KUALA LUMPUR: Merdeka 118 Tower has been officially recognised as the Best Tall Building (300m and above) by the Council on Vertical Urbanism (CVU), marking a proud milestone for Malaysia on the global stage.
The award was presented at the CVU 2025 Awards Ceremony in Toronto, Canada, which celebrates excellence in tall building and urban design worldwide.
Formerly known as the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH), the CVU is one of the world’s leading authorities on skyscrapers and urban living.
In a statement, PNB Merdeka Ventures Sdn Bhd (PNBMV) said the recognition highlights Merdeka 118’s architectural brilliance, engineering innovation and commitment to sustainability.
"Rising 678.9m in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, Merdeka 118 stands as Southeast Asia’s tallest building and the world’s second-tallest tower, symbolising the nation’s progress and ambition," the statement read.
PNBMV chief executive officer Datuk Tengku Ab. Aziz Tengku Mahmud described the recognition as a tremendous honour for Malaysia and everyone involved in bringing the landmark to life.
"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.
"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," he said.
Principal architect of Fender Katsalidis, Karl Fender, said designing Merdeka 118 was more than achieving extraordinary height - 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.
Meanwhile, CVU chairman Shonn Mills said Merdeka 118 represents the pinnacle of integrated design, combining technical excellence, cultural storytelling and environmental responsibility.
"It exemplifies how tall buildings can drive urban regeneration while reflecting the identity and aspirations of a nation," he said.
According to PNBMV, Merdeka 118 was recognised alongside other world-class developments for its leadership in design, innovation and contribution to sustainable urbanism.
Developed by PNB Merdeka Ventures, a wholly owned subsidiary of Permodalan Nasional Berhad (PNB), Merdeka 118 serves as the centrepiece of the Merdeka 118 Precinct - a mixed-use development anchored by two heritage stadiums, community spaces and sustainability-driven design.
"Key components such as Stadium Merdeka and the upcoming 118 Mall are envisioned as inclusive public destinations, complemented by community-driven initiatives including the Merdeka 118 Public Realm Improvement and Merdeka 118 Community Grants programmes," PNBMV said.
Both initiatives are part of the Warisan KL project, which aims to revitalise surrounding neighbourhoods and strengthen community connections in the city.
PNBMV added that this global recognition reaffirms Malaysia’s growing leadership in sustainable and inclusive urban development. - Bernama
