Meet Malaysia’s Richest Indian: The Tycoon With 3 Private Satellites: Know His Net Worth (File Photo)
New Delhi: Ananda Krishnan, a prominent Malaysian businessman of Indian origin, holds the title of the wealthiest Indian-origin person in Malaysia and ranks as the sixth richest individual in the country. With an impressive net worth of approximately $5.2 billion (or about Rs 438.79 billion), Krishnan has established himself as a key figure in Malaysia’s business landscape, especially in the telecommunications and multimedia sectors.
Krishnan, often called “AK” in Malaysian business circles, is renowned not only for his entrepreneurial achievements but also for his charitable contributions. His career took off in the mid-1980s when he collaborated with Bob Geldof to organize the iconic Live Aid concert, marking his early involvement in the entertainment industry. By the early 1990s, Krishnan expanded his empire to telecommunications, founding Maxis Communications, Astro Malaysia Holdings, and MEASAT Broadcast Network Systems. Today, he owns three private communication satellites that orbit the Earth, symbolizing his influence in global telecommunications.
Ranked 624th on the 2024 Forbes World’s Billionaires List, Krishnan’s journey hasn’t been confined to Malaysia. Although he has no direct ties to India, he has strong family roots there and has made substantial business investments in the country. One of his notable ventures was a $7 billion stake in the telecom company Aircel, which, despite initial promise, eventually faced challenges and closed.
Krishnan’s portfolio remains diverse, encompassing major investments across telecommunications, media, and entertainment, including the Malaysian media giant Astro Malaysia Holdings and the investment firm USA Tagus. An alumnus of Harvard Business School, Krishnan has continuously left an indelible mark on the industries he’s ventured into, making him a noteworthy figure not only in Malaysia but also on the global stage.
