Ananda Krishnan is one of Malaysia's most influential and wealthiest individuals. In the past week, Mr Krishnan, also known as AK, has been in the limelight because of his son Ajahn Siripanyo, who gave up the world's riches to become a Buddhist monk.

Ananda Krishnan, the third richest man in Malaysia, has grabbed the headlines after his only son, Ven Ajahn Siripanyo, gave up the USD 5 billion empire to become a monk at the age of just 18. Krishnan, whose full name is Tan Sri Ananda Krishnan, is among Malaysia's most influential and wealthiest individuals.

At 18, during a visit to his Thai mother’s family, he ordained as a Buddhist monk—a move he initially saw as temporary. However, the experience transformed him, leading to a lifelong commitment to monastic life.

The only son of Malaysian billionaire Ananda Krishnan, Ven Ajahn Siripanyo gave up the world of riches and spoils to become a Buddhist monk.

Ven Ajahn Siripanyo, the son of Malaysian billionaire Ananda Krishnan, chose a path of spiritual simplicity over his family’s immense wealth. | News

Ven Ajahn Siripanyo, son of Malaysian telecom tycoon Ananda Krishnan, relinquished a multi-billion-dollar inheritance to embrace monastic life. At 18,

Ven Ajahn Siripanyo, son of Malaysian tycoon Ananda Krishnan, renounced his inheritance to embrace a life of Buddhist monasticism and spiritual practice.

Ajahn Siripanyo, son of Malaysian billionaire Ananda Krishnan, gave up a $5 billion fortune to become a Buddhist monk. His inspiring journey reflects a choice for spiritual fulfillment.

The Billionaire Heir Who Walked Away from a $5 Billion Legacy to Embrace a Monk's Life. Discover the untold story of sacrifice, spirituality, and a path less traveled, Detaching from Royal Life and His Remarkable Early Journey.

Now, decades later, Siripanyo lives as a forest monk at Dtao Dum Monastery on the remote Thailand-Myanmar border.