NIPSEA Group honours the life and legacy of its founder, Mr. Goh Cheng Liang, who passed away peacefully on 12 August 2025 at the age of 98. An industrialist, visionary, and philanthropist, his life was a story of turning scarcity into opportunity, building a global enterprise from the ground up, and dedicating his success to the betterment of society.
The Early Chapters
Born in Singapore in 1927, modesty and hard work defined Mr. Goh’s early life in a shophouse with his parents and four siblings. He took on various jobs in his youth, from selling fishing nets to working in hardware stores—experiences that shaped a deep resilience and a practical, grounded outlook on life.
His start in the paint industry was a true act of resourcefulness. In 1949, seeing potential where others saw waste, he began buying surplus paint from the British army. He experimented with mixing his own colours and solvents, and from this, he launched his first paint business under the Pigeon Brand, marking the start of his journey in the coatings industry.
A Vision for Asia
The turning point that would shape the future of the paint industry in Asia came in 1962. With remarkable foresight, Mr. Goh forged a partnership with Nippon Paint Holdings, becoming its primary distributor in Singapore. His vision, however, went far beyond distribution. He saw a path to build an Asian coatings giant, using this partnership as the foundation for an incredible expansion.
He guided the business as it grew from Singapore across the continent, eventually transforming into Asia’s largest and the world’s fourth-largest paint manufacturer, with 148 companies across 28 geographical locations today.
The Man and His Philosophy
Despite the immense success of the enterprise he built, Mr. Goh was a man of remarkable humility who never sought the spotlight. He often attributed his achievements to luck, but employees and partners deeply respected him for his sharp business acumen and inclusive approach. He lived by a simple, yet powerful principle: “wealth is drawn from society and must serve society.”
A Legacy of Giving
Mr. Goh brought this philosophy to life through decades of focused philanthropy. He established the Goh Foundation in 1995 to support causes in healthcare and education. His impact on medical research in Singapore was profound, particularly in advancing cancer care through his significant contributions to the National Cancer Centre Singapore and the establishment of the Goh Cheng Liang Proton Therapy Centre. His generosity also extended to other major institutions like KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital and Singapore General Hospital, and to his ancestral hometown of Chaozhou, where he funded infrastructure, schools, and clean water systems.
Reflecting on his legacy, Mr. Wee Siew Kim, CEO of NIPSEA Group, shared this commemoration on behalf of employees worldwide: “Mr. Goh Cheng Liang’s spirit remains the foundation of NIPSEA Group. He taught us that business success lies in setting our foundation — building enterprises with humility and uplifting people with benevolence. We pledge to perpetuate his legacy, driving our company’s growth through relentless innovation and responsible stewardship to create shared well-being for society.”
