KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 28 — Ananda Krishnan, the billionaire tycoon whose business empire reshaped Malaysia’s corporate landscape across telecommunications, oil and gas, and media, has passed away peacefully at the age of 86. The announcement came through a statement from his private investment arm, Usaha Tegas Sdn Bhd, earlier today.
“The family has requested privacy to grieve during this time. Ananda made extraordinary contributions to nation-building and the corporate sector. His philanthropic efforts have profoundly impacted countless lives,” the statement read.
Renowned for his business acumen, Ananda was ranked by Forbes as Malaysia’s sixth-richest individual, with a net worth estimated at US$5.1 billion (RM22.66 billion). He amassed much of his wealth during the 1980s and 1990s through strategic investments, including stakes in Maxis Bhd, Astro Malaysia Holdings Bhd, and Bumi Armada Bhd, a major player in the oilfield services industry.
Despite his towering success, Ananda was known for avoiding the media spotlight, leading a private life split between Malaysia and France, where he lived with his wife.
Media reports highlight that his only son is a Buddhist monk in Thailand, while his two daughters have not pursued involvement in the family’s business empire.
Ananda Krishnan leaves behind a legacy of visionary entrepreneurship and impactful philanthropy, marking the end of an era in Malaysia’s corporate history.
