On November 28, Usaha Tegas Sdn Bhd, the Malaysian investment holding company, announced the passing of billionaire Tan Sri T. Ananda Krishnan at the age of 86.
Throughout his life, Krishnan achieved remarkable success and made significant contributions to Malaysia’s development and the corporate world. Let’s take a moment to honour his life by reflecting on his greatest achievements, and understanding his life journey.
1. Early life and education
The Economic Times reported that Krishnan, who came from a civil servant family and was originally from Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur, started his early education in Malaysia.
He later earned a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from a university in Australia and went on to complete his MBA at Harvard University.
2. 2024 Malaysia’s 50 Richest Net Worth
As one of Malaysia’s wealthiest and most influential businessmen, Forbes reported that he was estimated to have a net worth of US$4.8 billion in the 2024 Malaysia’s 50 Richest Net Worth as of April 15, 2024.
3. Oil and gas, and real estate
BERNAMA shared how Krishnan’s business moves didn’t just grab attention in Malaysia but also made waves internationally, thanks to his ventures across various industries.
Krishnan started his entrepreneurial journey in the 1980s. He expanded his empire across sectors such as oil & gas, and real estate, as reported by Mint.
Though he faced setbacks, like the bankruptcy of Aircel, his resilience and business acumen kept him at the top.
4. He built a multimedia empire
Channel I Am highlighted that Krishnan made a significant impact in the business world by building a multimedia powerhouse.
The Malaysian Reserve reported that he founded Usaha Tegas Sdn Bhd, a company that controls a range of businesses, including stakes in telecom company Maxis Bhd and media giant Astro Malaysia Holdings Bhd.
Krishnan also ventured into satellite technology, owning 3 satellites currently orbiting Earth.
5. A life of philanthropy
As reported by Mint, Krishnan, though known for keeping a low profile, dedicated himself to philanthropy, focusing on education, humanitarian work, and the arts through the YCF Charitable Foundation.
His understated acts of kindness had a profound effect, particularly in advancing cultural initiatives and improving social welfare.
According to the Economic Times, he also helped finance the Live Aid concert organised by rock star Bob Geldof.
The 2 concerts in London and Philadelphia, which drew over 150,000 spectators and 1.5 billion TV viewers, raised US$70 million (approximately RM329.7 million) for famine victims.
6. Petronas Twin Towers and KLCC
BERNAMA shared that one of Krishnan’s standout contributions to Kuala Lumpur was playing a key role in developing the iconic Petronas Twin Towers and the surrounding KLCC Suria area.
According to CNA, Ananda Krishnan played a key role in pitching the idea of building the iconic 88-story Petronas Twin Towers to former Prime Minister Dr. Mahathir Mohamad in the early 1990s.
The Edge Malaysia also highlighted that he played a key role in reshaping the Kuala Lumpur skyline, turning a horse racing track into the bustling Kuala Lumpur city centre.
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7. A US$5 billion empire
Krishnan stayed out of the media spotlight for most of his life, even as his businesses grew.
According to The Edge Malaysia, he split his time between Malaysia and France, where he spent most of it with his wife, Momwajarongse Suprinda Chakraban. Meanwhile, his 2 daughters weren’t interested in taking over his businesses.
According to The Indian Express, despite being prepared to take over his late dad’s massive fortune, Krishnan’s only son, Siripanyo, chose a completely different path.
At just 18, he made the life-changing decision to give up a US$5 billion (around RM22.2 billion) inheritance, a choice his late father deeply respected.
His journey into monastic life began after a transformative trip to Thailand, where he decided to leave behind the family business to pursue a humble and spiritual life.
Now known as Ven Ajahn Siripanyo, he has dedicated over 2 decades to monastic service, living simply as a monk in Thailand.
Krishnan’s legacy continues to make an impact in both the business and philanthropic worlds, and for that, he’ll always be remembered.
Also read: Malaysian Billionaire Ananda Krishnan Passes Away at 86
