Merdeka 118 Crowned World’s Best Tall Building — A Triumph for Malaysia’s Architecture and Urban Vision

Kuala Lumpur has once again captured the world’s attention. Merdeka 118 Tower, standing proudly at 678.9 metres, has been officially recognised as the Best Tall Building (300 metres and above) by the Council on Vertical Urbanism (CVU) — a global authority on skyscraper excellence and sustainable urban design.

The prestigious award, presented during the CVU 2025 Awards Ceremony in Toronto, Canada, places Malaysia among the world’s leading innovators in architectural design, engineering, and sustainability. Formerly known as the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH), the CVU continues to honour the most outstanding achievements in vertical living and urban transformation.

A Tower That Embodies Malaysia’s Progress and Vision

Developed by PNB Merdeka Ventures Sdn Bhd (PNBMV), a wholly owned subsidiary of Permodalan Nasional Berhad (PNB), Merdeka 118 rises as Southeast Asia’s tallest structure and the second-tallest tower in the world, behind only the Burj Khalifa in Dubai.

Beyond its staggering height, Merdeka 118 is a symbol of Malaysia’s resilience, unity, and forward-looking spirit — a beacon of national pride that reflects both heritage and modernity.

“From the very beginning, our vision was not only to create an iconic tower but to shape a precinct that connects people, celebrates heritage, and contributes to a more sustainable and inclusive city,” said Datuk Tengku Ab. Aziz Tengku Mahmud, CEO of PNB Merdeka Ventures.

“We are proud to see this vision recognised internationally. Merdeka 118 captures the spirit of independence, reflecting Malaysia’s enduring strength and optimism for the future.”

Architectural Brilliance and Sustainable Design

Merdeka 118’s design was led by internationally acclaimed architecture firm Fender Katsalidis, known for blending bold vision with cultural storytelling. The tower’s crystalline façade was inspired by Malaysia’s diversity, symbolising the unity of its people while paying tribute to Stadium Merdeka, where the nation declared its independence in 1957.

Karl Fender, the principal architect, described the project as a labour of love that transcends mere height.

“Designing Merdeka 118 was more than achieving extraordinary scale — it was about creating a timeless monument that honours Malaysia’s past while celebrating its future. This award reaffirms our belief that great architecture is built with layers of purpose that inspire generations to come,” he said.

From an engineering standpoint, Merdeka 118 integrates cutting-edge structural systems that allow it to withstand extreme wind conditions while maintaining exceptional energy efficiency. The building targets top-tier environmental certifications, further positioning Kuala Lumpur as a leader in green skyscraper innovation.

Global Recognition for Integrated Urban Excellence

According to the CVU, Merdeka 118 exemplifies how architecture can be both culturally expressive and technologically advanced.

“It represents the pinnacle of integrated design, combining technical excellence, cultural storytelling, and environmental responsibility,” said CVU chairman Shonn Mills. “It exemplifies how tall buildings can drive urban regeneration while reflecting the identity and aspirations of a nation.”

The award highlights Malaysia’s growing leadership in sustainable and inclusive urban development, recognising not only the tower’s height but also its role in shaping a vibrant, community-centric precinct in the heart of Kuala Lumpur.

The Merdeka 118 Precinct: Redefining Urban Kuala Lumpur

Merdeka 118 serves as the centrepiece of the Merdeka 118 Precinct, an integrated mixed-use development spanning offices, retail, hospitality, and public spaces. Anchored by two national heritage landmarks — Stadium Merdeka and Stadium Negara — the precinct blends history with innovation, forming a bridge between Malaysia’s independence legacy and its digital future.

Key components of the precinct include:

• 118 Mall, a premium retail destination scheduled to open soon

• High-end office and commercial spaces, attracting global and regional tenants

• Community spaces that foster engagement and urban rejuvenation

PNBMV has also launched community-driven initiatives such as the Merdeka 118 Public Realm Improvement and Merdeka 118 Community Grants programmes — both designed to revitalise surrounding neighbourhoods, enhance livability, and promote inclusivity under the broader Warisan KL project.

“The goal is to make the precinct a place where everyone feels welcome — not just as a commercial landmark, but as a shared public destination,” the company said.

Symbol of Kuala Lumpur’s Evolution and Global Status

Standing at nearly 679 metres, Merdeka 118 isn’t just an architectural marvel — it’s a statement about Kuala Lumpur’s evolving global identity.

The tower elevates Malaysia’s capital into the ranks of world-class urban centres, joining the likes of Dubai, Shanghai, and New York in the global skyline conversation.

For the KL property market, such developments strengthen long-term investor confidence by reinforcing Kuala Lumpur’s reputation as a modern, sustainable, and globally recognised city.

From luxury residences in Bukit Bintang to emerging projects in Bangsar South and Tun Razak Exchange (TRX), KL’s property ecosystem continues to benefit from urban icons like Merdeka 118 that attract tourism, talent, and international investment.

A National Symbol with Global Impact

At its core, Merdeka 118 is more than a skyscraper — it’s a testament to Malaysia’s ingenuity and ambition.

It embodies the nation’s journey from independence to innovation, demonstrating how architecture can unite art, engineering, and purpose into a single, enduring form.

With this recognition from the CVU, Merdeka 118 stands not only as a landmark for Kuala Lumpur, but also as an inspiration for future generations of Malaysian designers, engineers, and dreamers.

As cities across the world look toward sustainable vertical living, Kuala Lumpur has once again proven that Malaysia belongs at the forefront of architectural excellence and urban innovation.

Conclusion: A Tower That Defines a Nation

Merdeka 118’s global recognition is more than an award — it’s a reflection of Malaysia’s rising stature on the world stage. By uniting sustainability, heritage, and inclusivity, the tower embodies the very essence of modern Malaysia: bold, visionary, and deeply rooted in identity.

As Kuala Lumpur continues to evolve, Merdeka 118 will stand not only as the city’s tallest structure but also as a symbol of progress — for its people, its skyline, and its future.

Discover how Malaysia’s architectural landmarks continue to shape the country’s property and investment landscape at klproperty.cc — your trusted source for KL property and national real estate insights.