Ananda Krishna, married a Thai princess, was sixth richest person in Malaysia’s, king of oil, gas, telecom, his net worth was…

Ananda Krishnan was one of Malaysia's richest tycoons with a vast business empire including telecommunications, media, petroleum and real estate.

Ananda Krishnan: Ananda Krishnan, who was popularly known as AK in Malaysia’s business circles, made his fortune in the mid-80’s and early 90’s when he built a thriving multimedia empire following a plunge into the entertainment business. He developed his business with the Live Aid concert alongside Bob Geldof, which earned him widespread recognition in the industry. Here are all the details you should know about Ananda Krishnan and his business empire.

How Ananda Krishnan developed his empire

Ananda Krishnan began his journey as a young entrepreneur when he established his business consultancy firm, before he decided to get into the oil trading and later gambling industry. Talking about his business success, AK had built a flourishing multimedia business and established Maxis Communications, MEASAT Broadcast Network Systems, and SES World Skies by the early 1990s, . Regarded as one of the biggest names in the telecommunication business, Anand owned three communication satellites orbiting the globe.

Forbes reported that Ananda Krishnan was the sixth wealthiest individual in Malaysia, possessing a net worth of $5.1 billion. He consistently endeavored to maintain a discreet presence. Readers must note that after marrying a Thai princess, Anand Krishnan spent most of his time in Europe.

Ananda Krishnan: The business tycoon

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. His investment holding company, Usaha Tegas, said he passed away peacefully on Thursday and that his family requested privacy. It didn’t specify the cause of death.

“Ananda made significant contributions to nation-building and the corporate world. His philanthropic initiatives have touched many lives,” it said in a statement.

According to various reports, Ananda Krishnan was a close aide of Mahathir Mohamad, and it he convinced the former Malaysian Prime Minister to build the iconic 88-storey Petronas Twin Towers — the world’s tallest twin skyscrapers– in the heart of Malaysia’s capital Kuala Lumpur in the early 1990s.

(With inputs from agencies)