Rising 678.9 metres (2,227 ft) above the heart of Kuala Lumpur, Merdeka 118, Malaysia’s tallest skyscraper dominates the city skyline with a striking, tapering form. Completed in 2023, it surpassed the Shanghai Tower to claim the spot as the second tallest building in the world, immediately drawing global attention for its scale and ambition. The tower’s design combines sleek modernity with nods to Malaysian cultural heritage, featuring a distinctive spire that stretches skyward and a series of tiered sections that give it a dynamic, soaring profile. Architects and engineers behind the project have created a structure that not only redefines the cityscape but also sets new benchmarks for supertall skyscraper design worldwide.
Tower Stats
- Height: 678.9 m / 2,227 ft
- Floors: 118
- World Ranking (August 2025): 2nd tallest building globally
- Total Floor Area: Approximately 292,000 m² / 3.14 million ft²
- Number of Elevators: 89 high-speed lifts
- Construction Period: 2016–2023
- Construction Cost: US $1.5 Billion
- Primary Use: Mixed-use (offices, hotel, retail, observation deck)
- Notable Facilities: “The View at 118” observation deck (expected to open in 2026), 118 Mall, Park Hyatt Hotel
Architecture and Design
Australian architectural firm Fender Katsalidis led the architectural design of Merdeka 118, collaborating with local architects from RSP KL. The tower’s slender profile and tapering form draw direct inspiration from the iconic image of Tunku Abdul Rahman, Malaysia’s first Prime Minister, raising his hand high during the nation’s independence declaration at Stadium Merdeka in 1957. This gesture, symbolic of freedom and unity, is reflected in the upward-reaching silhouette of the building. The façade incorporates a lattice-like pattern inspired by traditional Malay motifs, echoing both the geometric aesthetics of the Malaysian flag and the cultural heritage of the country.
Structurally, Merdeka 118 employs high-performance concrete and advanced steel reinforcement to achieve its extraordinary height as the tallest building in Southeast Asia and the second-tallest in the world. Its spire, which contributes nearly a quarter of its total height, serves as a tribute to Malaysia’s historic declaration of independence. The tower also holds the distinction of being the tallest LEED–certified building in the world, a recognition of its sustainable design and energy efficiency. By combining a robust concrete core with an aerodynamic, tapered exterior, the structure effectively resists wind loads while minimizing material use. A striking union of symbolism, sustainability, and engineering efficiency on a monumental scale.
Inside, the building features expansive floor plates for office spaces, flexible layouts for the Park Hyatt Hotel, and luxury retail areas within the 118 Mall. Public amenities are highlighted by “The View at 118”, which is set to offer the highest observation deck in Southeast Asia upon its scheduled opening in 2026. These design choices ensure that Merdeka 118 is not only a functional workplace and commercial hub but also a cultural and tourist landmark.
Photos by: Filipe Freitas, Amirul Aqid, Polina Kuzovkova, and Sam Szuchan on Unsplash
Economic and Cultural Impact
Merdeka 118 has profound implications for Malaysia’s economy and cultural identity. The tower houses numerous corporate tenants and contributes to the vibrancy of Kuala Lumpur’s central business district. It also attracts tourists, which supports local businesses and reinforces Malaysia’s position on the global stage. The project’s cost of US $1.5 billion reflects the ambition to create a world-class landmark that symbolizes economic growth and national pride.
Culturally, Merdeka 118 stands as a testament to Malaysia’s progress and independence. Its design incorporates traditional motifs and modern engineering, bridging heritage and innovation. Much like other iconic skyscrapers worldwide, the tower represents more than height—it embodies aspirations, achievements, and the narrative of a nation seeking recognition in a competitive global environment.
Photos by: Muhammad Faiz Zulkeflee, and Simon Wiedensohler on Unsplash
Spire Controversy
A large portion of Merdeka 118’s total height is credited to its spire, which in itself could be classified skyscraper on a height basis at 160m / 525 ft. This has generated debate among architectural critics regarding the tower’s ranking compared to others. While the spire is an impressive engineering feature and is classified as a structural element and not an antenna, it raises questions about how building heights are measured. Critics argue that including non-occupiable spires inflates the building’s ranking relative to its usable floors.
With a roof height of 518 metres, Merdeka 118 would rank below several other towers measured by the same standard — including the Ping An Finance Center with a roof at 599 metres and the Shanghai Tower, reaching 632 metres with a far greater usable volume. When considering roof height, Merdeka 118 is ranked tenth worldwide. This comparison underscores the ongoing debate within the skyscraper community about how ‘tallest’ should be defined, and the extent to which decorative or symbolic architectural features should factor into such rankings.”
Despite ongoing debate about how its height should be measured, the spire of Merdeka 118 is officially recognized as part of the structural design under international skyscraper standards, rightfully securing its place as the second-tallest building in the world. Beyond its record-breaking stature, the tower embodies engineering innovation, cultural symbolism, and economic ambition. Its commanding presence not only reshapes Kuala Lumpur’s skyline but also bridges heritage with modern architecture, establishing itself as a landmark for Malaysia and a destination for visitors worldwide.