SINGAPORE, Aug 12 (Bernama) — Singapore billionaire and founder of NIPSEA Group, Goh Cheng Liang, died on Tuesday at the age of 98.
The group in a statement said Goh “passed away peacefully earlier today, surrounded by his loved ones.”
Goh, who had an estimated net worth of US$13 billion, was the richest Singaporean on Forbes’ annual World’s Billionaires List released in early April this year.
Singapore paint and coatings maker Wuthelam Group, also founded by Goh, is the controlling shareholder of Japan’s Nippon Paint Holdings, according to Forbes.
Born in 1927, Goh grew up in a modest shophouse with his parents and four siblings before eventually launching his own paint business under the Pigeon Brand.
His partnership with Nippon Paint Holdings in 1962 laid the foundation for the global presence it enjoys today.
“Guided by his vision, the business expanded beyond Singapore and across Asia,” said NIPSEA Group, adding that he had transformed the company into Asia’s largest and the world’s fourth-largest paint manufacturer, with 148 companies across 28 geographical locations.
Beyond business, Goh was a renowned philanthropist. He established the Goh Foundation to support causes close to his heart, particularly in healthcare and medical research.
He also played a vital role in advancing cancer care in Singapore, supporting the National Cancer Centre Singapore and the Goh Cheng Liang Proton Therapy Centre, among others.
Goh also contributed to institutions such as KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital, National University Hospital, and Singapore General Hospital’s ARiSE programme.
— BERNAMA