Goh Chok Tong Biography: Age, Net Worth, Instagram, Wife, Height, Wiki, Parents, Siblings, Children, Books

Goh Chok Tong is the former prime minister of Singapore. He is a prominent figure in Singapore’s political history, serving as the country’s second Prime Minister from 1990 to 2004.

He gained recognition for his pragmatic leadership style, following in the footsteps of Lee Kuan Yew, the nation’s founding Prime Minister.

Goh is well-known for advancing several economic and social reforms, such as the Medisave program and various meritocratic initiatives.

His tenure is often noted for a more consultative approach to governance and his efforts to maintain political stability during regional and global challenges, like the Asian Financial Crisis of the late 1990s.

Profile

• – Full name: Goh Chok Tong
• – Date of birth: May 20, 1941
• – Age: 83 years old
• – Gender: Male
• – Place of birth: Singapore
• – Nationality: Singaporean
• – Profession: Politician (Former Prime Minister of Singapore)
• – Height: N/A
• – Parents: Goh Kah Choon (father), Quah Kwee Hwa (mother)
• – Siblings: Eldest of four
• – Spouse: Tan Choo Leng
• – Children: Goh Jin Theng, Goh Jin Hian
• – Relationship status: Married
• – Religion: N/A
• – Ethnicity: Chinese (Hokkien)
• – Net worth: $5 million

Early Life and Education

Goh Chok Tong was born in Singapore on May 20, 1941, and will be 83 in 2024. He grew up in a Chinese Hokkien family, and his early life was marked by the passing of his father, Goh Kah Choon when he was just nine years old.

This left his mother, Quah Kwee Hwa, a schoolteacher, to raise Goh and his siblings with the help of extended family. Goh attended Pasir Panjang Primary School and later enrolled at Raffles Institution, where he displayed strong leadership skills, serving as a scout leader, vice-head prefect, and swimming team captain.

In 1961, Goh began studying at the University of Singapore (now the National University of Singapore), where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics, graduating with first-class honours in 1964.

He later pursued a Master of Arts in Development Economics at Williams College in the United States, completing his degree in 1967. His education laid a solid foundation for his future roles in the public and private sectors.

Personal Life

Goh Chok Tong is married to Tan Choo Leng, a senior consultant at a law firm. The couple met during Goh’s early years in Singapore and eventually married. They have two children: Goh Jin Theng, a lawyer, and Goh Jin Hian, a medical professional.

Goh also has six granddaughters. Despite his long and demanding political career, Goh has maintained a stable family life. His wife, Tan, has been known for her philanthropic work, particularly in education and social causes.

Career

After graduating in 1964, Goh began his career in the Singaporean civil service. However, he soon moved to the private sector, joining Neptune Orient Lines (NOL) in 1969. By 1973, he became the managing director of NOL, steering the company toward profitability.

His success in the private sector caught the attention of political leaders, and in 1976, Goh entered politics as a candidate for the People’s Action Party (PAP). He was elected as the Member of Parliament for Marine Parade, a position he held for over 40 years.

Goh held various ministerial roles in the Singaporean government, including Minister for Trade and Industry, Health, and Defence. In 1990, Goh succeeded Lee Kuan Yew as Prime Minister.

His administration focused on economic development, social policies, and political reforms. One of his significant contributions was introducing the Group Representation Constituency (GRC) system to ensure minority representation in Parliament.

Goh stepped down as Prime Minister in 2004 but remained in government as a Senior Minister and later as Emeritus Senior Minister until he retired from politics in 2020.

Net Worth

Goh Chok Tong’s net worth is estimated at around $5 million. As a former Prime Minister and Senior Minister in Singapore, and through his long-standing service and involvement with government-linked organizations such as the Monetary Authority of Singapore, his wealth likely reflects his significant contributions to the country’s development.

Controversy

Goh Chok Tong has been relatively free of major personal scandals throughout his long political career. However, his leadership did face criticism during certain periods. One notable issue was the implementation of the elected presidency in 1991, which some viewed as consolidating too much power in the executive branch.

Critics also questioned his administration’s handling of opposition voices and political freedoms, particularly with policies such as the Non-Constituency Member of Parliament (NCMP) scheme, which allowed limited representation for opposition parties while keeping the ruling party’s dominance intact.

Another point of contention was Goh’s stance on Singapore’s high ministerial salaries, which he defended by asserting that competitive compensation was necessary to prevent corruption and attract talent.

This issue resurfaced multiple times, particularly during economic downturns when the public expressed frustration over inequality and high living costs.

Social Media

• – Instagram: N/A
• – Twitter: N/A

Books

• Tall Order: The Goh Chok Tong Story (2018)
• Standing Tall: The Goh Chok Tong Years (2021)