Ananda Krishnan

$5.20 B

Ranked #511 in World

About Ananda Krishnan

Tatparanandam Ananda Krishnan, a reclusive Malaysian-Tamil tycoon, and philanthropist, chairs Usaha Tegas and founded YCF. With roots from Sri Lanka, his education spans from Kuala Lumpur to Harvard. An MBA holder, Krishnan's ventures include stakes in media, telecommunications, and oil. With a $5.8 billion fortune, he avoids the limelight. His altruism supports education and culture in Malaysia, and his Maxis Communications serves millions, while YCF boosts language education.

Born

April 01, 1938 in Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Source Of Wealth

Telecoms, Media, Oil-services

Industries

Telecom

Citizenship

Malaysia

Residence

Kuala Lumpur

Education

Master of Business Administration, Harvard University; Bachelor of Arts/Science, Melbourne University

Children

Tatparanandam Ananda Krishnan, fondly known as A.K., was born in 1938 in Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur. His roots can be traced back to Jaffna, Sri Lanka. A.K. received his early education at Vivekananda Tamil School and Victoria Institution in Kuala Lumpur.

Ananda Krishnan: Family

A.K. is a devout Buddhist and has two daughters and a son. His son, Ajahn Siripanyo, is a Theravada Buddhist monk.

Ananda Krishnan: Career Highlights

A.K.'s entrepreneurial journey began with MAI Holdings Sdn Bhd, a Malaysian consultancy firm. He then established Exoil Trading, which acquired oil drilling concessions in various countries. His ventures expanded into the gambling industry in Malaysia, and later diversified into the multimedia arena.

Ananda Krishnan: Companies

A.K.'s business interests span across various sectors. He has stakes in media (Astro), satellite (MEASAT), oil and gas (Bumi Armada, Pexco), and telecommunications (Maxis, Sri Lanka Telecom). Additionally, he owns stakes in Tanjong Public Limited Company, involved in leisure (TGV Cinemas) and property (Maxis Tower).

Ananda Krishnan: Major Achievements

A.K. gained prominence by organizing the Live Aid concert with Bob Geldof in the mid-1980s. He went on to build a multimedia empire in the early 1990s, including telecommunication companies Maxis Communications, MEASAT Broadcast Network Systems, and SES World Skies. A.K. owns three communication satellites that circumnavigate the Earth.

Ananda Krishnan: Awards & Achievements

A.K.'s philanthropic efforts have been widely recognized. He was featured on Forbes' list of 48 Heroes of Philanthropy in 2010. In January 2015, he launched the Yu Cai Foundation (YCF), providing scholarships for Mandarin-based schools and grants to educational institutions promoting vernacular languages.

Ananda Krishnan: Personal Life & Legacy

A.K. is known for shunning public exposure and maintaining a low profile. Despite his immense wealth, estimated at US$5.8 billion, making him the third-wealthiest person in Malaysia, he prefers to lead a private life.

Ananda Krishnan: Trivia

A.K. is a follower of Buddhism and has a son who is a Theravada Buddhist monk known as Ajahn Siripanyo.

Wealth History

Timeline

1938

Tatparanandam Ananda Krishnan is born in Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur, with roots in Jaffna, Sri Lanka.

1964

Krishnan obtains a Masters in Business Administration from Harvard Business School.

Mid-1980s

Krishnan gains prominence by helping organize Live Aid concert with Bob Geldof.

Early 1990s

Krishnan builds a multimedia empire, including telecommunication companies Maxis Communications, MEASAT Broadcast Network Systems, and SES World Skies.

2003

Krishnan launches Harapan Nusantara education fund, sponsoring 100 students annually for special programs at local private universities.

2004

Krishnan starts Yu Cai Education Foundation with a $6.6 million grant to support ethnic Chinese groups.

2006

Astro introduces a scholarship program, allocating RM2 million annually to support Malaysian undergraduate and graduate students in media and broadcasting.

2008

Krishnan contributes to the opening of the Montfort Girls Centre to help orphaned and underprivileged girls develop vocational skills.

2010

Krishnan is featured on Forbes list of 48 Heroes of Philanthropy.

January 2015

Krishnan launches Yu Cai Foundation (YCF), providing scholarships for Mandarin-based schools and grants to educational institutions promoting vernacular languages, especially Mandarin and English.

Ananda Krishnan : FAQs

What is Ananda Krishnan's net worth?

As of 2023, Ananda Krishnan's net worth was $5.20 billion.

What are Ananda Krishnan's main sources of wealth?

Ananda Krishnan's main source of income comes from Telecoms, Media, Oil-services.

In which industry does Ananda Krishnan primarily operate?

Ananda Krishnan is primarily involved in the Telecom industry.

What is Ananda Krishnan educational background?

Ananda Krishnan holds a Master of Business Administration from Harvard University and a Bachelor of Arts/Science from Melbourne University.

How many children does Ananda Krishnan have?

Ananda Krishnan has 3 children.

What are some key businesses and ventures founded by Ananda Krishnan?

Ananda Krishnan's entrepreneurship began with MAI Holdings Sdn Bhd and proceeded to ventures like Exoil Trading, oil concessions, gambling, and multimedia. His business interests span media (Astro), satellite (MEASAT), oil and gas (Bumi Armada, Pexco), telecommunications (Maxis, Sri Lanka Telecom), as well as leisure (TGV Cinemas) and property (Maxis Tower).

How has Ananda Krishnan contributed to the multimedia industry?

Ananda Krishnan played a key role in organizing the Live Aid concert in the 1980s and built a multimedia empire including Maxis Communications and MEASAT Broadcast Network Systems. He owns three communication satellites and a significant stake in Maxis Communications with over ten million subscribers in Malaysia, and he is also involved in TV content production catering to the Indian Tamil market.

What philanthropic efforts is Ananda Krishnan known for?

Ananda Krishnan is recognized for his contributions to education, the arts, sports, and humanitarian causes in Malaysia. Through Usaha Tegas and its subsidiaries, he has launched educational funds, sponsored students, and supported underprivileged communities. Initiatives include the Harapan Nusantara education fund, the Yu Cai Education Foundation, Astro scholarships, and the Montfort Girls Centre. He was listed as one of Forbes' 48 Heroes of Philanthropy in 2010.