In a world where billionaires often dominate headlines with their lavish lifestyles and public personas, some individuals choose a different path, letting their work speak louder than their words.
Ananda Krishnan was one such figure. Known for his humility, strategic vision, and impactful investments, he played a pivotal role in shaping Malaysia’s economic landscape while maintaining an air of mystery.
His passing on November 28 at the age of 86 marks the end of an era for Malaysia’s corporate world, but his legacy continues to inspire.
A humble start with big dreams
Ananda Krishnan’s story began in Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur, where he was born on April 1, 1938, to a Sri Lankan Tamil immigrant family. Though his early life was modest, it was clear he had big aspirations.
He pursued Political Science at the University of Melbourne before earning an MBA from Harvard Business School in 1964. These achievements gave him the knowledge and global perspective to build an extraordinary career.
Ananda’s business journey began with the founding of Usaha Tegas Sdn. Bhd., a private investment company. Under this umbrella, he created a portfolio that spanned industries:
- Maxis Berhad: One of Malaysia’s largest mobile network providers, bringing modern telecommunications to the masses
- Astro Malaysia Holdings Berhad: A household name in satellite TV, offering entertainment to millions across Southeast Asia
- Bumi Armada Berhad: An offshore energy giant, showcasing his global influence in the oil and gas sector
Ananda wasn’t just about building businesses; he also believed in giving back to the community. In the 1980s, he played a crucial role in financing Live Aid, the iconic concert aimed at tackling famine in Africa.
In Malaysia, he focused on improving education, supporting the arts scene, and developing sports. He believed in giving back, even if it meant him doing so quietly.
Living away from the spotlight
Despite having a new worth of USD$5.1 billion, Ananda lived a simple life and avoided giving interviews and rarely appeared in public.
His son, Ven Ajahn Siripanyo, chose a very different path by becoming a Buddhist monk in Thailand. Ananda spent his later years mostly in Europe, continuing to manage his business from behind the scenes.
Ananda Krishnan showed that you don’t need to be loud to make a big impact. His life was about hard work, smart investments, and helping others.
As Malaysia looks back on his legacy, his story inspires us to leave the world in a better state than when we first found it.
