Merdeka 118 tower wins Best Tall Building award from the Council on Vertical Urbanism, recognising its design and sustainability.
KUALA LUMPUR: Merdeka 118 Tower has received the Best Tall Building award from the Council on Vertical Urbanism.
The prestigious international recognition was presented at the CVU 2025 Awards Ceremony in Toronto, Canada.
Formerly the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat, the CVU is a leading global authority on skyscrapers.
PNB Merdeka Ventures said the award highlights the tower’s architectural brilliance and engineering innovation.
“Rising 678.9 metres 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 company stated.
PNBMV chief executive officer Datuk Tengku Ab. Aziz Tengku Mahmud described the recognition as a tremendous honour for Malaysia.
“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 Karl Fender said designing Merdeka 118 was about creating a timeless monument.
“This award reaffirms our belief that great architecture is built with layers of purpose that inspire generations to come,” Fender stated.
CVU chairman Shonn Mills said Merdeka 118 represents the pinnacle of integrated design.
“It exemplifies how tall buildings can drive urban regeneration while reflecting the identity and aspirations of a nation,” Mills noted.
The tower serves as the centrepiece of the Merdeka 118 Precinct, a mixed-use development anchored by heritage stadiums.
Community initiatives include the Public Realm Improvement and Community Grants programmes.
Both programmes form part of the Warisan KL project to revitalise surrounding city neighbourhoods.
This global recognition reaffirms Malaysia’s leadership in sustainable urban development. – Bernama
