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| Singapore's Richest Billionaire Goh Cheng Liang Dies at 98 |
Mr. Goh Cheng Liang, founder of Wuthelam Holdings and once Singapore's richest billionaire, passed away on the morning of August 12, 2025 in Singapore, at the age of 98.
Events
Time of death: morning of August 12, surrounded by family.
Lifespan: 98 years old
Wealth: estimated at US$13 billion (S$16.7–16.8 billion), making him the No. 1 Singaporean billionaire in 2025 according to Forbes.
Journey to rise
Born in 1927, he grew up in a cramped rented room in River Valley, Singapore, earning just a few dollars a month. After World War II, he made a living selling fishing nets in Malaysia and then returned to Singapore to try his hand at many jobs.
In 1949, he bought a used paint can, taught himself how to mix paint from a Chinese chemical dictionary, and founded the Pigeon Brand, laying the foundation for his career. By 1955, he became the official distributor of Nippon Paint in Singapore, and then moved to deeper cooperation in 1962.
In 1974, he founded Wuthelam Holdings. After many decades, this group became the largest shareholder of Nippon Paint Holdings, currently holding nearly 60% of the shares - making Nippon the 4th largest paint company in the world.
Investment & charity
In addition to paint, he also participated in the development of major projects such as Liang Court and Mount Elizabeth Hospital.
In 1995, he established the Goh Foundation, focusing on medical support - especially cancer research and treatment. The Foundation has funded the construction of the National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS) and the Proton Radiotherapy Centre named after him. He also contributed to the construction of schools, water supply systems and medical infrastructure in his hometown of Chaozhou, Guangdong (China).
Family and colleagues described him as a humble, reserved but compassionate man. His son, Goh Hup Jin, called his father a “beacon of kindness and strength”.
Summary
Details Date of death 12/8/2025 Life expectancy 98 Started business 1949 with Pigeon Brand Wuthelam Holdings Group, major shareholder Nippon Paint Assets ~US$13 billion (S$16.8 billion) Legacy Healthcare, education, infrastructure, charity NCCS & Proton Centre
Mr. Goh Cheng Liang left a great legacy not only in the business sector but also in social activities. From a rented room for US$3, he rose to become one of Asia’s leading billionaires, while leaving a deep humanitarian mark in the healthcare and community sectors.
