The Man Who Powered the Future: John Goodenough’s Legacy and the Power of Values

What truly defines a leader? Is it intelligence, ambition, or the values they hold? Time and again, history has shown that those who lead with conviction leave the deepest impact. Their contributions last because they are driven by something greater than personal ambition.

Why I Give Back

People often ask me why I spend so much time mentoring young people, guiding them through challenges, or engaging in long conversations about their future. Even at work, senior colleagues sometimes question why I devote so much energy to supporting others when there are seemingly more "productive" ways to spend my time. But for me, giving back is not an obligation—it is a responsibility.

When I was young, my father repeatedly told me, “Eugene, if you ever make it in life, always remember to consider those who are less fortunate than you.” I never fully understood why he emphasized this—until I learned his story.

My grandfather, whom I never met, was a small-scale farmer who raised fish and hogs in the 1960s. The farm barely produced enough for their large family, and my father, one of nine children, had to help with the daily labor—feeding animals, clearing waste, and gathering food for the fish. Education was never a given in his world.

What changed everything for him was a decision made by one of his teachers. When the time came for secondary school selection, my father chose a school near his home—practical, convenient, and within reach. But his teacher saw his potential and overrode his choice, insisting that he attend a better school—one that required him to travel an hour and a half each way daily.

That long, exhausting commute became the foundation of his future. The school gave him opportunities he would not have had otherwise. He eventually earned an accountancy degree from Nantah University, becoming the only university graduate from his village in Sembawang. But he never saw his success as his own doing—he often reflected on the teachers who guided him and the generosity of those who helped him along the way.

That is why he instilled in me the value of giving. He knew firsthand that no one succeeds alone. His journey shaped mine, and today, I carry that same lesson forward—whether by mentoring others, contributing to community projects, or supporting those in need in whatever ways I can.

John Goodenough: The Scientist Who Powered the World

Values shaped John Goodenough, the scientist who would go on to make a profound impact on the energy landscape through his groundbreaking work in battery technology. In 1980, he made a breakthrough that would transform modern technology—he discovered that lithium cobalt oxide could be used as a cathode material in rechargeable batteries. This discovery laid the foundation for the lithium-ion battery, a compact, high-energy storage solution that powers everything from smartphones to electric vehicles.

His work did not just make devices more portable and efficient; it reshaped industries, making renewable energy more viable and accelerating the transition toward a world less dependent on fossil fuels. Without lithium-ion batteries, storing solar and wind energy efficiently would be a far greater challenge, and the widespread adoption of electric vehicles would likely have been delayed by decades.

Yet, for all his contributions, recognition came late. It was not until 2019, at the age of 97, that he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, making him the oldest recipient ever. But Goodenough never pursued recognition. His focus was on the work itself—on knowledge, discovery, and solutions that could benefit society.

John Goodenough: A Life Shaped by Values

When reading his autobiography, Witness to Grace, two experiences stood out to me. Both shaped his worldview and guided his relentless pursuit of knowledge for the greater good.

The first was his service as an officer in the U.S. Army during World War II. He witnessed firsthand the destruction and suffering caused by war, which instilled in him a resolve to contribute to the world in a way that would build, not destroy.

The second defining element was his faith in God, which anchored his life and work. Goodenough saw science and faith not as opposing forces but as complementary paths to understanding the world. His belief in a higher purpose fueled his dedication to serving humanity.

These two influences—his witnessing of war’s devastation and his steadfast faith—were the moral compass that guided him. They shaped his scientific achievements, his humility, and his unwavering commitment to serving the greater good.

Here are my three tips inspired by John Goodenough’s legacy:

• Perseverance is more important than early success. Goodenough made his most important discovery at 57. Do not be discouraged if greatness takes time.
• Knowledge should serve humanity. Goodenough’s batteries power life-saving devices and sustainable energy. Ask yourself: How does your work make the world better?
• Never stop questioning. Science and progress come from curiosity. Keep asking “What if?” and “How can this be improved?”

John Goodenough’s legacy reminds me of the power of values—the kind that shape decisions, guide actions, and leave lasting impact. Like a battery storing energy for future use, Goodenough’s work will continue to power generations to come. Just as Goodenough was driven by a deep sense of purpose, my father, too, lived by values instilled in him through his experiences—the belief that success was not just about personal achievement but about lifting others up. That belief, passed down to me, is why I take the posture of giving back.