On 31 October 2025, Kuala Lumpur was officially named a UNESCO Creative City of Design, joining an elite global network of cities that use creativity and culture as strategic drivers for sustainable urban development.
The announcement, made on World Cities Day, welcomed 58 new member cities into the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN), bringing the total to 408 cities across more than 100 countries.
For Kuala Lumpur, this is more than just a prestigious label. It is a recognition of years of work by DBKL (Kuala Lumpur City Hall), Think City, designers, architects, artists, academia and community groups who have been quietly turning the city into a living laboratory of design, culture and innovation.
What Is the UNESCO Creative Cities Network?
Launched in 2004, the UNESCO Creative Cities Network brings together cities that place creativity and cultural industries at the heart of their development strategies. The network spans eight creative fields:
- Architecture
- Crafts and Folk Art
- Design
- Film
- Gastronomy
- Literature
- Media Arts
- Music
These cities collaborate on policies and projects that:
- Support creative industries and jobs
- Strengthen cultural identity and heritage
- Encourage inclusive public spaces and community participation
- Advance the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those related to sustainable cities, decent work and reduced inequalities
Being part of the network opens the door to international partnerships, funding opportunities, global visibility and knowledge-sharing with other creative cities.
What Is a UNESCO Creative City of Design?
Within the UCCN, “City of Design” is a specific designation awarded to cities with strong design ecosystems and a clear commitment to design-driven development.
According to UNESCO’s criteria, Design Cities typically have:
- An established design industry (architecture, product, fashion, graphic, digital, urban design, etc.)
- Strong design education and research institutions
- A cultural landscape shaped by design: architecture, urban planning, public spaces, transportation, monuments
- A track record of design festivals, exhibitions and events
- Policies that encourage sustainable, inclusive and human-centred design
Kuala Lumpur now sits in the same category as global design hubs such as Berlin, Montreal, Seoul, Singapore, Dubai, Helsinki, Cape Town, Bandung and Bangkok.
Kuala Lumpur’s Journey to UNESCO Creative City of Design
Kuala Lumpur’s designation did not happen overnight. The application, led by DBKL with support from Think City, took around two years to prepare and involved more than 200 stakeholders across government agencies, universities, NGOs and the design community.
A key backbone of the city’s case was the Kuala Lumpur Creative and Cultural District (KLCCD) Master Plan, which focuses on regenerating the historic core around Merdeka 118, Petaling Street, Stadium Merdeka and the riverfront. The plan tackles issues such as population loss, aging buildings and underused spaces by using heritage-led, design-driven urban renewal.
Kuala Lumpur’s UNESCO dossier highlighted four main pillars of its design identity:
- Heritage conservation
- Adaptive reuse projects like Central Market, transformed from an 1888 wet market into a cultural and craft centre.
- Preservation of historic areas around Merdeka Stadium, Petaling Street and old shophouse districts.
- Public spaces and infrastructure
- Iconic design landmarks such as Saloma Link Bridge, Merdeka 118, and new pedestrian bridges that connect previously fragmented parts of the city.
- Streetscape improvements and riverfront activation projects that make downtown more walkable and liveable.
- Design education and institutions
- Creative events and festivals
- Regular art walks, design festivals, markets and cultural events across areas like Bukit Bintang, Downtown KL and the river precinct, turning the city into an open-air gallery.
Together, these elements demonstrate that design in Kuala Lumpur is not just about impressive skyscrapers—it permeates public policy, community life, tourism and the everyday experience of the city.
Malaysia’s Growing Presence in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network
Kuala Lumpur’s new status strengthens Malaysia’s profile on the global creative map. It is now the third Malaysian cityin the UNESCO Creative Cities Network:
- Kuching – Creative City of Gastronomy (2021)
Recognised for its multicultural food heritage and vibrant food festivals, Kuching was Malaysia’s first Creative City, spotlighting Sarawak’s culinary diversity. - Ipoh – Creative City of Music (2023)
Known as the national cradle of independent rock, Ipoh’s designation celebrates its thriving music scene, from indie labels to festivals. - Kuala Lumpur – Creative City of Design (2025)
Adds a design and architecture dimension to Malaysia’s creative portfolio, complementing gastronomy and music.
Alongside UNESCO World Heritage Sites like George Town and Melaka, and Biosphere Reserves such as Langkawi and Crocker Range, Malaysia is now positioned as a country that links heritage, biodiversity and design under a coherent global narrative.
Why the UNESCO Creative City of Design Title Matters for Kuala Lumpur
1. Global recognition and branding
Being named a UNESCO Creative City of Design immediately elevates Kuala Lumpur’s profile as a design destination, not just a transit or shopping stop. Travel and tourism media are already highlighting KL as an emerging hub for architecture, public art and creative districts, which will attract design-focused visitors, events and conferences.
2. Boost to the creative economy
UNESCO emphasises that Creative Cities use culture as a “concrete driver of development”, helping to create jobs, support SMEs and strengthen social cohesion.
For Kuala Lumpur, this can translate into:
- More support for design studios, architecture firms, makers, craftspeople and creative entrepreneurs
- New funding schemes, grants and pilot programmes (like Creative KL initiatives) that encourage experimentation in public spaces and downtown areas
- Stronger connections between design, tech, tourism and property development sectors
3. Design-led urban transformation
Projects like KLCCD, riverfront upgrades, heritage building restorations and pedestrian connectivity show how design can tackle real urban issues: congestion, disconnection, vacancy and declining historic districts.
The UNESCO recognition encourages Kuala Lumpur to:
- Double down on walkability, public transit integration and accessible public spaces
- Use design to ensure that regeneration benefits residents, not just tourists and investors
- Integrate sustainability and climate resilience into planning, architecture and mobility
4. Confidence for investment and property markets
Cities with strong creative identities tend to attract talent and long-term investment. Property analysts are already noting that the UNESCO designation could strengthen Kuala Lumpur’s position as a regional hub for design-led mixed-use developments, creative districts and lifestyle neighbourhoods.
This aligns with key flagship projects such as TRX, BBCC, KL Metropolis and Merdeka 118, which combine world-class architecture with retail, hospitality, culture and public space.
5. Pride and opportunity for residents
Perhaps most importantly, the title gives Kuala Lumpur residents and creatives a reason to claim and celebrate their city’s identity.
From young designers and students to long-time artisans, muralists and cultural workers, the UNESCO badge can:
- Open doors to international residencies, exchanges and collaborations
- Provide a global platform to showcase Malaysian design stories
- Inspire more community-led initiatives that shape how the city looks and feels
Kuala Lumpur’s UNESCO Creative City of Design title marks the beginning of a new chapter. It confirms what many people on the ground have felt for years: KL is not just growing taller—it’s growing more creative, thoughtful and design-conscious.
