China is rapidly expanding its semiconductor manufacturing capabilities, with efforts that include trial production of in-house EUV machines. As part of this push, skilled engineers who had previously moved abroad for better opportunities are returning home. A notable example is Kong Long, a former Apple engineer specializing in wireless semiconductors. His departure follows another Apple chip engineer’s exit, whose contributions helped develop Apple’s M3 and M4 processors.

Kong Long’s Career and His Return to China

Kong Long has taken a new role at Fudan’s School of Microelectronics as a researcher and doctoral adviser. According to his profile on the university’s website and as reported by the South China Morning Post, he will focus on radio frequency integrated circuit (IC) system design, digital-analog hybrid computing chips, and high-speed data interface ICs. Before his time at Apple, Kong started his career at Oracle, where he worked on mixed-signal IC designs. He later joined Apple, where he contributed to the development of radio frequency chips used in the iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods.

The Role of Chinese Universities in Talent Acquisition

Fudan University’s appointment of Kong Long is part of a broader trend where Chinese institutions actively recruit top-tier talent with international experience. His work in high-speed chip development aligns with China’s ambition to build a self-sufficient semiconductor industry. Similarly, Wang Huanyu, another former Apple engineer, has joined the School of Integrated Circuits at Huazhong University of Science and Technology. Wang played a role in the development of Apple’s M3 and M4 SoCs before leaving the company in December 2024 after three years as a CPU implementation engineer.

A Broader Trend of Chip Engineers Returning to China

The return of experienced engineers like Kong and Wang reflects a growing movement of talent migration. With the semiconductor industry becoming a geopolitical battleground, China has been accelerating efforts to secure domestic expertise. Many engineers with advanced degrees and work experience in leading U.S. tech firms are now playing a role in China’s semiconductor self-sufficiency efforts.

Geopolitical Tensions and Their Influence on Talent Migration

The ongoing U.S. export restrictions on China’s semiconductor sector may be influencing this shift. Washington has enforced strict policies to limit China’s access to advanced chip technologies, aiming to curb its technological advancements. While there is no confirmation on whether Kong and Wang returned due to external pressure or personal choice, their moves align with an increasing trend of Chinese-born engineers leaving U.S. companies.

With tensions rising, the semiconductor industry remains a key focus of global competition, and the return of high-level engineers may significantly shape the future of China’s chipmaking ambitions.

PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES/SEAN GALLUP

This article was created with AI assistance.