Ananda Krishnan

Ananda Krishnan, one of Malaysia’s richest tycoons with a vast business empire including telecommunications, media, petroleum and real estate, has died. He was 86. Born April 1, 1983, Ananda was a graduate of Harvard Business School who started his career in oil trading before venturing into other sectors. He owned stakes in telecommunications firm Maxis, media company Astro, satellite services firm Measat and oil services provider Bumi Armada, among others. His Maxis Communications is Malaysia's biggest cellphone service provider. Recently took 3 of his companies private: satellite broadcaster Astro All Asia Networks, power and gambling company Tanjong and satellite operator Measat Global. Owns telecom, media interests in India, Indonesia; Indian billionaire Kalanithi Maran is his partner in radio and direct-to-home TV. A Tamil Malaysian, also referred to as TAK, he graduated from Harvard Business School and got start as oil trader. A major philanthropist, he focuseD on developing Malaysia's talent pool by funding scholarships and school programs. Despite his success, Ananda avoided the limelight and shuttled between Malaysia and France, where he resided with his wife, local media reported. His only son is a Buddhist monk in Thailand. His two daughters are not involved in his businesses.