Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, affectionately nicknamed “the people’s dad” in Taiwan, capped his visit to his birthplace by praising and encouraging key Taiwanese suppliers to boost production to meet soaring AI demand. Huang, who co-founded California-based Nvidia in 1993, has overseen the company’s meteoric rise, with its market value surpassing $5 trillion last year, placing it at the center of the global AI revolution.

During a rain-soaked impromptu press conference outside a Taipei restaurant, following a “trillion-dollar dinner” with suppliers, Huang highlighted the crucial role of Taiwan in Nvidia’s success. He singled out Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC), the world’s largest maker of advanced AI chips, saying, “TSMC needs to work very hard this year because I need a lot of wafers.” He praised the company’s efforts and predicted it could more than double its production capacity over the next decade.

Huang also expressed concern about memory chip shortages, noting that “the entire supply chain is challenging this year because demand is so much more.” His visit included mingling with top executives, including Foxconn chairman Young Liu, while stepping out to greet enthusiastic fans and sign autographs.

“Nvidia wouldn’t be possible without Taiwan. There’s magic in this island. The companies here have extraordinary technology and culture,” Huang said, reflecting on his warm reception and the island’s vital role in the AI ecosystem. Huang arrived from China on Thursday and is scheduled to leave on Monday, leaving behind a wave of media coverage and adoring fans who followed his every move.