Singapore’s richest man dies at 98: Goh Cheng Liang’s journey to Nippon Paint tycoon

Last Updated on August 12, 2025 6:56 pm

By Jean Iau

Towards the end of his life, Goh Cheng Liang was known as the richest Singaporean, owning some of the world’s most luxurious superyachts, but his humble beginnings left an indelible mark on the elusive paint tycoon and spurred his philanthropic efforts. He died on Tuesday at the age of 98.

Goh, the founder of Wuthelam Group which owns close to a 60 per cent stake in Nippon Paint Holdings, and – according to Forbes – had an estimated net worth of US$13 billion (S$16.7 billion), died with family members by his side, Wuthelam said in a release.

Born in Singapore in 1927, Goh spent the first 12 years of his life in a rented room of a River Valley shophouse with his parents, three sisters and a brother.