Four Decades of ASML Podcast Notes

Introduction

• Host: Marc
• Guests: Jos Vreeker, Ale Sytsma, Anne Bras
• Focus: ASML's history and gaming

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Jos Vreeker's Journey

Background

• Started in Industry: January 1, 1980, with Perkin-Elmer
• Joined ASML: November 1, 1984
• Role: Field service engineer turned technical support engineer

Early Years at ASML

• Small Team: 60-65 people in 1984
• Team Spirit: Strong camaraderie, everyone worked extra hours
• Initial Technology: Had only PAS 2000 machine, not what customers wanted

Development and Challenges

• Customer Feedback: Gjalt Smit's customer tour for feedback
• New Machine: Development of PAS 2500 within 2 years
• Challenges: Lack of money, skeptical suppliers, reliance on Philips parts

Industry Context

• Market Leader: GCA with ZEISS lenses
• Tech Differences: Projection aligners vs. steppers
• ASML Innovations: Modularity, unique alignment systems

Strategic Growth

• Early Customers: TSMC, Micron, imec
• Lack of Single Customer: No reliance on a single large customer like competitors

ASML's Success Factors

• Technology and Quality: Constant push for advancements led by figures like Martin van den Brink
• Customer Collaboration: Co-development with startups

Personal Reflections

• Career: Involved in various roles from technical support to community programs
• Proud Moments: Establishing initiatives now standard within ASML
• Advice to New Employees: Develop yourself, be curious, and embrace opportunities

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Ale Sytsma's Experience

Background

• Education: HTS in Leeuwarden, electronics
• Philips Role: Service engineer for electron beam pattern generator

Transition to ASML

• First Batch Employee: Badge number 27
• Reason for Joining: Small company size, innovative environment, freedom to explore

Early System Installations

• First Installation: PAS 2000A at IBM in Burlington, Vermont
• Installation Details: Shipped as crates, assembly took weeks

Challenges in Early Days

• Part Supply Issues: Long wait times for parts, reliance on personal delivery

Reflections

• Pride: Being part of ASML’s journey, contributing to significant technological advancements

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Anne Bras - Gaming Enthusiast

Introduction

• Occupation: Game collector with the largest collection of boxed PC games
• Background: Inspired by early exposure to computers and games

Game Collection

• Start of Collection: NES games, later shifted to PC games
• World Record Holder: 2200 boxed PC games displayed in the Home Computer Museum, Helmond

Gaming Passion

• Favorite Game/Box: Monkey Island for gameplay, "Laura Bow and The Dagger of Amon Ra" for cover art

Educational Engagement

• Lectures on Gaming: Discuss history and evolution of games with students

Future of Gaming

• Predictions: AI and VR playing significant roles, blending of realities

Personal Projects

• Game Development: Creates fan games, including a mini ASCII style level of Prince of Persia

Final Thoughts

• Role as Custodian: Feels responsible for preserving Dutch gaming history

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Conclusion

• ASML and Gaming: Both fields show significant evolution over decades
• Takeaway: Continued innovation and preservation in both technological and cultural heritage