AUSTIN, Texas- East meets West is a classic theme exemplified by Tokyo Electron's (TEL) successful expansion from Japan into a worldwide semiconductor equipment powerhouse. TEL's global growth and the integral role customer collaboration played in this success will form the focus of a speech to be given by Terry Higashi, Chairman and CEO of TEL on an executive panel at the World Congress on Information Technology (WCIT 2006) to be held in Austin, May 1-5, 2006.



Higashi's comments on the WCIT executive panel will focus on the overarching success customer-driven innovation has brought to TEL, driving the company's rise to $5 billion in global sales in the 12 years since opening a U.S. headquarters in Austin, and from its founding in Japan more than 40 years ago. As the fruits of its labor were profitable, TEL reached out to the communities near its offices by providing support for local and national charities, totaling more than one million dollars.



"The excellent quality of life in communities surrounding TEL's global facilities has served as a critical support mechanism for the company's rise to global success. We understand the value this infrastructure has contributed to our success and endorse WCIT's analysis of technology as it relates to sustainable living on a global level," said Terry Higashi.



TEL has invested heavily in the Austin, Texas, community through community-oriented programs such as:



Computer equipment donations to local independent school districts

Employee time donations to deliver food to the elderly in need

Environmental protection program support as a two-time winner of Keep Austin Beautiful and a winner of a Keep Texas Beautiful award

Mentoring of school age children in school and work environments

Donations to the Red Cross for major disasters such as Hurricanes Katrina & Rita, the tsunami of 2005 that affected Thailand, India and other Asian countries and the Chuetsu earthquake in Japan.

Charitable giving campaigns providing funds for non-profit organizations supported by the United Way, the American Cancer Society, and Earthshare



TEL is dedicated to serving as a positive force and an involved citizen in the communities where the company has a significant presence across the globe. For more examples of TEL charitable giving, see the community section of www.tel.com.