Malaysian Business Tycoon Anand Krishnan, whose only son left $5 billion empire to become Buddhist Monk, passes away

Malaysian Business Tycoon and billionaire Tan Sri Ananda Krishnan, who is counted among the wealthiest individuals died on Thursday at 86 in Kuala Lumpur. His private investment firm, Usaha Tegas, released a statement about his demise but didn't reveal the reason behind his death.

AboutAnandKrishnan

Noted Malaysian billionaire Anand Krishnan, also known as AK, was Malaysia’s third-richest person. He was born on April 1, 1938, in the capital Kuala Lumpur's Brickfields locality, also known as Little India' due to a high percentage of Indian residents and businesses. 

Born into Malaysia's middle-class family, Ananda Krishnan was a Harvard Business School graduate. Anand's wife Momwajarongse Suprinda Chakraban, descends from the Thai royal family. Krishnan is survived by two daughters and a son. 

According to Forbes, Anand's business empire spans multiple industries including satellites, telecom, real estate, oil and media.

Also Read | Roadies: Raghu Ram reveals reason for quitting show, 'Were pushed to deal aggressively with contestants'

He also connected with cricket, as Aircel, a company he owned, sponsored the IPL team Chennai Super Kings.

As per the South China Morning Post, he had a net worth exceeding Rs 40,000 crore (over $5 billion). Moreover, he was a devoted philanthropist and a practising Buddhist. 

Despite his immense wealth and business success, he remained a relatively private figure. 

OnlysonleftlavishlifetobecomeBuddhistMonk!

Anand's only son, Ven Ajahn Siripanyo, left his lavish life to become a Buddhist Monk. He made headlines last decade after he renounced the $5 billion empire of his father at the age of 18.

Rooted in his father’s devout Buddhist principles, Siripanyo’s decision was widely respected within the family. 

What shocked everyone was that Siripanyo grew up in London alongside his two sisters. He completed his education in the UK and is fluent in at least eight languages. Despite that, he made a life-altering decision at the age of 18.

For over two decades, Siripanyo has been living as a forest monk, near the Thailand-Myanmar border.

Must Read | Allu Arjun: From getting jobless after first film to becoming highest-paid actor, all thanks to Sukumar

His spiritual journey began as a temporary retreat in Thailand. Later, it became a lifelong commitment.

Despite his monastic life, Siripanyo occasionally reconnects with his roots, and visited his father, when alive.