothy. "Supermicro At 30: From Designing AI Chips To Selling AI Systems".
  8. ^ a b Much, Marilyn (March 30, 2023). "Super Micro Computer's CEO Made Money Grow On Trees". www.investors.com.
  9. ^ Richaud, Nicolas (October 5, 2018). "Qui est Supermicro, l'entreprise au coeur de l'affaire des puces espionnes chinoises ?".
  10. ^ Vance, Ashlee (November 23, 2008). "Super Micro Computer: A One-Man, or at Least One-Family, Powerhouse". New York Times. Retrieved September 2, 2017.
  11. ^ Galpotthawela, Vernal (January 23, 2024). "AI Craze Mints Another Billionaire With Super Micro Computer's Stock Surging". Bloomberg LP. Retrieved January 24, 2024.
  12. ^ Niksa, Matthew. "Historic Milpitas ranch sells to nature nonprofit for $12M".
  13. ^ Seitz, Patrick (August 9, 2024). "Super Micro Computer CEO Wants AI Data Centers To Go Green".