Ananda’s 1950s Vision Realised In Petronas Twin Towers, New Book Reveals

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 10 (Bernama) -- A teenage vision imagined by the late Tan Sri T. Ananda Krishnan in the early 1950s materialised into reality with the Petronas Twin Towers standing today as its most enduring symbol, according to Inspiring Billionaire, the first comprehensive biography of the business tycoon.

Bestselling author and adjunct professor M. Krishnamoorthy, in a statement to Bernama said that Ananda, then 14, shared his vision during a family gathering.

“With youthful conviction, he painted a picture of the future, a vision that seemed almost impossible. He declared, Kuala Lumpur will become a great city, filled with towering buildings that touch the sky!” he said, adding that Ananda’s parents reacted with amusement, responding, “May your dreams come true”.

Today, the iconic Petronas Twin Towers stand as a granite-and-glass testament to Ananda, the boy whose ‘impossible’ dream reshaped Malaysia’s skyline.

The 300-page book was launched on Sunday by Lotus Group founder and group chief executive officer Tan Sri R. Doraisingam Pillai in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, with more than 100 guests in attendance and approximately 200 copies sold.

Krishnamoorthy said Ananda had established several foundations to provide scholarships and aid the poor and needy.

“Ananda’s true greatness lies in giving, sharing joy and creating opportunities for others. This book is more than an inspiring call to embrace the spirit of philanthropy and make our mark on the world,” he added.

Meanwhile, Doraisingam said the book detailed Ananda’s life beyond business, focusing on his philanthropic contributions and societal impact.

“The book unveils the extraordinary life of T. Ananda Krishnan, a man whose legacy transcended wealth to touch the hearts of millions. Author M. Krishnamoorthy and Malaysian writers capture the essence of a visionary philanthropist and business mogul, whose unwavering commitment to uplifting others transformed lives and communities.

“Ananda's story is a testament to the power of generosity and compassion,” he said, adding that Ananda’s ventures in oil, telecommunications, satellites, media, entertainment, and education have reshaped Malaysia's landscape and paved the way for future generations to thrive.

Former Bernama chairman and editor-in-chief Datuk Azman Ujang, who contributed three articles to the book, said it offers insights into Ananda’s life and thinking, whose journey was described as “one of towering ambition, grounded in humanity and humility”.

"This unique and awesome book on Ananda Krishnan reveals uncharted facets of his inspirational life. Ananda is a visionary who will inspire your imagination. 

"His story is one of towering ambition, grounded in humanity and humility,” Azman said in his recollections of Ananda, whom he interviewed during the planning and construction of the Petronas Twin Towers.”

The book also highlights Ananda’s business philosophy, which guided his rise to billionaire status through strategic long-term investments.

“The businesses Ananda chose were not the businesses of today, but of tomorrow. We don’t do the things that everybody else is doing,” Ananda was quoted as saying in past interviews.

To make money, he added, “You have to find tomorrow’s business and make tomorrow’s money. Today’s businesses have small margins. Tomorrow’s businesses require patience -- but the margins are big.”

Inspiring Billionaire will be available in bookstores and online soon.

Ananda Krishnan passed away on Nov 28, 2024, in Switzerland.

-- BERNAMA