Govindasamy Pillai P

P Govindasamy Pillai (1887-1980), popularly known as PGP, was a successful businessman, noted philanthropist, and respected community leader.

Born in Pillali village, India, Pillai arrived in Singapore in 1905 and gained business experience working at a provision shop. When the shop was put up for sale in 1929 following the owner's death, Pillai borrowed money and started PGP Stores, selling spices, oils and grains. He later expanded into other businesses, including flour and spice mills, as well as textile and saree shops. Pillai invested in properties along Serangoon Road, Race Course Road and Buffalo Road.  He was a key player in the Indian Chamber of Commerce when it was incorporated in 1937. He was appointed a Justice of the Peace (JP) in 1939.

During the Japanese Occupation (1942-45), Pillai, who was in India at the time, lost his property and goods. He returned to Singapore after the war in 1945, rebuilt his business, and expanded it across the Causeway, opening PGP stores in Malacca and Johor. Pillai passed away in 1980 at the age of 93 due to a heart attack.

Pillai is best remembered for his philanthropy. He donated generously to the Ramakrishna Mission, which led to the construction of a new home at Bartley Road in 1952. He also made significant contributions to the redevelopment of the Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple in the early 1960s, including the construction of PGP Hall, one of the first Indian wedding halls in Singapore. The hall was officially opened in 1965 by Yusof bin Ishak, Singapore's first President. Pillai also supported other institutions, such as the University of Malaya, Mount Alvernia Hospital, Gandhi Memorial Hall, and the Indian Association.

Pillai was honoured for his contributions to Singapore and the Indian community in various ways. In 2001, Singapore Post issued stamps featuring his image. In 2019, President Halimah Yacob launched a $20 currency note to commemorate Singapore's Bicentennial, with Pillai's image appearing alongside seven other pioneering individuals who made significant contributions to nation-building.



For more information
Bhattacharya, Jayati. Beyond the Myth: Indian Business Communities in Singapore. Singapore: Institute of Southeast Asian Studies, 2011. Pages 57–58. (Call no. RSING English 338.708991405957 BHA)
Cheong, Suk-Wai. The Sound of Memories: Recordings from the Oral History Centre, Singapore. Singapore: National Archives of Singapore; World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd., 2019. Pages 30–32. (Call no. RSING English 959.57)
Goh, Joek Khang, Huey Huey Lee, and Helmy Tanjanika. A Study of Singapore Indian Pioneers: Persistence and Change of Organisational and Business Strategies. Singapore: Nanyang Technological University, 2001. Page 98. (Call no. RCLOS English 338.708991405957 GOH)
Gopal, Nalina. Once upon a Time in Little India. Singapore: Indian Heritage Centre, 2019. Page 123. (Call no. RSING English 305.8914 ONC)
Lim, Lee Chin. Pioneers of Singapore: Builders of Our Land. Singapore: Asiapac, 2004. Pages 114–116. (Call no. RSING English 959.570099 LIM -[HIS])
Monetary Authority of Singapore. Annex A: Profiles of Pioneering Individuals. Revised edition. Singapore: Monetary Authority of Singapore, 5 June 2019. https://www.mas.gov.sg/-/media/annex-a-profiles-of-pioneering-individuals-revised.pdf.
Monetary Authority of Singapore. “New $20 Note to Commemorate Singapore’s Bicentennial.” 5 June 2019. https://www.mas.gov.sg/news/media-releases/2019/new-20-note-to-commemorate-singapores-bicentennial.

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The information in this article is valid as of August 2025 and correct as far as we are able to ascertain from our sources. It is not intended to be an exhaustive or complete history of the subject. If you have any feedback on this article, please submit here.