KUALA LUMPUR: Permodalan Nasional Bhd (PNB), the country's biggest fund manager, has expressed hope that its Warisan Merdeka project runs on time and within budget.
Construction of the first phase of the 118-storey mixed development, covering 19 acres (7.69 ha.) within the enclave of Merdeka Stadium and Stadium Negara and with a gross development value of RM5bil, started in 2014 and is expected to be completed in 2024.
The 630 metre-high tower, also known as Merdeka PNB118, is set to become Asia's second tallest building and the world's fifth tallest "mega-tall" tower.
"PNB hopes the project's first phase will run smoothly," PNB president and group chief executive Tan Sri Hamad Kama Piah Che Othman told the media at an event to introduce 11 corporate partners, including Malayan Banking Bhd, Sime Darby Bhd, I and zip Group Sdn Bhd, SP Setia Bhd and UMW Holdings Bhd, for the 2016 Malaysian Unit Trust Week (MSAM).
PNB is targeting 150,000 visitors at this year's MSAM, to be held at the Tapah Mini Stadium on April 20-28 and featuring programmes such as 'Jejak Pelabur Bijak Maybank', 'Jejak Pelabur Cilik I and P', 'Santai Labur', 'Hibur Labur Bersama PNB', a PNB-MIDF entrepreneurship symposium, and a colouring contest.
The event will be launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Najib Tun Razak on April 20, with Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi closing it.
The annual mega educational exhibition on investment that started in 2000 has attracted more than 3.1 million visitors to date, and aims to educate the public about the importance of investment and financial planning besides showcasing the achievements of the PNB Group of companies.