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Straits Times
15-06-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
Malaysia's love affair with skyscrapers
Kuala Lumpur is home to one of the highest numbers of skyscrapers in the world. PHOTO: AFP KUALA LUMPUR - When tourists first step foot in Malaysia, at the top of their itinerary is usually to pay a visit to the iconic Petronas Twin Towers. The unique marvel takes the front cover of almost every Malaysian travel brochure. However, since 2023, when The Exchange TRX first opened its doors, followed by Merdeka 118 in 2024, Malaysia has a lot more to offer modern architecture-wise. So, why is the country so passionate about its skyscrapers? Is everyone here simply bursting with creativity and it needs to burst out in the form of skyscrapers? It is like an endless love affair that deserves to be delved into. To understand Malaysia's skyscraper craze, it is necessary to look at its rapid development over the last few decades. The country gained significant growth after gaining independence in 1957, especially during the booming 1990s. This was the time when the first high-rise buildings broke ground, like Menara Kuala Lumpur which was finished in 1996. It is important to remember that to the population at the time, each new skyscraper was not merely about height but rather its representation of Malaysia's journey toward modernisation and national identity. Skyscrapers are not just pretty to look at. They actually play a pretty major role in boosting the Malaysian economy. Towering buildings attract businesses and tourists, as well as create jobs and enhance urban areas. Kuala Lumpur (KL) is home to one of the highest numbers of skyscrapers in the world, which creates a bustling atmosphere that supports local businesses. The government actively encourages high-rise construction through various programmes, recognising the benefits these buildings can bring to the economy. For many Malaysians, our skyscrapers are symbols of pride. They reflect the country's aspirations and dreams of a modern future. Buildings like the Petronas Towers are not just part of the skyline. During national celebrations, these structures brilliantly and dazzlingly light up, reminding citizens of our shared journey and progress. It is like the buildings are standing tall as a testament to what Malaysia has accomplished. The future looks bright for skyscrapers in Malaysia, with exciting projects on the horizon. Builders are now focusing on smart, green technologies to ensure that future skyscrapers not only look good, but also have a positive impact on the environment. One of the most interesting facts about Malaysia's skyscrapers is how effortlessly modern designs are integrated with cultural elements. For those who enjoy the stories behind buildings, Malaysian skyscrapers are not just all glass and steel. The Petronas Twin Towers, once the tallest in the world, are iconic symbols of KL. Completed in 1998, they stand at 452m and feature a unique Islamic-inspired design. The towers are connected by a sky bridge at the 41st and 42nd floors, which serves both structural and aesthetic purposes. Reportedly, the engineering challenge was figuring out how to build on unstable ground. Hence, a deep foundation was constructed, making it an impressive feat of modern engineering. Menara KL, more commonly known as KL Tower, was finished in 1996 and stands out at 421m. It essentially functions as a communications tower as well as a popular tourist destination. Its design is inspired by Islamic architecture, characterised by a sleek, tapering form. One of its engineering highlights is its ability to withstand strong winds, thanks to the innovative use of a reinforced concrete core. The tower also features a revolving restaurant that offers panoramic views of the city, a feat that leaves it bustling with tourists day in and day out. Opened in 2023, The Exchange TRX is an integral part of KL's financial district and features a design emphasising sustainability and functionality. The 445.5m building incorporates energy-efficient systems and green spaces, aiming for a significant reduction in carbon footprint. Its architectural design nicely blends in with the urban landscape and Malaysian sentiment towards the ambitious project has been positive because of the incredible sustainability efforts included in its concept. As a result, TRX has been dubbed a notable advancement in eco-friendly skyscraper design. In the case of Merdeka 118, the famous skyscraper has certainly been making its rounds in newspaper headlines. It was featured in Marvel Studios' latest superhero film, 'Thunderbolts'. Including its tip, the oddly proportioned building is 678.9m tall. It can be considered novelty architecture, which covers buildings with unusual shapes to become landmarks. The structure employs cutting-edge engineering techniques to ensure stability and resilience against seismic activities, showcasing how modern technology can harmonise with cultural threads. The less talked about Menara Maybank has some interesting design elements as well. Completed in 1988, Maybank Tower was the tallest building in KL as well as Malaysia at 244m, around half the height of the Petronas Twin Towers. Today, the tower remains a prominent part of the city's skyline. It is characterised by its distinctive triangular shape and is designed to maximise natural light. The building features a unique suspension system that allows it to adapt to environmental conditions, representing an early example of innovative engineering in the region. It is worth noting that the bank is moving from its famed headquarters to Merdeka 118. These skyscrapers have truly showcased Malaysia's remarkable engineering prowess while also reflecting Malaysia's evolving identity and aspirations, intertwining culture, economy and environmental considerations into their designs. While many question the price to bear of constructing these supertalls, they do their part in bringing global attention and investments. As Malaysia continues to reach new heights, it shows the world just how far it has come since its monumental independence in 1957. Where is Malaysia headed now? Only time will tell and with each new skyscraper, Malaysia is telling an inspiring story of ambition, resilience and hope for the future. THE STAR/ ASIA NEWS NETWORK Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
The Star
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
Marvel's Thunderbolts spotlights Malaysian stunt talent
Local stunt talent gained global recognition once again with JST & SFX Production's involvement in Marvel Studios' Thunderbolts, filmed partly in Kuala Lumpur and premiered globally early last month. Its founder, James Chung, said its involvement proves the local team's ability to produce high-quality action scenes on par with international productions. "We first got involved in international film productions around 2017 to 2018 through the UK film Strike Back and Skyfire, a China-US co-production. "For Thunderbolts , we were contacted by renowned stunt director Noon Orsatti before the collaboration was finalised,' he told Bernama recently. The film Thunderbolts , directed by Jake Schreier, features a star-studded cast including Florence Pugh, David Harbour, Hannah John-Kamen, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Sebastian Stan, Wyatt Russell and Geraldine Viswanathan. Parts of it were filmed at the world's second tallest building, Merdeka 118, in mid-2023. In addition to Thunderbolts , JST & SFX Production has also been involved in various other international productions including I Want To Be Rich, The Ghost Bride, The Little Nyonya, Attack Part 1, Special Raid, Big Octopus, Rajah, The Chosen One and Lord Of The Flies . Chung, who is also a stunt director, said his team consists of 20 experienced, well-trained and disciplined male and female local stunt actors. With over 20 years of experience in the field, he said their expertise was essential in executing complex and high-risk explosion scenes, which also involved over 100 extras. "The main challenge is ensuring that all the extras are well-coordinated so everything runs smoothly and safely, as explosions can send flying debris. We are flexible and can perform stunts that regular extras can't,' he said. Chung added that his team was only given one day to prepare, including costume setup and technical briefing before filming began. "For this explosion scene, we were only given a day to prepare costumes and a day to shoot. We conducted about seven rehearsals to ensure the scene went smoothly,' he said, adding that no special training was required for the shoot. Meanwhile, stunt coordinator Ali Arami said they had to turn down a "rigging" scene in the superhero film due to the lack of specialised equipment. "The equipment costs around US$120,000. We didn't think it was necessary to purchase it because the rental cost is high, which would burden local productions. If there was a government grant, that would be a different story. We could buy it and rent it out at a more affordable rate,' he said. Ali, who has nearly 20 years of experience, said discipline and professionalism were among the key reasons international productions choose local teams. "Mr Noon himself praised Asians, including Malaysians, for their strong work ethics. Even when they're exhausted, they complete tasks quickly – unlike American crews who tend to take a more 'slow and steady' approach,' he said. "Even though not all stunt performers are fluent in English, they still try hard to understand and follow instructions well. Respecting the director's orders and being easy to work with are our added values,' he said. Ali also noted that international productions emphasise clear work structures, including a 12-hour work limit per day, per diem allowances (pocket money) and on-set safety. Therefore, he hopes the local film industry will better appreciate the sacrifices and expertise of stunt actors, while also safeguarding crew welfare and safety. "Yes, we are paid to fall or take impact, but before that, we always check whether the stunt is safe. We're not Superman,' he said. – Bernama
The Star
12-06-2025
- The Star
Tourism image on the line
Towering beauty: Tourists taking photos of the Merdeka 118 tower at Petaling Street. — AZHAR MAHFOF/The Star PETALING JAYA: From beaches to rainforests, captivating urban developments, vibrant cultures and great food, Malaysia has everything going for it as it prepares to welcome tourists ahead of Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026). With less than six months to go, tourism industry players are geared up for an influx of tourists. However, many warn of unscrupulous folk posing as legitimate service providers, aiming to deceive and profit from tourists. They say this can stunt VM2026 promotional efforts, adding that one bad incident can make things go south. Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) president Nigel Wong said there must be no delay in weeding out illegal tourism service providers. 'We need increased enforcement by the necessary ministries and agencies now, not later. 'This needs to be eradicated even before 2026 comes around,' he said. On tourism products, Wong said MATTA has been working with agencies like Tourism Malaysia to target different markets leading into VM2026. This includes tourists from Europe, within Asean, and those from China, Taiwan and the Asia-Pacific region. 'We are also focusing on sustainable tourism and promoting cultural experiences across different ethnic groups within city centres,' said Wong. He urged for improved land connectivity to help tourists explore more of what Malaysia had to offer. Malaysia Airports, on its website, is also warning holidaymakers of travel scams targeting tourists. These scams occur when travellers purchase tour packages, which are usually cheaper than what is offered in the market, from travel agents or agencies. After purchasing the packages, travellers would find themselves stranded at the airport with their details not found in the airlines' ticketing system. The public is advised to check with the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry website to verify the legitimacy of a travel agent or agency. Malaysian Tourism Federation president Datuk Tan Kok Liang expressed concerns over scams, unlicensed operators and inconsistent service standards. 'Malaysia's reputation is on the line and strict enforcement is needed,' he said. He said the organisation was working closely with travel partners to curate thematic packages, focusing on culture, eco-tourism and experiential travel, especially across lesser-known gems in Malaysia. Agrotourism, he said, held significant untapped potential nationwide, citing Perlis and Tawau in Sabah as examples. 'Perlis offers a unique countryside experience, including visits to mango farms, with the state renowned for the Harumanis mango. 'Tawau, meanwhile, is home to one of the best cocoa plantations. 'These destinations exemplify the kind of hidden gems that can be spotlighted, helping to diversify tourism offerings and boost rural economies,' Tan said. Malaysia Budget & Business Hotel Association president Sri Ganesh Michiel said all forms of unlicensed tourism services and products should be nipped in the bud to enhance tourists' experience of Malaysia. 'Allowing short-term rental accommodations to continue operations into VM2026 efforts would see the hard work of tourism players and the government being ripped by unlicensed service providers,' he said. 'Legal businesses are the ones paying taxes and will not stand to benefit much from the campaign if this issue is left unchecked.' He described VM2026 as an opportunity to reintroduce Malaysia as a premier, safe and sustainable tourist destination. 'However, one bad experience from a tourist using such an unlicensed service could jeopardise the whole campaign,' he said. Sri Ganesh said unlicensed entities operating outside of any legal framework, and not subject to safety inspections were of concern as this undermines licensed operators who follow local laws.
India.com
03-06-2025
- Business
- India.com
Dubai's Burj Khalifa, world's tallest building, is standing because of India, it was built using Indian...., this company supplied....
Dubai's Burj Khalifa, world's tallest building, is standing because of India, it was built using Indian...., this company supplied.... Everyone knows about Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building located in Dubai as it stands as a symbol of luxury and wealth. Owning a flat or apartment in Burj Khalifa is seen as a clear sign that someone is rich. Rising to a height of around 828 meters, it can be seen from nearly 100 kilometers away. But there are some interesting facts about Burj Khalifa that many people are not aware of. For example, which company built this massive tower? What makes it even more interesting is that the company that built it is quite famous, and though many know its name, only a few know that it also constructs buildings like this. Even more surprising is that this sky-high tower stands strong thanks to materials from India. In fact, the cooling system that helps keep this giant structure comfortable was also made by an Indian company. Who built the Burj Khalifa? The Burj Khalifa was built by Samsung C&T, a South Korean company. It is the same company that is famous worldwide for making smartphones, televisions and other electronic appliances. But apart from all this, Samsung also has a construction division called Samsung C&T, and it's this division that built the Burj Khalifa. Samsung C&T is well known for building some of the tallest and most iconic buildings in the world. Along with Burj Khalifa, this company has also worked on other famous skyscrapers like the Petronas Towers and Merdeka 118 in Kuala Lumpur, Taipei 101 in Taiwan, and the Tadawul Tower in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Their expertise in high-rise construction is recognized globally. What makes Burj Khalifa so strong? The strength of the Burj Khalifa comes mainly from the high-quality steel and concrete used in its construction. And surprisingly, a large part of the steel used in this skyscraper was supplied by India's Tata Group. Tata provided around 39,000 tonnes of steel to help build this massive structure. This steel was used to construct around 400 million square meters of flooring inside the building. Along with that, the construction also used about 330,000 cubic meters of concrete, which is equal in weight to around 100,000 elephants! These strong materials together form the solid foundation that helps the Burj Khalifa stand tall and safe.
New Straits Times
27-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Sika Malaysia expands sustainable solutions to support nation's infrastructure growth
KUALA LUMPUR: As Malaysia ramps up efforts to moderniseinfrastructure and prioritise sustainable development, global construction materials company Sika is steadily expanding its role in supporting the nation's evolving built environment. With over 100 years of experience and operations in more than 100 countries, the Switzerland-headquartered company has embedded itself into Malaysia's construction sector, contributing to a range of national projects. Its local subsidiary, Sika Malaysia, has supplied materials and technical expertise to notable developments including Merdeka 118 and an upcoming data centre in Elmina Park. Reflecting its commitment to the market, Sika Malaysia recently relocated its headquarters from Petaling Jaya to Bangsar South, centralising the group's supporting functions under one roof to boost operational efficiency and foster a unified culture for its 420-strong workforce. The company is currently led by its general manager, Francisco Retondo. Nearly 75 per cent of its products sold in Malaysia are manufactured locally, supported by multiple manufacturing facilities across the country. The primary manufacturing site in Nilai, Negeri Sembilan, acts as the central hub, housing production plants, a warehouse, a laboratory, and administrative offices. Additional production locations include Teluk Gong and Bukit Raja in Selangor, Ipoh in Perak, Senai and Gelang Patah in Johor, as well as Kota Kinabalu in Sabah. This extensive manufacturing footprint strengthens local supply chains and enhances resilience against global logistical disruptions. Sika Malaysia leverages its parent company's network of 18 Global Technology Centers—including four based in Asia, specifically in China and Japan—to adapt international innovations to local conditions. This includes addressing Malaysia's tropical climate and high rainfall levels through advanced waterproofing systems and durability-enhancing concrete admixtures. Strategic acquisitions and partnerships have also played a key role in Sika's growth. The acquisition of MBCC Group in May 2023 significantly bolstered Sika's global construction chemicals portfolio, while compliance with antitrust regulations led to divestment of some admixture businesses to private equity firm Cinven. Earlier, in May 2019, the acquisition of ParexGroup expanded Sika's building finishing segment, adding products such as tile adhesives, façade mortars, and waterproofing solutions. Locally, Sika has partnered with Dr. Grout Malaysia, a leader in tile grout restoration, combining Dr. Grout's service expertise with Sika's product performance to elevate tile care standards nationwide. Central to Sika's operating model is its sustainability framework, aimed at reducing environmental impact while delivering long-lasting performance. At the global level, Sika targets a 12 per cent reduction in carbon emissions per ton of product sold by end-2025, and is committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. This includes interim targets aligned with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi)—namely a 50.4 per cent cut in Scope 1 and 2 emissions, and 30 per cent in Scope 3 emissions by 2032. In Malaysia, this translates into initiatives such as solar panel installations, electric forklift adoption, and the use of supplementary cementitious materials to reduce carbon intensity and extend the life cycle of structures. Sika's commitment to sustainability is also reflected in its Strategy 2028, which places the development of sustainable solutions at its core. Its product engineers aim to extend the lifespan of buildings and industrial applications, reduce maintenance needs and emissions, and improve both energy and material efficiency—all while enhancing user safety and ease of application. "As Malaysia accelerates its shift toward sustainable and digitally driven infrastructure, we remain focused on providing high-performance solutions that help reduce environmental impact," said Francisco Retondo, General Manager of Sika Malaysia. "Our goal is to be a long-term partner in the country's development—leveraging local manufacturing, global expertise, and a strong commitment to sustainability." To further reduce its environmental impact, Sika is reformulating its products with alternative, renewable, or recycled materials, partnering with suppliers to lower the carbon footprint of raw materials and packaging, and targeting reductions in waste disposal and water discharge per ton of product sold. Sika also recognises that people are key to driving sustainability. As part of its efforts, the company empowers employees through innovative development programs designed to drive growth and long-term success. Sika Malaysia is also aligning its growth trajectory with the country's broader digital and industrial ambitions. Between January and October 2024, Malaysia recorded RM141.7 billion in data centre investments, reflecting momentum in digital infrastructure. With a strong pipeline of industrial and infrastructure projects, the company is projecting revenue growth of 10 to 15 per cent in 2025, significantly outperforming the construction industry's national average of 5.4 per cent. To navigate inflationary pressures and rising input costs, Sika is leaning into value-added, performance-based solutions, ensuring that sustainability and cost-efficiency go hand in hand.
