Advertising feature | february 22, 2021

MERDEKA 118, KL’s new landmark destination

Overlooking the most historically significant places in the city, Permodalan Nasional Bhd’s development has been conceived, planned and developed to encapsulate the nation’s beginnings and, more crucially, its aspirations for the future

ermodalan Nasional Bhd’s (PNB) ence was declared. It also reflects us reaching out Located near Chinatown in KL, the 118 tower is set to add a distinctive mark to for our future, to the sky beyond [to reach] our development spans a total of 40 acres, with half of the skyline. The 118-storey potential,” she says. this land area comprising and tower, upon its completion in 2022, will From the outset, Zeti says, it was PNB’s vision . The remaining components, which be the first building to obtain triple plat- to create an iconic landmark building in the city. will be built in phases, include the 118-storey tower, Pinum green building accreditations both locally “We saw it as an opportunity to unlock the value a mall, linear park, textile gallery, childcare centre, and internationally. At a height of 635m, it will be when the land was acquired in the year 2000. It mosque and three residential towers. the ­second-tallest tower in the world. is to create a focal point within the area for com- Construction of the first phase of the project, com- For Malaysians and Klang Valley residents, what merce, culture and the preservation of our heritage. prising the 118-storey tower and infrastructure for will set the multi-faceted Merdeka 118 apart from “This is for our future generations to know about the surrounding area, as well as the second phase, other tall buildings in KL’s already architecturally how we came to achieve our independence, about comprising the mall and linear park, is already un- stunning skyline is its unique spire. Positioned at our heritage and how we have progressed over the derway. Both the tower and the mall are expected to the side of its highest peak, its design is a nod to years. Through this, they will not only know about be ready for occupation in the third quarter of 2022. the origins of its name. the modern Malaysia of today but also about our The final component of the development, Merdeka PNB group chairman Tan Sri Dr. Zeti Aziz says past and how we built the country over time, what Residences, is set for completion in 2025/26. the tower overlooks one of the most important we have achieved and what we aspire to achieve places in KL in terms of the country’s history — in the future.” A development like no other Stadium Merdeka — giving rise to its name. “It is The surrounding area, she notes, is also very PNB president and group chief executive Ahmad a tribute to the location where our independence special. “There are many old firsts here. There is the ­Zulqarnain Onn says the Merdeka 118 tower has was proclaimed, where 20,000 people uttered the Chin Woo Stadium, which houses the first Olym- about 1.66 million sq ft of net lettable office space word ‘Merdeka’ in 1957. And ‘118’ represents the pic-sized swimming pool in the country. There is and about one million sq ft of retail space. He number of floors in the tower. It will become the also one of the oldest secondary schools established adds that PNB and its group of companies will tallest building in .” in 1893, the (VI). Not too far take up about 600,000 sq ft, and the state-owned She adds that the name not only refers to the away is the recently regenerated and revived Rex fund management company is in fairly advanced nation’s beginnings, but also its current state, as Cinema that was completed in 1947, a place that I negotiations with a number of tenants for the re- reflected in the building’s modern design. “The did go to when I was a teenager,” she says. These maining office space. spire, which is at one side at the top of the build- buildings, she adds, reflect the old part of KL and Given that the Merdeka 118 tower is still under ing, symbolises the hand raised when independ- make up the historical fabric of the address. CONTINUES ON PAGE AF2 AF2 Merdeka 118 AF3 february 22 february 22 2021 2021 M erde k a 118

Design inspiration PNB is committed to investing in building new infrastructure as well as upgrading the existing “The message in our client’s first infrastructure surrounding the precinct to ensure communique to us was refreshingly simple: seamless connectivity and accessibility, says Would we be interested in assisting PNB Ahmad Zulqarnain with designing a tall tower in KL? Our answer was obviously ‘yes!’ and then, as we moved forward after engagement, the will also be ensured by using non-toxic paint and detailed design brief quickly evolved. It adhesives. An optimal indoor atmosphere pro- was clearly stated that the tower, despite moting natural light, along with daylight glare its height, should not in any way detract control, acoustic optimisation and temperature from the presence and importance of control, is all part of the strategy to make the Stadium Merdeka and Stadium Negara. The workplace a more conducive environment for our design was not to superficially replicate colleagues,” says Ahmad Zulqarnain. traditional Malaysian architecture but rather The many green initiatives at Merdeka 118 be a confident statement of Malaysia’s include solar panels sufficient for the entire hot modernisation and future global presence. water supply needs of the Park Hyatt hotel, LED [Merdeka 118] is a tribute to the We are putting together different lighting throughout the building, rainwater cap- “Merdeka 118 is designed outwardly as location where our independence parts of a city lifestyle where ture for irrigation and greywater capture for reuse. an extremely tall crystalline form, which was proclaimed, where 20,000 you can work, live, play, be “Merdeka 118 will be self-sufficient through pragmatically mitigates wind pressures. This our greywater capture system, which will collect complex form is made up of varying arrays people uttered the word ‘Merdeka’ healthy and be entertained.” and treat used water and send it back to the tower and sizes of triangular glass panels, which in 1957.” — Zeti — Ahmad Zulqarnain for reuse (in washrooms). The precinct will also follow the bracing lines of the structure, employ an irrigation system that will utilise grey- creating harmony between architectural water and rainwater to water the outdoor green- form and structure. The triangular facets from page AF1 ery within the precinct,” says Ahmad Zulqarnain. of the building are inspired by the patterns construction, this is also a plus, he notes. “We under- Apart from Merdeka 118’s multiple public often found in the songket materials of stand that due to the pandemic, new SOPs are being transit connections, within the development Malaysia and refer symbolically to the diverse implemented in office spaces. As Merdeka 118 has yet will be bicycle parking bays and amenities such ethnicities that form Malaysia’s rich culture. to be fully built, PNB has the opportunity to include as lockers and showers for cycling commuters appropriate contactless features in the design of our as well as prioritised parking for fuel-efficient “The roof of the building morphs into a office spaces,” he says. Some of the features being con- or hybrid vehicles. 120m-high perforated steel-clad spire, also sidered include contactless technology such as facial PNB has set a target for more than 30% of the crystalline in shape, forming an integral recognition, digital body temperature checks and QR materials used for the construction of the tower component of the building’s design. It further code access for visitors. to be recycled materials such as concrete, steel marks from afar this hallowed place within As for the mall, which will be ready for occupancy the city, and has already become fondly by mid-2022, he says it will span across seven floors adopted by the community as a direct and be connected to the tower’s — sitive, appropriate future placemaking in this location.” reference to the moment that Tunku Abdul the highest of its kind in the region. “We have care- PNB, Ahmad Zulqarnain adds, is dedicated to conserv- Rahman raised his hand in triumph when fully thought out the visitor experience so that when ing both stadiums, and established the Merdeka Heritage declaring Malaysia’s independence on 31 visitors start the journey to the observation deck from Park Hyatt Hotel will occupy the top 17 floors of the tower Trust (MHT) in 2007 for that very purpose. MHT works BUILDING OF August 1957. To me, this is a very satisfying the mall, they will get a bit of the history of KL and in- together with Badan Warisan Malaysia, whose meticu- example of a building being embraced to add sights into the Merdeka 118 development. mall being distinctive and differentiated. “The team lous conservation efforts earned Stadium Merdeka the another layer of rich legend to the city.” “Upon reaching the top, they will be met with spec- has worked very hard and is continually challenged UNESCO Award of Excellence for Cultural Heritage Con- — Karl Fender, tacular 360° views of the KL skyline. Thrill seekers will to create destinations in the mall that are distinctive servation Programme in 2008. Architect of Merdeka 118, be able to walk on glass floors with nothing but the and differentiated, that you cannot find anywhere else Restoration activities at the stadium include the THE FUTURE founding partner of Fender Katsalidis Architects city below, and the truly exceptional thrill seeker can in KL,” she says. removal of the seating terraces for a larger seating ca- put on a harness and walk outside the tower, weather Pointing to the fourth level of the mall, Ahmad Zulqa- pacity of 45,000 for the 1989 SEA Games to the original Once completed, the Merdeka 118 tower will be the first building and wind permitting. Even the spire will be a tourist rnain says it will boast Asia’s largest 88m-diameter glass capacity of 20,000, removal of the rubberised track and to obtain triple green platinum building accreditations locally and attraction — you can climb up the structure and take dome, which echoes the dome design of Stadium Negara. reinstallation of the football field, reconstruction of the a selfie or wefie when you reach the highest point of Other unique elements in the development include display board to its original form in 1957, restoration of internationally, ensuring its sustainability and relevance the tower at over 550m.” the linear park at the foot of the tower called the Merde- the floor tiles at the main entrance using mosaic tiles, Descending from the observation deck, visitors will ka Boulevard at 118. “To one side is Stadium Merdeka and the installation of new carpets in all three VIP rooms arrive at the third floor of the mall, dubbed the “Ma- and on the other side is Masjid Merdeka. At the end of to match those used in 1957. ermodalan Nasional Bhd president and and wood. “Furthermore, 95% of our construction laysian Artisan District” floor. “It is important that we the linear park is a two-storey building called Look at For Zeti, the restoration of Stadium Merdeka to its group chief executive Ahmad Zulqarnain waste will be sent to recycling centres where they position this mall differently in the market with our 118, with a café inside and a dedicated lookout point on former glory has brought back happy memories. “When Onn says when the idea of the Merdeka will be separated and repurposed,” says Ahmad unique offerings, and this floor will be one of the key the rooftop, as well as a textile gallery nestled within I was a student in the 1960s, sometime soon after inde- 118 tower was conceived, environmen- Zulqarnain. factors that will differentiate us,” he says. The space the same building. At the lookout point, you can have pendence, schoolchildren used to perform on Merdeka tal considerations were a top priority. To In addition, the tower will employ the Air-Con- will provide the ideal platform for emerging and tal- an uninterrupted, magnificent view of the tower be- Day at Stadium Merdeka. We would also sit on the benches Pthat end, the tower will be the first in Malaysia ditioning and Mechanical Ventilation (ACMV) ented local artisans and designers to showcase their yond the park,” he says. in the stadium. So I have seen how the stadium looked to work towards triple green platinum ratings system. Compared with conventional systems, craft to those who appreciate art, culture and possess Infrastructure is being put in place to allow tour originally. Now, seeing it after it has been restored to its with international sustainability certifications, the ACMV system contributes significantly to a proud-to-be-Malaysian attitude, he adds. buses to drop tourists off for a visit to Look at 118, buy original state actually brings great excitement,” she says. namely Leadership in Energy and Environmen- lowering energy consumption through a water Zeti says the emphasis has always been on the a cup of coffee and croissant, take pictures and then tal Design (LEED), Green Real Estate (GreenRE) treatment system that provides water savings get back on the bus to continue their journey to the Connectivity and accessibility and Green Building Index (GBI). and reduces maintenance costs. main building, where they can then go up the obser- Ahmad Zulqarnain says PNB is committed to investing For PNB, however, it is not just a case of achiev- “We are exploring the possibility of integrating vation deck or the mall. in building new infrastructure as well as upgrading the ing the ratings and certifications, but also practis- Building Information Modelling (BIM) technol- existing infrastructure surrounding the precinct to ensure ing this daily at work. “For example, encouraging ogy with Building Management System. For the Stadium Merdeka as the centrepiece seamless connectivity and accessibility. Through its whol- all our colleagues to reduce paper waste and to construction of the tower, we have utilised BIM As remarkable as these new features are, the gems of ly-owned subsidiary PNB Merdeka Ventures Sdn Bhd, the recycle waste within each floor. Also, the glass extensively for clash detection between the ar- the Merdeka 118 precinct are undoubtedly Stadium builders of Merdeka 118, PNB has collaborated with a team panels, which offers 360° views, allow us to use chitectural, structural, mechanical and electrical Merdeka and Stadium Negara. Ahmad Zulqarnain says of international consultants, architects, engineers and lo- natural light on all floors, thus reducing energy elements digitally. these two buildings set Merdeka 118 apart from other cal experts to draw up the necessary infrastructure plans. consumption. Furthermore, the tower’s office “This has allowed the project team to ensure addresses in the city centre. “Great cities have space for multiple great buildings, so floors are designed with air conditioning flowing that all components are fully coordinated prior Stadium Merdeka, he reiterates, is the centrepiece if we think of New York, the tallest building there is the from underneath the floors, allowing the air to to installation, significantly reducing field issues of the Merdeka 118 precinct. “We are putting together Freedom Tower, but they also have the Empire State Build- disperse better and boost energy efficiency. These and rework on site. Additionally, once the pro- different parts of a city lifestyle where you can work, ing, the , and all of them are very close efforts are small steps but if we implement them ject is completed, integrating BIM with Build- live, play, be healthy and be entertained. Eventually, to the hearts of New Yorkers. KL will also be similar, with in our daily lives at work, they can contribute to ing Management System will provide a visual once Stadium Negara is reactivated with events and an inspiring skyline that will have multiple iconic build- creating a greater impact that redefines sustain- representation of the tower for the purpose of concerts, we will be able to enhance the activities avail- ings, including Merdeka 118 and the Petronas Twin Towers. able living at the workplace,” he says. managing and maintaining the development,” able within the precinct. There is no location like this “We have carefully planned for smooth traffic flow In terms of energy efficiency, Merdeka 118 Ahmad Zulqarnain explains. in Malaysia today,” he adds. using multiple entry and exit points rather than a ‘one- will include energy saving features in its build- With technology changing over time, he says, The architect for the Merdeka 118 tower was similar- way system’ encircling the precinct. To increase acces- ing design. These include zoned daylight sensors, Merdeka 118’s sustainability journey will be an ly impressed with the site and the significance of the sibility by road, we are constructing the Belfield Tunnel, tenant sub-metering, automatic blind control at evolving one, improving over time. “As part of the heritage buildings and the surroundings. Karl Fender, which gives visitors direct access to Merdeka 118 from key corners of the offices, low emissivity glass and future maintenance expenditure, we will contin- founding partner of Fender Katsalidis Architects, says: off the Federal Highway. Further road centralised district cooling with on-site chilled ue to explore further opportunities to implement “On discovering the importance of Stadium Merdeka improvements have also been added to ease access to- water energy storage. similar strategies across the remaining phases of and its precinct in the context of Malaysia’s journey to wards Jalan Stadium and Jalan Hang Jebat. Merdeka 118 “The happiness and well-being of our occupants the Merdeka 118 development.” Visitors at the observation deck will have spectacular 360º views of the KL skyline independence, [I realised] the obligation to provide sen- CONTINUES ON PAGE AF4 AF4 Merdeka 118 february 22 2021 M erde k a 118

from page AF3 is also well supported by two LRT stations (Hang Tuah and ), the MRT AT ONE WITH THE with the already-operational Merdeka Sta- tion and by monorail with the Maharajalela station,” he says. Other infrastructure boosts include a di- COMMUNITY rect connection leading from Jalan Istana to the basement of the development, pedestrian More than a landmark address, Merdeka 118 is sensitive to the access linked to the Bukit Bintang City Centre significance of its location, the surrounding neighbourhood and development, and an 800m new flyover. In all, PNB has invested almost RM500 million on the community that calls it home infrastructure upgrades to ease accessibility. In addition, Ahmad Zulqarnain notes that PNB is cognisant of the importance hen Permodalan Nasional Bhd (PNB) em- visitors alike keep coming back to the Merdeka 118 pre- of incorporating urban greening plans in barked on Merdeka 118, one of the key con- cinct, not just during the work week but in the evenings a bustling city like KL. “One definite way siderations was for the development to be and weekends too. to do this is to plant more trees to provide integrated seamlessly with the wider com- “We are a new resident of this existing community that more shaded walkways around the area,” munity. The site of building is rich in history and culture and we need to make sure he says, adding that plans to further green Wwithin the locale of an area steeped in history, the rejuve- that when we are open for business, our pull factor will be the area are already in the works. nation of Stadium Merdeka and Stadium Negara, and the shared with the community at large as well. It could be an incorporation of these historic buildings into the Merdeka attraction — not necessarily our attraction — but we will The finish line 118 precinct, speak volumes of PNB’s intent. ensure the curation of activities not just at our site but Although the Movement Control Order to PNB president and group chief executive Ahmad Zul- also within the neighbourhood, where people can walk stem the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic qarnain Onn says although Merdeka 118 will be the city’s back and forth safely, ultimately attracting more people has delayed the progress of the project’s con- new landmark destination, it is not meant to be just an to come into the area.” struction, Ahmad Zulqarnain says work re- exclusive enclave. “It’s meant to be shared with the pub- Zeti says PNB will be undertaking programmes for small sumed in mid-May last year and the tower’s lic. We already have existing assets here and we want to businesses in the area as well. “We are going to have a re- concrete core structure reached its peak at make these civic, public spaces available to the public. tail mall, and we do not want it to adversely affect small Level 118 in August. As at mid-January this “Much thought has been put into the experience of businesses in the area. So, we will work with them so that year, the floor slab is at Level 116, whereas tenants, residents and visitors. We are a new resident of the whole area becomes vibrant.” the glass façade is at Level 95. “In terms of an existing neighbourhood and we want to make sure we This year, PNB will start a grants programme that will milestones, we are excited to announce that respect what the neighbourhood stands for. We want to assist local businesses, particularly those that make up the Merdeka 118 tower will be ‘topping out’ help propagate and prolong the tone and culture of the the existing fabric of the Merdeka 118 community. “To soon, meaning the tower will have reached surrounding neighbourhood.” stimulate integration, we are looking at ways to collab- the final roof slab at its peak level of 118. One way of doing so is by leveraging Stadium Merdeka orate in a targeted effort to support existing traditional “Later in the year, we are expecting the and Stadium Negara to drive more people to the neigh- and new trades with restoration works, space activation installation of the spire, which is the final bourhood. In addition to Chin Woo Stadium, the Olympic ideas and events,” she says. piece to this very tall structure. We are also Council Malaysia, Victoria Institution’s rugby association targeting the tower for completion by the and the Malaysian Association are also with- first quarter of 2022,” he says. in the vicinity. “Hence, a sports community can also be For Zeti, undertaking a project of such brought together through shared activities and venues to magnitude is like running a marathon. “For foster closer ties with Merdeka 118,” he says. What is Merdeka 118? Merdeka 118, we are already seeing the finish PNB group chairman Tan Sri Dr. Zeti Aziz discloses that line and very soon, we will be able to sign PNB is exploring the possibility of installing a running Merdeka 118 – A 118-storey office tower off. I always look forward to the sign-off of a track in Stadium Merdeka to allow people to use it during Park Hyatt KL – Occupies the top 17 floors project. All the teams that have been work- the day. “The stadium used to have a running track, but it of the tower ing on different aspects of the development was not there originally, so we had to remove it in order to The View at 118 - The highest observation deck at PNB, including the external consultants, restore the stadium back to its original state.” in Southeast Asia have worked really hard to be able to deliv- 118 Mall – About one million sq ft of retail space er something as distinctive as Merdeka 118, Replete with history and character Merdeka Boulevard at 118 – A four-acre linear which will attain global status and recog- Apart from being home to historical sporting venues, park with open public spaces nition for its many aspects, which makes some of Merdeka 118’s neighbours that make up the ad- Look at 118 – A café with Instagrammable views it all very exciting.” dress’ historical and cultural fabric are the creative hub Textile Gallery – A showcase of that is the Zhongshan Building in Kg Attap, says Ahmad Malay-world textile Zulqarnain. “The Young Women’s Christian Association Merdeka Residences – Three premium has been in this area for 106 years and is still thriving, as residential towers that will be launched well as the Sri Mahamariamman Temple that has been in 2022, with 800 apartments, including standing and serving devotees from our community for serviced residences the last 148 years. Childcare centre – Purpose-built for children “Immediately at the foot of the tower, close to Jalan Balai below seven years old Polis, is the gentrified part of Chinatown with many rea- Masjid Merdeka - For a capacity of dapted pre-war shophouses now transformed into buzzy up to 3,000 people cafés, restaurants and dining options. There is also a little road with a picturesque alleyway called ‘Kwai Chai Hong’ — reflecting the vibrancy of Chinatown.” He points out that as early as 2016, when Merdeka 118 broke ground, these new developments were already be- ginning to emerge. “These efforts have slowly brought some fresh focus to this old part of KL. Organically, the existing area itself has undergone a transformation and I am happy to say that it is for the better.” For PNB, he adds, having that integration with the community — Chinatown in particular — is important because of its proximity to Central Market, River of Life as well as Masjid Jamek and Dataran Merdeka, all of which are already tourist attractions in their own right. The plan ahead is to embark on community-based ini- tiatives that will integrate Merdeka 118 with its surround- ing community, says Ahmad Zulqarnain. “These include plans to improve strategic public realm areas that will be beneficial for the community. For example, improving the main walkways surrounding our precinct that con- nect us physically with the community, creating shelter where needed, as well as planting more trees to create more shade so it becomes safe, walkable and easily acces- sible. We are planning activities to ensure Malaysians and