Malaysia’s Ananda Krishnan, Petronas Twin Towers visionary, communications titan, dies at 86

The Malaysian billionaire leaves behind a legacy of innovation and entrepreneurship

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Ananda Krishnan, a Malaysian businessman and philanthropist, attends Allen & Company’s Sun Valley Conference on July 11, 2011 in Sun Valley, Idaho. Photo: AFP

Published: 4:04pm, 28 Nov 2024Updated: 6:53pm, 28 Nov 2024

Reclusive Malaysian billionaire Ananda Krishnan, one of Malaysia’s wealthiest individuals who was instrumental in bringing satellite television to the country through his communications empire, died on Thursday aged 86, according to his investment company.

Commonly known by his initials AK, he was closely associated with two-time former prime minister Mahathir Mohamad. Krishnan was instrumental in persuading the then leader to pursue construction of the iconic Petronas twin towers in capital Kuala Lumpur in the early 1990s.

“It is with great sadness that we announce the demise of our Chairman, Mr Ananda Krishnan Tatparanandam, who passed away peacefully on 28 November 2024,” read a statement issued by his firm, Usaha Tegas.

The statement did not state the cause of death.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in a brief message on social media said Ananda’s contributions in the corporate world and philanthropy “will always be remembered”.

Ananda was ranked Malaysia’s sixth-richest person, with an estimated net worth of US$5.1 billion, according to the Forbes 2024 Billionaires List.

Ananda Krishnan was influential in the Petronas Twin Towers being built in Kuala Lumpur. Photo: Shutterstock