Singapore’s wealthiest individual, Goh Cheng Liang — founder of the Wuthelam Group and majority shareholder of Nippon Paint — passed away on the morning of 12 August 2025 at the age of 98.
In a statement, Wuthelam Group confirmed that Goh died peacefully with his family at his side. At the time of his death, he was ranked by Forbes as the 182nd richest person globally, with an estimated net worth of US$13.1 billion (S$16.8 billion), The Straits Times reported.
Most of Goh’s fortune came from his controlling stake in Nippon Paint, the world’s fourth-largest paint manufacturer by revenue. He had consistently topped the list of Singapore’s richest individuals for years and was also widely recognised for his philanthropic contributions.
From Humble Beginnings to Paint Empire
Born and raised in a River Valley shophouse with his parents and four siblings, Goh began his career modestly. In 1955, he opened his first paint shop in Singapore and became Nippon Paint’s primary local distributor.
A decade later, in 1965, Nippon Paint established its first manufacturing facility in Singapore, solidifying its market presence. Goh’s entrepreneurial drive led to the founding of Wuthelam Holdings in 1974, which he grew into a multinational conglomerate.
Beyond paint, Goh ventured into property development, having previously developed iconic sites such as the former Liang Court and Mount Elizabeth Hospital before eventually divesting them.
Philanthropy and Lasting Legacy
In 1995, with the encouragement of Singapore’s late President Wee Kim Wee, Goh established the Goh Foundation to coordinate his charitable efforts. The foundation has made substantial donations towards cancer treatment and research, including the creation of the Goh Cheng Liang Proton Therapy Centre at the National Cancer Centre Singapore.
The foundation also supported children’s cancer research initiatives at KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital, the VIVA Foundation, and the National University Hospital.
Goh is survived by three children, eight grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. His passing marks the end of a chapter for one of Singapore’s most influential business leaders, leaving behind a legacy of entrepreneurship, philanthropy, and nation-building.