Goh’s artistic journey began during his formative years in Singapore, where he moved with his family at the age of eight after World War II. Under the mentorship of the pioneering Singaporean artist Chen Wen Hsi, Goh received art education at the Chinese High School, with art lessons held at Chen’s home, and participated in art excursions alongside fellow Singapore pioneer artist Cheong Soo Pieng. Studying under these two Nanyang style artists for over nearly a decade, from 1952 onwards, Goh honed his skills, mastering the Western style of representational painting while also developing a profound appreciation for Chinese ink painting and calligraphy.