MUMBAI: Another media baron passes into the great beyond. Malayasian billionaire Ananda Krishnan who set up the successful pay TV platform Astro in Malaysia and established satellite operator Measat passed away on 28 November at the age of 86.
Ananda was known to be close to Mahathir Mohamad who was Malaysia’s prime minister from 1981 to 2003 and 2018 to 2020. He persuaded him to build the famed Petronas twin towers in Kuala Lumpur.
Ananda was the founder and chairman of Usaha Tegas, as well as the founder of Yu Cai Foundation. He also helped transform telecom firm Maxis into one of the largest operators in the country. He helped finance Bob Geldof's Live Aid concert in the eighties. He was ranked Malaysia’s sixth-richest person and 671 wealthiest person globally in 2024, with an estimated net worth of $5.1 billion, according to Forbes.
In India, Ananda unsuccessfully invested an estimated $7 billion to set up telco Aircel which filed for bankruptcy protection in 2018.
Ananda had three children, including his only son, Ven Ajahn Siripanyo who is a Buddhist monk.
May he Rest in Peace!
Astro Malaysia made the following post on its website:
Astro Malaysia Holdings Berhad (Astro) mourns the loss of our shareholder, Ananda Krishnan Tatparanandam, on 28 November 2024, whose unparalleled contributions shaped the landscape of Malaysia's media, telecommunications, and entertainment industries.
Group Chief Executive Officer Euan Daryl Smith expressed profound sorrow on behalf of Astro, stating: "Mr Ananda Krishnan’s vision went beyond creating a company; he created a purpose. Through Astro, he touched lives—by providing jobs, nurturing talent, and fostering a shared sense of joy through the power of entertainment. His enduring commitment to excellence and humanity will continue to inspire us as we carry forward his legacy. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family during this time of loss."
We join the nation in honoring a remarkable individual whose contributions will forever be etched in Malaysia’s history. Our deepest condolences go out to the family during this difficult time.
We humbly request that the family’s privacy be respected as they mourn their loss.”
(Pix courtesy Scott Jordan)
