KUALA LUMPUR (Jan 17): Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh has pledged RM20,000 to Pertubuhan Akitek Malaysia (PAM) as part of a push for collaboration with architects to revitalise Kuala Lumpur’s public spaces.

“I make this public call to all of you, especially PAM, to walk alongside me in shaping Kuala Lumpur for the next 24 months to reimagine public space. With only a minimum of 12 months, maximum 20 months, I have a very difficult task of turning KL around — and I know I can’t do it alone,” said Yeoh at the launch of the Kuala Lumpur Architectural Festival (KLAF) 2026 at REXKL.

Yeoh said the pledge is intended to support PAM’s efforts and foster closer cooperation between policymakers and industry professionals, noting that a minister’s effective tenure typically spans three to five years, making immediate industry engagement crucial for urban transformation.

She highlighted key urban challenges including redesigning public housing for those who cannot afford architects, improving public toilets for both tourists and locals, and providing public shower facilities to encourage healthier lifestyles.

Yeoh added that KLAF2026 and the broader reimagining of Kuala Lumpur could inspire more young Malaysians to pursue careers in architecture.

“KLAF2026 is not a festival for architects alone. We seek to involve local residents, students, creatives, businesses and communities because meaningful architecture emerges when it responds to real people and real places,” said PAM president Adrianta Aziz.

This year’s KLAF theme, “Future Culture”, will feature several competitions and, for the first time, collaborations with PAM chapters in Terengganu, Johor and Penang as part of a nationwide tour.

KLAF director Lim Gim Huang said the focus is on “creating a better city, while remembering the history of the city and its people. People represent culture, so we want to embrace a collective effort.”

The festival will run throughout the year, featuring public competitions including the Batik Design Competition, HP DPI Photography Competition, Installation Competition, Titiwangsa Pavilion 3.0 Competition and the Brown-Build Urban Renewal Ideas Competition.

Datum KL, the flagship international architectural design conference, and KLAF’s highlighting event will take place from July to August 2026 at Mitec.