Malaysian billionaire T Ananda Krishnan passed away today at the age of 86.
Usaha Tegas Sdn Bhd, the investment holding firm led by Ananda, confirmed his passing today.
“It is with great sadness that we announce the demise of our chairman, T Ananda Krishnan, who passed away peacefully on Nov 28.
“He has made significant contributions to nation-building and the corporate world, and his philanthropic initiatives have touched many lives. We humbly ask that the family’s wishes to mourn in private be respected,” it said in a statement.
In April, Forbes listed the tycoon as the third-richest person in Malaysia, after hotel and real estate magnate Robert Kuok and Hong Leong’s Quek Leng Chan, with a net worth of US$5.1 billion.
A Harvard Business School alumnus, Ananda founded Malaysia’s second-largest mobile operator, Maxis Bhd, as well as broadcasting and media company Astro Malaysia Holdings Bhd.
He also held a substantial stake in oil field services provider Bumi Armada Bhd through Objektif Bersatu Sdn Bhd.
Ajahn Siripanyo, sole heir to the late billionaire Krishnan’s $5 billion fortune, chose a monastic life over wealth.
Born into privilege with ties to the Thai royal family, he became a Buddhist monk at 18, inspired by his father’s convictions.
Now the abbot of Dtao Dum Monastery on the Thailand-Myanmar border, he has lived as a forest monk for over 20 years, embracing simplicity and community support.
Despite his spiritual path, Siripanyo maintains familial ties, occasionally visiting his family while upholding Buddhist principles.
