Wong, an AST Founder, Cuts Links to Firm

Albert C. Wong, one of three founders of AST Research Inc., cut his last management ties to the personal computer maker when he resigned Thursday from AST’s board of directors.

An AST spokesman said Wong’s letter of resignation gave no reason for his departure. In an interview, Wong said he feels “comfortable” leaving the AST board. “The company appears to be doing fine now,” he said. “And I don’t need to be there.”

Wong, who last November quit his job as AST’s co-chairman and chief technology officer, has acknowledged that his business relationship with fellow co-founders Thomas C.K. Yuen and Safi U. Qureshey had grown strained during the past couple years--a period of rapid growth for the Irvine firm.

After resigning his daily duties at AST, Wong remained as a company director and retained a 16% ownership stake in the publicly held firm. He founded a real estate development company, DMK Development Corp., in Laguna Hills.

Wong’s departure leaves AST with one vacant position on its five-member board. Joel Don, an AST spokesman, said the company has not decided on a replacement.