Business magnate Goh Cheng Liang, Singapore's wealthiest individual, passes away at the age of 98. A look into the life of the legendary founder of Nippon Paint.
Billionaire Businessman and Philanthropist Goh Cheng Liang Passes Away at 98
Goh Cheng Liang, a renowned Singaporean businessman and philanthropist, passed away peacefully at the age of 98 in August 2025. Born into humble beginnings on River Valley Road, Singapore, Goh started his entrepreneurial journey in 1949 with a small paint business called Pigeon Brand.
Through hard work and strategic partnerships, Goh built Wuthelam Group into a major player in the paint industry, becoming the majority shareholder with close to 60% stake in Nippon Paint Holdings, now the world’s fourth-largest paint manufacturer.
As a property developer, Goh was behind significant projects like the Liang Court shopping center—Singapore’s first on River Valley Road—and landmarks such as Mount Elizabeth Hospital. His choice of development locations often reflected his personal roots, as seen with Liang Court, which he developed in his childhood neighborhood.
Goh’s philanthropic efforts were equally impactful. He established the Goh Foundation in 1995, with a focus on cancer research and treatment, scholarships for underprivileged students, and international aid projects. The foundation was instrumental in establishing and expanding the National Cancer Centre Singapore, including funding the Goh Cheng Liang Proton Therapy Centre.
Goh was a cancer survivor himself and personally championed improved medical treatments and care. He was known to his family and associates as a humble man with a strong sense of humor, described by his son as “a beacon of kindness and strength” who taught compassion and humility.
Goh is survived by three children, eight grandchildren, and a great-grandchild, leaving behind a legacy of business success harmonized with impactful humanitarian efforts.
Key Points:
- Goh Cheng Liang, a Singaporean businessman, passed away at the age of 98 in August 2025.
- Goh started his entrepreneurial journey in 1949 with a small paint business called Pigeon Brand.
- Wuthelam Group, founded by Goh, owns close to a 60% stake in Nippon Paint Holdings.
- Liang Court, one of Goh's most iconic property developments, was built in his childhood neighborhood, River Valley.
- The Goh Foundation, established by Goh in 1995, focuses on cancer research and treatment, scholarships for underprivileged students, and international aid projects.
- Goh was a cancer survivor and personally championed improved medical treatments and care.
- Goh is survived by three children, eight grandchildren, and a great-grandchild.
Despite his success in the business world, Goh Cheng Liang's passions extended beyond profit, as he showed great interest in both politics and sports. In 1992, he was appointed as a Non-Constituency Member of Parliament, where he advocated for affordable housing and improvements in healthcare services. Moreover, his philanthropic efforts extended to the sports industry—he sponsorships for various local sports teams and supported the construction of sports facilities, contributing to the growth of sports in Singapore.
