Ananda Krishnan : In the realm of extraordinary individuals who have used their wealth and influence to make a difference, Ananda Krishnan stands as a guiding light, an epitome of a visionary businessman and a compassionate philanthropist. Born on 1st April 1938, in Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur, he is a Malaysian-Tamil entrepreneur known for his diverse business ventures and commitment to uplifting communities through education and innovation. Let us delve into the inspiring journey of Ananda Krishnan and explore the profound impact he has made on society.
A Trailblazing Journey
Ananda Krishnan journey to success started with his educational pursuits. After studying at the Vivekananda Tamil School and Victoria Institution in Kuala Lumpur, he embarked on a path of knowledge, becoming a Colombo Plan scholar at the University of Melbourne, where he majored in political science. His quest for learning led him to Harvard Business School, where he obtained a Master’s in Business Administration in 1964. Throughout his journey, he embraced Buddhism, which has been a guiding force in shaping his approach to life and business.
Ananda Krishnan’s Entrepreneurial Pursuits
Ananda Krishnan’s entrepreneurial spirit shone early in his career when he founded MAI Holdings Sdn Bhd, a Malaysian consultancy. His keen business acumen led him to establish Exoil Trading, which acquired oil drilling concessions across various nations. As he diversified his interests, he ventured into the realm of gambling in Malaysia. However, it was in the early 1990s when he truly began his multimedia empire, establishing telecommunications companies like Maxis Communications and MEASAT Broadcast Network Systems, along with owning communication satellites orbiting the Earth.
A Visionary in Multimedia
Ananda Krishnan’s contributions to the multimedia industry have been transformative. His involvement in organizing the Live Aid concert with Bob Geldof in the 1980s showcased his dedication to global causes. He played a pivotal role in the acquisition of Maxis Communications, significantly increasing his stake in the company and propelling it to new heights. His influence extended to Sri Lanka, where he owns a stake in Sri Lanka Telecom.
Beyond the telecom realm, Ananda Krishnan’s passion for media led to strategic investments in TVB com and the Shaw Brothers movie archives. He forged an agreement between Astro and India’s Sun Network to create TV channels catering to the Indian market, particularly Tamil audiences across the globe. His pursuit of innovation extended to offering interactive TV services through web-based platforms, showcasing his farsightedness and adaptability.
Philanthropy: Nurturing Minds, Transforming Lives
Amidst his remarkable success as a businessman, Ananda Krishnan has always kept his philanthropic endeavours close to his heart. Through his company Usaha Tegas and its subsidiaries, he has made profound contributions to education, arts, sports, and humanitarian causes in Malaysia. The Harapan Nusantara education fund, launched in 2003, has provided invaluable support to students attending special programs at local private universities collaborating with foreign institutions.
The Yu Cai Education Foundation, established with a generous grant of $6.6 million in 2004, has played a pivotal role in empowering ethnic Chinese groups. In 2006, Astro, one of his media companies, initiated a scholarship program to support Malaysian students pursuing studies in media and broadcasting, demonstrating his commitment to nurturing talent and creativity.
Ananda Krishnan Establishment
Furthermore, in 2008, he contributed to the establishment of the Montfort Girls Centre, providing a safe space for orphaned and underprivileged girls to develop essential vocational skills. Ananda Krishnan’s unwavering dedication to philanthropy earned him a place on Forbes’ list of 48 Heroes of Philanthropy in 2010.
The Yu Cai Foundation (YCF), launched in January 2015, has been instrumental in providing scholarships for Mandarin-based schools and grants to educational institutions promoting vernacular language studies, especially Mandarin and English.
Ananda Krishnan’s life journey exemplifies the power of passion, perseverance, and compassion. From humble beginnings to achieving exceptional heights in the business world, he has never lost sight of the responsibility that comes with success. His philanthropic efforts have touched countless lives, empowering future generations through education and fostering creativity and innovation.