Malaysia’s iconic Merdeka 118 Tower has been officially recognised as the Best Tall Building (300m and above) by the Council on Vertical Urbanism (CVU), marking a major milestone for the nation’s architecture and engineering achievements on the global stage.

The award was announced at the CVU 2025 Awards Ceremony in Toronto, Canada, which honours excellence in tall building design and urban development worldwide.

Formerly known as the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH), the CVU is a leading global authority on skyscrapers and sustainable urbanism.

In a statement, PNB Merdeka Ventures Sdn Bhd (PNBMV), the developer of Merdeka 118, said the award recognises the tower’s architectural innovation, structural engineering, and commitment to sustainability.

Standing at 678.9 metres, Merdeka 118 is the tallest building in Southeast Asia and the second-tallest in the world, symbolising Malaysia’s progress, creativity, and ambition.

“From the 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,” said Datuk Tengku Ab. Aziz Tengku Mahmud, CEO of PNBMV.

“We are proud to see this vision recognised internationally. Merdeka 118 captures the spirit of independence and Malaysia’s optimism for the future.”

Principal architect Karl Fender of Fender Katsalidis said the design aimed to go beyond height, creating a timeless landmark that reflects Malaysia’s history and future aspirations.

“This award reaffirms our belief that great architecture is built with purpose, inspiring generations to come,” he said.

CVU chairman Shonn Mills described Merdeka 118 as “a model of integrated design,” highlighting its blend of technical excellence, cultural storytelling, and environmental responsibility.

“It exemplifies how tall buildings can drive urban regeneration while expressing a nation’s identity and aspirations,” Mills said.

Developed by PNB Merdeka Ventures, a subsidiary of Permodalan Nasional Berhad (PNB), the tower anchors the Merdeka 118 Precinct, a mixed-use development featuring heritage sites, community spaces, and green design principles.

Key components of the project include Stadium Merdeka, the upcoming 118 Mall, and community-focused initiatives such as the Merdeka 118 Public Realm Improvement and Merdeka 118 Community Grants programmes. These initiatives form part of the Warisan KL project, which aims to revitalise Kuala Lumpur’s urban landscape and strengthen community ties.

PNBMV said the global recognition reinforces Malaysia’s growing leadership in sustainable and inclusive urban development, positioning Merdeka 118 as a global benchmark for future skyscraper projects.