立邦创始人吴清亮逝世，从打工仔白手起家成“亚洲漆王”、新加坡首富

Core Points - Wu Qingliang, the founder of Wu Denan Holdings Group and the "Nippon" brand, passed away at the age of 98, leaving behind a personal wealth of $13 billion, ranking 182nd on the Forbes global billionaire list in 2025 [1][3] - Wu Qingliang transformed from a poor worker to a legendary figure in the business world, known as the "King of Paints in Asia" [3][5] - The establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Singapore in 1990 inspired Wu Qingliang to name his paint brand "Nippon," symbolizing his connection to both countries [3][5] Company Overview - Wu Qingliang's company, Nippon Paint, was established through a joint venture with Japan's Nippon Paint in 1962, with Wu's company holding a 60% stake [3][4] - Nippon Paint has become the fourth-largest paint manufacturer and service provider globally, with over 70 production bases in China and nearly 11,000 employees [6] - In 2025, Nippon Paint Holdings reported a 4.3% year-on-year increase in sales to ¥852.43 billion (approximately $5.78 billion) and a 34.4% increase in net profit [9] Market Insights - Analysts predict a 20% compound annual growth rate for Nippon Paint's earnings per share from 2024 to 2027, despite the stock trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio compared to its peers [12] - The company's core decorative paint business is largely unaffected by tariffs and benefits from stable petrochemical raw material prices, highlighting its competitive advantage [12] Philanthropic Contributions - Wu Qingliang donated over 100 million RMB to build infrastructure in his hometown, reflecting his commitment to his roots and heritage [14][18] - His philanthropic efforts included the construction of bridges, roads, hospitals, and other facilities in his ancestral village [14]