从辍学少年到商业巨擘，立邦创始人吴清亮的传奇人生

Core Points - The founder of Nippon Paint, Wu Qingliang, passed away at the age of 98, leaving behind a legacy as a significant figure in the paint industry and a net worth of $13 billion [1][2] Group 1: Company Background - Wu Qingliang was born in 1927 in Singapore and faced early hardships, including the loss of his father, which led him to start working at a young age [2] - In 1949, he made a pivotal decision to purchase leftover paint from the British government, which marked a turning point in his career [2] - In 1962, Wu's company entered a joint venture with Nippon Paint, where he managed all business activities in Asia, leading to rapid industry expansion [2][3] Group 2: Market Expansion - Wu Qingliang named his brand "Nippon" to commemorate the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Singapore in 1990 [3] - The company has grown significantly, with a transaction valued at 1.29 trillion yen announced in August 2020, making it a subsidiary of Nippon Paint Holdings [3] - For the first half of 2025, Nippon Paint reported a 4.3% increase in sales to 852.43 billion yen (approximately $5.78 billion) and a 34.4% increase in net profit [3] Group 3: Operations in China - Nippon Paint began planning its entry into China in 1990 and established its first company there in 1992, becoming one of the early multinational enterprises in the region [4][5] - Despite initial challenges, the company has become a well-known brand in China's paint industry, with over 70 production bases and nearly 11,000 employees [5] - The company has focused on localizing its products and services to meet consumer needs, leading to its recognition as a top global paint manufacturer [5] Group 4: Philanthropy and Legacy - Wu Qingliang remained connected to his roots, contributing over 100 million yuan to infrastructure projects in his hometown, including schools and hospitals [6] - His philanthropic efforts have significantly impacted the education system in his hometown, establishing a complete public education system from kindergarten to high school [6] - Wu's commitment to his heritage and community has been a defining aspect of his legacy, emphasizing the importance of remembering one's roots [6]