Goh Chok Tong

Date of Birth: May 20, 1941

Zodiac Sign: Taurus

Biography

Goh Chok Tong is a prominent Singaporean statesman who served as the second Prime Minister of Singapore from November 28, 1990, to August 12, 2004. Born into a middle-income Chinese family, Goh’s early life was one of perseverance and academic excellence. He attended Raffles Institution, one of Singapore’s premier schools, and later graduated with first-class honors in economics from the University of Singapore. He went on to earn a Master of Arts in Development Economics from Williams College in the United States. Goh began his professional career in the shipping industry, joining the Neptune Orient Lines (NOL) in 1969. His leadership qualities quickly propelled him to the position of managing director in 1973. Recognizing his potential, Singapore’s then-Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew invited him to join politics. Goh was elected as a Member of Parliament for Marine Parade in 1976 and held the seat until his retirement in 2020. As Prime Minister, Goh was known for his consultative and inclusive style of governance, contrasting with his predecessor’s more authoritarian approach. He introduced a range of policies aimed at improving Singaporeans’ quality of life, including Medisave, a national medical savings scheme, and policies focused on economic diversification and social cohesion. After stepping down as Prime Minister, he continued to serve in the government as Senior Minister and Chairman of the Monetary Authority of Singapore until 2011.

5 Interesting Facts about Goh Chok Tong

1. Goh Chok Tong was the first Singaporean Prime Minister to be formally educated in economics.

2. He played a crucial role in the development of Singapore’s maritime industry through his work with Neptune Orient Lines.

3. Under his leadership, Singapore saw the introduction of the Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) system, a pioneering move in traffic management.

4. Goh was awarded the Order of Temasek (First Class), Singapore’s highest civilian honor, in 2005.

5. He is often credited with the “Singapore 21” vision, which aimed to foster a more inclusive society.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Goh Chok Tong

1. “We must never let up in our efforts to attract talent and investment to Singapore.”

2. “Leadership is not about being loved. It is about making tough decisions.”

3. “The most important thing for a leader is to have the trust of the people.”

4. “In the end, it is not the years in your life that count. It is the life in your years.”

5. “The true test of a leader is not how much power you have, but how much you empower others.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

As a public servant, Goh Chok Tong’s exact net worth is not publicly disclosed. However, given his long and distinguished career, it is estimated to be in the range of $20 million to $30 million.