Billionaire Profile
Sam Goi
Global Rank
#1688

Image: Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Sam Goi

CEO, Tee Yih Jia Food Manufacturing
SG
Real-Time Net Worth
$2.3B
As of December 2025
Age
78
Source
Frozen foods
Industry
food-beverage
Citizenship
SG

Biography

Sam Goi, born in Singapore on April 26, 1949, is a prominent businessman known as 'Singapore's Popiah King.' His source of wealth comes primarily from his company, Tee Yih Jia, a leading frozen food manufacturer specializing in spring roll pastry. Goi's career began with his family's business, and he later purchased Tee Yih Jia in 1977, transforming it into a global company. He is known for expanding his business interests and is a philanthropist, donating to various causes. As of 2024, his net worth is estimated at $2.3 billion, reflecting his significant achievements in the food and beverage industry.

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Sam Goi Seng Hui was born on April 26, 1949, in Singapore. Not much is known about his early years and childhood. His family moved to Singapore due to unstable political conditions at home. Goi received his secondary school education at Serangoon Garden Government High and later Dunman High School, but he did not continue with tertiary education because of failing English. At the age of 19, he started working for his father.

Rise to Success

In 1977, Goi purchased the rights to Tee Yih Jia, a food manufacturing company, for $450,000. He transformed the small business into a global company, making him known as the "Popiah King." In 2008, he emerged as the largest single shareholder in Super Coffeemix, expanding his business interests. Goi expanded the business by reaching out to the overseas market and established a strong presence in the United States, Australia, Europe, and Asia.

Key Business Strategies

Goi's key business strategy has been to expand the business and introduce new products. He introduced new technology and increased production, making the business more profitable. He also diversified Tee Yih Jia’s product base to introduce new products such as fortune cookies, samosas, pizzas, and prawn rolls to cater to different markets.

Philanthropy

Fueled by a sense of moral obligation, Goi is known for donating millions of dollars to various causes. He was conferred Singapore Tatler's Leadership Award for Philanthropy in 2005. Goi actively contributes to several organizations and associations in various fields. Education is another cause close to his heart.

Career Milestones

1977

Acquired Tee Yih Jia

Purchased the rights to Tee Yih Jia, a food manufacturing company, and transformed it.

2008

Largest Single Shareholder of Super Coffeemix

Became the largest single shareholder in Super Coffeemix.

2013

Businessman of the Year

Won the Businessman of the Year award at the Singapore Business Awards.

2014

Businessman of the Year

Won the Businessman of the Year award at the Singapore Business Awards.

2021

Honorary Doctorate

Received honorary doctorate degrees from SUTD.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Education

Lee Kuan Yew Fund for Bilingualism

$0.4M

Donated to raise the standard of teaching English and mother-tongue languages.

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

"When you have a plateful while others are hungry for a mouthful, it's a recipe for trouble."

Controversies & Challenges

2024

Money Laundering Scandal

Paid for private dinners with Su Haijin, a now-convicted money launderer.