Singapore's Richest Billionaire Goh Cheng Liang Dies at 98

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.

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US rolls out red carpet for Russian President Putin in Alaska

US rolls out red carpet for Russian President Putin in Alaska – Signal of détente or strategic move? 

US rolls out red carpet for Russian President Putin in Alaska

Anchorage, Alaska – A cold but dramatic morning made global headlines as Russian President Vladimir Putin landed at Ted Stevens International Airport, walked on the red carpet laid out by the US, and was greeted with formality by the US Vice President and Secretary of State.

This is the first time in more than a decade that a Russian leader has been welcomed on US soil with full presidential protocol. Observers say that choosing Alaska – a land only 85 km from Russia across the Bering Strait – is not only historically symbolic, but also a geopolitical “chessboard” where both Washington and Moscow have strategic interests.

The tense context and the reason for choosing Alaska

The US-Russia relationship in recent years has been overshadowed by a series of sanctions, confrontations in Ukraine, competition for influence in the Middle East and a military race in the Arctic. However, Alaska has a special position – it is close to Russia, it is part of the US territory, and it is located on the Arctic shipping route that is expanding due to the melting ice. 

Holding the meeting here helps both sides avoid domestic political pressure and sends a flexible message: this is a pragmatic contact, not exactly “making friends”, but also not wanting to escalate tensions. 

Agenda: Security, trade, and strategic weapons 

A source from the White House said that the two sides will discuss: 

Long-range nuclear arms control, including extending or renegotiating the New START treaties. 

Maritime trade cooperation through the Arctic route to reduce dependence on traditional shipping channels. 

Reducing the risk of military conflict in the area bordering Alaska - the Russian Far East. 

An unnamed US official revealed: "Although there are many disagreements, both sides understand that the Arctic is becoming a new front, and cooperation can bring mutual benefits." 

Political commentary: The red carpet is more than just a formality

According to many experts, the image of the red carpet stretching out in Alaska is not simply a diplomatic gesture. It could be a “diplomatic wind” of the US – both creating goodwill and testing Russia’s response to more flexible proposals.

On the other hand, for Mr. Putin, this visit is an opportunity to mark his international presence in the context of the West trying to isolate Russia. The solemn reception in the US can be exploited by the Kremlin as a diplomatic victory, sending a message to the domestic public that Russia is still a global power that cannot be ignored.

Open ending – Handshake or new fight?

No one is sure whether the red carpet will be followed by a historic handshake or a new round of diplomacy. However, Alaska today has shown the world one thing: even in the midst of ice, the international political chessboard is always hot.

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Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers

Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steak burgers is an American fast-casual restaurant chain known for its thin, crispy steak burgers, Chicago-style hot dogs, and frozen custard ice cream.

Photo image Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers

Founded: 2002, in Wichita, Kansas, by Scott Redler and brothers Bill & Randy Simon, inspired by their father, Freddy Simon, a World War II veteran.

Features:

Flat-grilled, crispy-edged steakburgers served with ultra-thin fries.

Frozen custard (a creamy, smoother ice cream than regular ice cream) with a variety of toppings such as caramel, fudge, and berries.

The service style has a 1950s restaurant feel, both classic and modern.

Scale: More than 450 stores across the United States (as of 2025), expanding to international franchises.

Slogan: “The Taste That Brings You Back”.

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Charactes

 About Charactes

Charactes — connecting you with inspiring stories and compelling portraits. More than just a news site, we harness the power of each person, each story, to inspire, motivate and enrich your view of the world.

Featured:

Legendary characters

From pioneers in fields such as science, art, technology, to everyday role models full of determination — each story is an exciting journey of emotions and knowledge.

Carefully edited news

Not only updating hot events, Charactes delves into aspects that are not widely known, provoking new thoughts for readers.

Inspiring writing

We tell stories in a way that you can feel the breath, emotions and aspirations of the characters – from joy, sadness to burning desires.

 Intuitive, easy-to-use interface

Modern, clean design and optimized user experience: you can follow all categories, search for the desired content and share your favorite stories easily.

Welcome to Charactes

Whether you are looking for motivation to start a new day, discovering special people or simply finding a story to inspire you — Charactes will always welcome you with pages rich in emotion, depth and appeal.

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Caricature From Journalism to Television Liveliness

 

art

Caricature is a special genre of painting, using exaggerated, humorous or satirical strokes to reflect reality, criticize social phenomena and characters. It has long been associated with print newspapers, magazines and visual media, but when television developed, caricature found a new "stage".

Characteristics of caricature on television

Exaggeration and humor: Faces, actions or situations are exaggerated to create a strong impression.

Satire - criticism: Content often targets current events, politics, society, sports, entertainment, etc.

High visual: Animation on television helps caricatures become more vivid, more accessible to audiences than printed versions.

Form of presentation on television

News – satire: Comedy news, political talk shows often incorporate animated cartoons or quick sketches to illustrate the story.

Satirical animation: Using caricature style to create cartoon characters, typically “The Simpsons” (USA) or animated news programs in many countries.

Illustration in reporting: Investigative reports, cultural – social topics sometimes use caricatures to convey messages gently, avoiding dryness.

Role in modern television

Increasing entertainment: Caricatures help news become less dry, easier to “enter people’s hearts”.

Highlighting the message: A well-timed satirical image can speak a thousand words.

Stimulating critical thinking: The audience laughs and ponders on the issue being reflected.

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Painting – A visual art form that touches the depth of human emotions

Painting has long been considered one of the oldest and most vibrant visual arts of mankind. On canvas, paper, wall, wood or fabric, artists use oil paint, watercolor, ink, acrylic… to create images that can convey both stories and emotions.

Painting – A visual art form that touches the depth of human emotions

Outstanding features of painting

Visual language: Each work is a blend of lines, colors, light and composition, creating a strong visual message.

Visual appeal: No matter how profound the message, painting always aims for direct reception by the eyes.

Interference of technique and emotion: Color and light processing skills are only a part; artistic inspiration and intuition are the soul of the painting.

 Styles and periods

Realism – Faithful to real images, meticulous and accurate.

Impressionism – Recording light, moments and fleeting emotions.

Abstract – Freeing shapes and colors from real images.

Surrealism – Taking viewers into the world of the subconscious and dreams.

Expressionism – Pushing emotions to a climax, sometimes distorting the body to convey messages.

Role in life and culture

Recording history and culture: Paintings are “visual diaries” of society through each period.

Personal expression channel: Painting allows artists to speak their own voice without being bound by words.

Aesthetic and educational impact: Nurturing taste, stimulating imagination and empathy.

 Relationship with other visual arts

Painting goes hand in hand with sculpture, photography, graphic design, creating a panoramic picture of visual arts. In modern times, painting also blends with installation art, murals, and digital art, expanding the boundaries of creativity.

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Skills that will determine the future in the AI era

In the context of AI penetrating every field, programming is still an advantage, but soft skills are the key “weapon” that helps people maintain their position.

Skills that will determine the future in the AI era

Why are soft skills “on the rise”?

AWS speaks out: AWS CEO Matt Garman advises his son to focus on practicing creativity and adaptability – things that AI can hardly replace.

Report from Multiverse: Identifying 13 essential skills such as analytical thinking, creativity, communication, and responsible use of AI.

6 indispensable soft skills in the AI era

Critical thinking – Helps analyze, evaluate, and verify AI results.

Creativity & innovation – AI supports, but the original ideas still come from humans.

Emotional intelligence – Leadership, connection, and negotiation are still human strengths.

Adaptability – Quickly update as technology and markets change.

Communication & collaboration – Effectively convey information from AI to humans.

Ethics & judgment – Monitor and adjust when AI is biased or incorrect.

Expert perspective

Business Insider: Human skills + AI = competitive advantage.

Bain & Multiverse: Lack of soft skills is more dangerous than lack of technical skills.

Message to Gen Z and workers

No profession is “invulnerable” to the wave of automation. But if you know how to think critically, be creative, adapt, communicate, and maintain continuous learning, AI will be a tool, not a competitor.

If you want, I can write an infographic-style summary to present this list of skills as a “survival checklist” in the AI era. Do you want me to do it now?

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NASA discovers golden planet with iron rain in the middle of the universe

NASA and astronomers have just announced the discovery of a special exoplanet called WASP-79b, located about 800 light years from Earth. Far from the blue Earth, this planet possesses a bright yellow sky and a rare phenomenon of iron rain, opening up many new questions about the diversity of atmospheres in the universe.

WASP-79b

Outstanding features of WASP-79b

Golden sky: Due to the composition of gases and particles in the atmosphere creating a special reflection effect, the light in the sky on WASP-79b is not blue but turns to a unique yellow color.

Iron rain: The atmosphere expands and the extremely high temperature causes iron to evaporate, then condenses into metal droplets that fall like an iron rain.

Extreme temperature: Average about 1,650°C, too hot for liquid water or life as we know it.

Huge size: Twice as large as Jupiter and orbiting its host star in just 3.7 Earth days.

NASA discovers golden planet with iron rain in the middle of the universe

Significance of the discovery

According to scientists, the structure and atmospheric physics of WASP-79b do not fit any existing theoretical models, forcing astronomers to reconsider their understanding of hot gas giants. In addition, its extreme environment is also a “natural laboratory” for studying the formation and evolution of planets close to their host stars.

Summary information

Attribute Value Planet name WASP-79b Distance~800 light years Mass~2 × Jupiter Orbital period 3.7 days Average temperature~1,650°C Sky color Yellow Special phenomenon Iron rain

Conclusion:

WASP-79b is a living testament to the strangeness and diversity of worlds outside the Solar System.  The magical yellow color of the sky combined with the iron rain makes this planet one of NASA's most impressive discoveries in recent times, promising to open up many breakthrough studies about the universe.

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