A Humble Business Giant: Remembering Ananda Krishnan Through The Eyes of A Friend

By Kisho Kumari Sucedaram

PETALING JAYA, Dec 2 (Bernama) -- In a world where the success of business tycoons is often accompanied by fame, grandeur, and publicity, one individual stands out for shunning the limelight despite being among Malaysia’s richest men – Ananda Krishnan.

The country’s third-richest man and the 667th richest person in the world, Ananda Krishnan (AK), was a philanthropist through and through. His sharp business acumen helped him build giant companies across a myriad of sectors.

Despite raising Malaysia’s corporate profile in global telecommunications, entertainment, gaming, oilfield services, and satellite development, humility defined the late AK, who passed away last Friday.

“Please don’t mention my name for any contributions. Mention that the contributions came from MCEF (Malaysian Communities Educational Foundation), not from Ananda Krishnan,” said Datuk A. Vaithilingam, a long-time friend of the late tycoon, sharing cherished memories of Ananda.

Only after these terms were agreed upon did Ananda begin contributing to other foundations, Vaithilingam told Bernama today.

Vaithilingam fondly recalled how Ananda started supporting the Malaysia Hindu Sangam during his (Vaithilingam’s) tenure as president of the representative body for Hindus in Malaysia.

He described how, year after year from 2003 to 2009, the Malaysia Hindu Sangam presented detailed reports and plans, which were carefully reviewed by certified accountants.

“Each time, Ananda would praise their thoroughness, focusing on the impact of their work rather than seeking any personal credit,” Vaithilingam said.

Vaithilingam first met Ananda in 1946 in Brickfields, and their friendship grew stronger over the years, evolving from childhood companions to close adult friends.

Ananda, Vaithilingam noted, placed great importance on education and economic growth in the country. “He was always willing to consider contributing when it came to both,” he said.

Recalling their earlier days, Vaithilingam mentioned how they used to study the Tamil language together at the Vivekananda Ashram.

“He was always camera-shy and reserved, much like his mother,” Vaithilingam said. “Ananda’s mother would often visit my family, and we would bump into each other at the temple. Like her son, she always avoided the limelight, sitting quietly in a corner, and that humility was passed on to him.”

Ananda, who died in Switzerland, is survived by a son, who later became a Buddhist monk, and two daughters. His wake will be held tomorrow.

Regarding his son’s decision to pursue a spiritual path despite the vast fortune he would have inherited, Vaithilingam said Ananda was happy and supportive of his son’s journey, accepting it with grace.

Born on April 1, 1938, in Brickfields, Ananda, whose full name was Tatparanandam Ananda Krishnan or T. Ananda Krishnan, rose to become one of Malaysia’s most prominent business figures and was listed among the country’s wealthiest individuals.

A Harvard Business School graduate, Ananda started Usaha Tegas and later founded Maxis Communications and MEASAT Broadcast Network Systems.

His leadership and corporate strategising helped propel Maxis into becoming one of Malaysia’s leading telecommunications providers.

According to Forbes’ real-time billionaire list, Ananda’s net worth stood at US$5.1 billion (US$1 = RM4.4325) as of Nov 27, 2024, ranking him as the 667th richest person in the world.

-- BERNAMA