新加坡首富、“立邦”创始人吴清亮逝世

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the life and achievements of Wu Qingliang, the founder of Nippon Paint, who passed away at the age of 98, emphasizing his journey from humble beginnings to becoming a billionaire and a prominent figure in the paint industry [2][4]. Company Overview - Wu Qingliang founded Nippon Paint in partnership with the Japanese company Nippon Paint, holding a 60% stake through his private company, Wu De Nan Group, which led to rapid expansion in the Asian paint market [6]. - As of 2025, Wu Qingliang's net worth was estimated at $13 billion, making him the richest person in Singapore and ranking 182nd on the Forbes global billionaire list [3]. Market Position - Nippon Paint has become the fourth-largest paint manufacturer and service provider globally, with significant investments in China, including over 70 production bases and nearly 11,000 employees [9][10]. - The company has shown resilience and growth potential, with a projected 20% compound annual growth rate in earnings per share from 2024 to 2027, despite current trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio compared to global peers [17]. Recent Developments - Following Wu Qingliang's death, Nippon Paint's stock price dropped over 10%, reflecting market sensitivity to leadership changes [14]. - The company reported a 4.3% year-on-year increase in sales for the first half of 2025, amounting to approximately $5.78 billion, driven by the acquisition of AOC [13]. Philanthropic Contributions - Wu Qingliang made significant contributions to his hometown in China, donating over 100 million RMB for infrastructure projects, demonstrating his commitment to his roots and the Chinese community [19][20].