Who Is Goh Chok Tong? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Goh Chok Tong, born on May 20, 1941, turns 84 years old in 2025. He is a notable figure in Singapore's political landscape, having served as the Prime Minister of Singapore from 1990 to 2004. Goh was a member of the People's Action Party (PAP) and played an instrumental role in shaping Singapore's economy and governance. A graduate of the University of Singapore, he worked at the Ministry of Defence before entering politics, where he quickly rose through the ranks.
| Occupation | Prime Ministers |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | May 20, 1941 |
| Age | 84 Years |
| Birth Place | Singapore, Strait Settlements |
| Horoscope | Taurus |
| Country | Singapore |
Popularity
Goh Chok Tong's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Details regarding Goh Chok Tong's physical dimensions are less frequently discussed in public discourse compared to other aspects of his life like his political career. However, he is generally considered to be of average height and build, maintaining a dignified presence throughout his political endeavors. His measurements are not publicly available, reflecting the common public focus on political achievements rather than personal metrics.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Goh Chok Tong is married to his wife, Jane, and together they have three children. The couple has upheld a relatively low-profile personal life despite Goh's public stature. The relationship is often highlighted as a supportive one, with Jane playing an important role in Goh's political journey. There are no publicly known controversial details about relationships outside of his marriage, showcasing Goh's commitment to his family values.
In September 1998, Goh had a meeting with Clinton in the White House and agreed to contribute to the Korean Peninsula Energy Development Organization which helped build strong ties between the two Koreas.
The considerable improvement in this bilateral relationship had great impact on Singapore's economic recovery from the Asian Financial Crisis as several trade negotiations, part of "The Millennium Round", failed during the 1999 Seattle WTO protests and Doha Round.
As international trade was three times Singapore's GDP at that time, securing trade treaties was paramount to Singapore's economic survival, with the US as its most desired trading partner.
By riding on the improved relations with the Clinton administration, Goh personally reached out to President Clinton during the annual summit at Brunei in November 2000, near the end of Clinton's second term of his presidency.
After a midnight golf session with Clinton after the banquet, Goh successfully convinced Clinton on a Singapore-USA FTA, with Clinton suggesting an FTA similar to the US-Jordan FTA.
The FTA with the USA was eventually signed in 2003, and it was the USA's first FTA with an Asian country, with Goh exalting this FTA as the "crown jewel" of Singapore's international trade.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Goh Chok Tong's estimated net worth is approximately $10 million. This wealth is attributed to his long-standing career in politics, his roles in various public and private institutions post-premiership, and wise investments. His salary as a public servant contributes significantly to his earnings, alongside investments made in the property sector and stakes in various business ventures.
Prior to his appointment as prime minister, he was the country's deputy prime minister, where he advocated for the Medisave, a savings scheme that allows Singaporeans to set aside part of their income into a Medisave account to meet future medical expenses.
Goh also advocated for the Edusave Awards, a monetary reward for students who did well in school based on either their academic achievements or character to enshrine meritocracy.
Career, Business and Investments
Goh Chok Tong's political career spanned over decades, and his influence is still felt in Singapore's political sphere today. After retiring from his role as Prime Minister, he took on various key positions in public agencies and companies, reflecting his lifelong commitment to public service. Goh has also been active in the business community, leveraging his experience for investments in real estate and other ventures. This balance of public service and entrepreneurial endeavors has cemented his reputation as a versatile leader.
In 1969, Goh was seconded to the national shipping company Neptune Orient Lines (NOL) as the company's Planning and Projects Manager. His career advanced quickly and by 1973 he was the Managing Director. At NOL, Goh worked under the company's founder, Muhammad Jalaluddin Sayeed, with whom he maintained close ties.
Social Network
In the digital age, Goh Chok Tong maintains a presence on social media platforms where he shares insights on politics, personal reflections, and societal issues. While he does not have a very active personal account, official pages provide updates on his engagements and views, connecting him to younger generations and keeping his legacy alive. Goh's engagement with the community, whether online or offline, showcases his continued dedication to the development of Singapore.
Shortly before and during his tenure as prime minister, Goh proposed political reforms like the introduction of Non-Constituency Members of Parliament (NCMP), to allow more opposition into Parliament, Group Representation Constituencies (GRC), to make sure that minorities are represented in Parliament and Nominated Members of Parliament (NMP), to h
ave independent opinions in Parliament since all NMPs are non-partisan.
Goh assumed the responsibility of government in a carefully managed leadership transition. Goh enacted the Elected President scheme in 1991 as presidents before were appointed by Parliament. He also introduced the Vehicle Quota Scheme to limit the number of vehicles in the city-state.
Education
Goh Chok Tong attended the University of Singapore (now known as the National University of Singapore), where he earned a degree in economics, laying the academic groundwork for his future in governmental policy and economic management. His education played a crucial role in shaping his perspectives on economic development, governance, and public policy, key areas in which he has made significant contributions throughout his career.
Goh completed a Bachelor of Arts with first class honours degree in economics at the University of Singapore, and a Master of Arts degree in development economics at Williams College in 1967.
