Malaysia has once again captured global attention, this time through the remarkable achievement of Merdeka 118 Tower. The iconic skyscraper has been officially recognised as the Best Tall Building by the Council on Vertical Urbanism (CVU), placing it among the most celebrated architectural landmarks in the world.
The announcement was made in Toronto, Canada, during the 2025 CVU Awards Ceremony, an international event that honours outstanding skyscraper design, innovation, and contributions to urban development.
Photo via Turner Construction Company
Standing at 678.9 metres, Merdeka 118 towers above Kuala Lumpur and holds the title of the tallest building in Southeast Asia. It is also currently the second-tallest building in the world, making it a significant symbol of Malaysia’s ambitions and capabilities on the global stage.
In a statement shared by PNB Merdeka Ventures Sdn Bhd (PNBMV), the recognition reflects the project’s world-class engineering achievements, striking architectural identity, and dedication to sustainability efforts, as reported by BERNAMA.
PNBMV Chief Executive Officer Datuk Tengku Ab. Aziz Tengku Mahmud expressed that this achievement is a meaningful moment for the country and everyone who contributed to the project.
He said that the vision behind Merdeka 118 was not only to build a landmark, but to create a space that strengthens community connection, honours historical heritage, and encourages inclusive development within Kuala Lumpur’s urban landscape. He added that this international recognition validates that mission.
PNBMV also highlighted that Merdeka 118 now stands among the most significant developments worldwide. It is celebrated for its attention to environmental responsibility and future-focused design that supports greener, more sustainable city living.
The tower is part of the broader Merdeka 118 Precinct, developed by PNB Merdeka Ventures, a subsidiary of Permodalan Nasional Berhad (PNB). The surrounding area, which includes Stadium Merdeka and the upcoming 118 Mall, is being revitalised to serve as a lively community hub.
Initiatives such as the Merdeka 118 Public Realm Enhancement Programme and the Merdeka 118 Community Grant are designed to encourage local participation and cultural enrichment. All these efforts come together under the Warisan KL project, which aims to revive the historical and social vibrancy of the neighbourhood.
Merdeka 118 is now not only an architectural landmark, but also a symbol of Malaysia’s commitment to innovation, heritage, and sustainable urban growth.
