As Ananda Krishnan—ranked as Malaysia’s sixth-richest person by Forbes with a net worth of US$5.1 billion—passed away, he left behind a legacy defined by his entrepreneurial prowess and philanthropic contributions.

Malaysian billionaire Ananda Krishnan, whose business interests ranged from oil and gas to telecommunications, has died at the age of 86, his private investment company said.

Ananda Krishnan who had a net worth pegged at around $5.1 billion, was the richest Indian-origin person, and the sixth richest overall in Malaysia.

The businessman, said to be a close associate of former prime minister Mahathir Mohamad, is also known for his pivotal role in the development of iconic landmarks such as the Petronas Twin Towers and its surroundings.

Ananda Krishnan was a founding director of state oil firm Petronas and in 2007, he led the buyout of Malaysian telecom firm Maxis.

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

Malaysian billionaire Ananda Krishnan, whose business empire spans energy and telecommunications services, has died at the age of 86, his privately held investment company said Thursday.

Malaysian media, telecoms and oil mogul Ananda Krishnan has died at age 86, his companies reported on Thursday. No cause of death was disclosed. Krishnan founded Malaysia's second-largest mobile operator,

Malaysian billionaire Ananda Krishnan, whose business interests ranged from oil and gas to telecommunications, has died at the age of 86, his private investment company said.