The World's Second Tallest Skyscraper Built by Samsung C&T... A Landmark Embodying Malai's History

Merdeka118 Symbolizes Malaysian Independence
Construction Began in 2015, Completion Ceremony Held After 9 Years

On the 10th (local time), Samsung C&T held the opening ceremony for the 'Merdeka118' building in the capital of Malaysia. It is the tallest skyscraper in Southeast Asia and the second tallest in the world. The supertall building has a total of 118 floors and reaches a height of 678.9 meters. Merdeka means 'independence' in Malay. The name was taken from the nearby 'Stadium Merdeka'.

Not only is it tall, but it is also an exceptionally energy-efficient building. It received the 'Triple Platinum' rating, the highest level of energy efficiency, from LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), an international green building certification program, making it the first in Malaysia to achieve this.

Merdeka 118, Malaysia
[Image source=Samsung C&T Corporation]

The core tasks such as building design and structural engineering were contracted to the American architectural firm Leslie E. Robertson Associates, the Robert Bird Group, and the British Arup Group. A distinctive feature of the building design is the massive 180-meter spire at the top. Thanks to this, the building has a unique shape that becomes sharper toward the top, symbolizing and honoring Tunku Abdul Rahman, the founding father and first Prime Minister of Malaysia.

Prime Minister Rahman is said to have stood at Independence Square on August 31, 1957, when Malaysia gained independence from Britain, raising one hand high and shouting "Merdeka" seven times. The spire of Merdeka118 is modeled after the Prime Minister's figure.

The first Prime Minister of Malaysia, Tunku Abdul Rahman, celebrating independence in 1957 [Image source=Captured from Wikipedia]

Inside the building, numerous office facilities, luxury shopping centers, hotels, and recreational facilities are planned to be housed. The spire section will include an observation deck, upscale restaurants, and a VIP lounge.

Although Merdeka118 is a long-cherished project symbolizing the tallest skyscraper in Southeast Asia, the construction period experienced many ups and downs. The construction, which began in 2015, cost 3.4 billion ringgit (approximately 964 billion KRW), and in 2020, it faced a major setback due to the COVID-19 lockdown. However, overcoming adversity, the building construction was successfully completed.

Meanwhile, Samsung C&T, which was responsible for the construction of Merdeka118, has made its name as the construction company that built the world's tallest skyscraper, Dubai's Burj Khalifa, and now the world's second tallest skyscraper.