Merdeka 118 Bags World’s ‘Best Tall Building’ Award

By Danial Martinus • 04 Nov 2025 in News

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Kuala Lumpur’s skyline has always been celebrated for its diversity in design, and now it’s also got another accolade to add to the list.

Merdeka 118 has officially been named the Best Tall Building (300 metres and above) in the world by the Council on Vertical Urbanism (CVU). The award shines a global spotlight on Malaysia’s growing reputation in architecture and sustainable design.

Not just any award

For context, the CVU is the world’s top authority on skyscrapers and urban living, so for Merdeka 118 to top its list is definitely no small feat.

Standing at a mind-numbing 678.9 metres tall, Merdeka 118 isn’t just the tallest building in Southeast Asia, it’s also the second tallest building in the world, beat out only by the Burj Khalifa in the UAE.

Aside from being an architectural marvel, the building also stands as a physical symbol of Malaysian growth.

“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,” says PNB Merdeka Ventures Sdn Bhd (PNBMV) CEO, Datuk Tengku Ab. Aziz Tengku Mahmud.

“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.”

But building Merdeka 118 wasn’t just about breaking height records, it’s also meant to honour Malaysia’s past while celebrating its future, according to principal architect Karl Fender, of Fender Katsilidis.

“This award reaffirms our belief that great architecture is built with layers of purpose that inspire generations to come,” Fender says.

Right now, the tower sits at the heart of a mixed-use development, anchored by two heritage stadiums (Stadium Merdeka and Stadium Negara), along with the upcoming 118 Mall and a variety of community spaces.

There are plans to revitalise the surrounding neighbourhoods through initiatives like Merdeka 118 Community Grants, as well as public realm improvement schemes under the Warisan KL project.

So to put it short and sweet, while Merdeka 118 is a mega-tall skyscraper, its impact is meant to be felt more on the ground as a catalyst for change and innovation.