How Sam Goi Became Singapore's 'Popiah King'

Sam Goi, 79, is known as the 'popiah king'. He made his company, Tee Yih Jia, one of the world's largest popiah skin producers. He is 22nd on Forbes' list of richest Singaporeans with a net worth of $2.7 billion.

Goi did not originally plan to work in the food industry.

Goi was born in China's Fujian province. He moved to Singapore with his family at age 6 and they settled in Geylang.

Goi left high school to help his father's business. He then worked at a mechanical repair shop.

In 1969, Goi borrowed $8,000 from his father to open his own repair shop.

Goi told the Financial Times he started working young to help his family. He wanted to be his own boss like his father.

Sam Goi is the Executive Chairman of Tee Yih Jia, a frozen food company.

Goi's repair shop failed, but he learned from it. He then set up a mechanical engineering workshop.

Goi bought a controlling stake in a popiah skin factory for $370,000. He helped a friend who was struggling with the business.

A partner started a similar business in Malaysia. Goi bought him out and took full control of Tee Yih Jia in 1980.

Goi changed the company's production line. He introduced automation and focused on technology and expansion.

Goi designed an automated system for making spring roll pastries. He worked with technicians from Europe and Japan.

Goi said automation ensured quality and hygiene. It also reduced the need for workers.

Tee Yih Jia used the 'Made in Singapore' label to expand abroad.

Goi has been highlighted by the government as a success story. He acknowledges the advantage of the 'Made in Singapore' label.

Goi said the 'Made in Singapore' label opened doors for him worldwide.

Tee Yih Jia now offers many products, including popiahs and Asian snacks.

Goi has invested in property and hospitality through GSH Corporation.

Goi's business empire includes packaging and consumer goods companies.

Goi is a simple man who started with popiah. Now his business is much bigger.

Goi is planning to pass his business to his children.

Goi has been training his children to take over the business.

Goi's children will carry on the family legacy.

Goi's eldest son, Kenneth, is now the CEO of PSC.

One of Goi's daughters, Laureen, is the general manager of Tee Yih Jia.

Goi's eldest daughter, Lang Peng, used to work at Tee Yih Jia. She now works in education.

Goi is happy for his children to take over the business. He wants to focus on charity work.

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