On February 7, 2025, Advanced Semiconductor Engineering (ASE) announced the passing of corporate director Rutherford Chang at the age of 46. As the only son of ASE chairman Jason Chang, his sudden passing has sparked industry-wide attention regarding the company's future leadership succession.
According to ASE's official website, Rutherford Chang graduated from Wesleyan University in the US with a degree in psychology. He joined ASE in June 2009 as a board member and was appointed General Manager of ASE's China operations in June 2010.
Following the 2018 merger of ASE and SPIL (Siliconware Precision Industries) to form ASE Technology Holding, Chang remained on the board, contributing over a decade to the company's growth.
ASE chairman Jason Chang has three children—one son and two daughters. His eldest daughter, Danielle Chang, serves as a supervisor at ASE Semiconductor, while his second daughter, Madeline Chang, is a board member of the ASE Cultural & Educational Foundation.
With Rutherford Chang long regarded as ASE's heir apparent, his unexpected passing has led to speculation about the company's next leader. Among the potential successors is Jason Chang's son-in-law, Andrew Tang, ASE's current Chief Procurement Officer.