A Luminary Honored: John T. C. Lee Receives Prestigious Optica i4 Lifetime Achievement Prize

In a momentous announcement, Optica, the leading organization dedicated to advancing optics and photonics worldwide, has bestowed its highly prestigious 2025 Optica i4 Individual Lifetime Achievement Prize upon John T. C. Lee, the distinguished President and CEO of MKS Inc. This esteemed accolade celebrates Mr.

Lee's unparalleled contributions, visionary leadership, and profound impact on the global optics and photonics industry throughout his illustrious career.

The Optica i4 Individual Lifetime Achievement Prize is reserved for individuals who have demonstrated exceptional and sustained excellence, driving innovation, fostering collaboration, and significantly shaping the future of the industry.

Mr. Lee's receipt of this award is a testament to his relentless pursuit of technological advancement, his strategic foresight in guiding MKS Inc. to new heights, and his unwavering commitment to nurturing talent and inspiring future generations of innovators.

Under Mr. Lee's astute leadership, MKS Inc.

has emerged as a powerhouse in the precision technologies sector, enabling critical applications across diverse markets, from advanced manufacturing and life sciences to aerospace and defense. His strategic vision has not only expanded MKS's global footprint but also spearheaded groundbreaking developments that have pushed the boundaries of what's possible in optics and photonics.

Elizabeth Rogan, CEO of Optica, lauded Mr.

Lee's impact, stating, "John T. C. Lee is a true pioneer whose influence extends far beyond the confines of MKS. His dedication to innovation, his global perspective, and his ability to inspire those around him have made an indelible mark on our industry. We are incredibly proud to honor his lifetime of achievement with the i4 Prize, recognizing a legacy that continues to shape technological progress."

Dr.

Mark Schwartz, Executive Vice President at MKS Instruments, echoed these sentiments, remarking, "John's leadership has been transformative for MKS and the broader industry. He possesses a unique blend of technical acumen, business prowess, and a deep passion for science and engineering. This award is a richly deserved recognition of his tireless efforts and his profound influence on countless colleagues and technological advancements.

His vision has been a constant source of inspiration."

Mr. Lee's philosophy has always centered on the power of collaboration and the importance of investing in research and development. He has consistently championed initiatives that bridge academic research with industrial application, accelerating the pace of discovery and bringing cutting-edge solutions to market faster.

His leadership style, characterized by integrity and a forward-thinking approach, has cultivated a culture of excellence and innovation at MKS Inc.

The 2025 Optica i4 Individual Lifetime Achievement Prize not only celebrates Mr. Lee's past accomplishments but also acknowledges his ongoing role in steering the optics and photonics community towards new horizons.

His legacy will undoubtedly serve as a guiding light for aspiring leaders and engineers, reinforcing the critical role of vision, perseverance, and dedication in driving scientific and technological progress.