The Kuala Lumpur Architecture Festival (KLAF) 2026 was officially launched at REXKL, marking the commencement of Malaysia’s flagship architecture festival under Pertubuhan Akitek Malaysia (PAM). The launch unveiled the central theme, Future Culture, which explores the dynamic relationship between memory and progress, examining how cultural identity informs innovation within the built environment. It envisions the future of architecture as an evolution rooted in origin where heritage and technology, tradition and contemporary practice converge to shape environments that are resilient, relevant and deeply meaningful. Rather than a departure from the past, the theme positions architecture as a thoughtful continuation, one that responds with sensitivity and purpose to social, cultural and environmental change.
KLAF 2026 continues its role as Malaysia’s national architecture festival, bringing together professionals, students, industry players and the public through a diverse range of programmes, including forums, exhibitions, installations, competitions and city activations. While KLAF began in Kuala Lumpur, it has since expanded nationwide through PAM’s Northern, Southern, East Coast, Sabah and Sarawak Chapters.
KLAF 2026 also marks the announcement of several design competitions open to the public. The competitions include the Batik Design Competition, which focuses on contemporary interpretations of batik; the HP DPI Photography Competition, centred on architecture, urban life and culture; the Installation Competition (KLAF × KRF), which explores spatial and cultural experimentation; the Titiwangsa Pavilion 3.0 Competition, involving the design of public pavilions inspired by traditional games and nature-based themes; and the Brown-Build Urban Renewal Ideas Competition, which addresses adaptive reuse and urban regeneration.
This event brought together architects, designers, government representatives, industry partners, media and members of the public at a culturally significant venue that reflects KLAF’s commitment to activating meaningful urban spaces. With the arrival of Yang Berhormat Hannah Yeoh, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Federal Territories), who officiated the opening ceremony and officially marked the start of the event. The event unfolded as a vibrant cultural celebration, bringing together tradition, contemporary creatvity and community engagement in a dynamic urban setting.
“It is important that buildings and spaces reflect the society, heritage and everyday life. KLAF 2026 celebrates this by bringing architecture into public view, reminding us that design is not just about buildings but about community and culture and how they shape life, memory and a sense of belonging. This also reflects the vital role architects play in conserving and reimagining historic buildings, ensuring they remain relevant and accessible while preserving the stories and character of our urban landscape,” said Yeoh.
KLAF 2026 is delivered through an extensive network of collaborators spanning government, industry, academia, culture and the creative community. Key public-sector partners include the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT) and Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL), working alongside corporate and strategic partners from across the built environment, materials and technology sectors. Academic institutions play an active role through research collaborations, student engagement and talent development initiatives, while art and cultural venues, F&B operators, artists and designers contribute to public-facing programmes that encourage hands-on participation and meaningful cross-disciplinary exchange.
With the support of Tourism Malaysia, KLAF 2026 also strengthens its role in cultural tourism by aligning the festival with the national momentum of Visit Malaysia 2026. Through this alignment, the festival highlights the role of architecture, culture and creative programming in enhancing Kuala Lumpur’s appeal to both local and international audiences, while contributing to the city’s longterm cultural vitality and economic sustainability.
This year, KLAF 2026 will bring together a broad network of collaborators not only across government but also industry and academia to strengthen the festival’s impact and reach. In collaboration with ARCHIDEX, NS BlueScope Malaysia Sdn Bhd, the Strategic Partner, and Nippon Paint (M) Sdn Bhd, the Corporate Partner will contribute to programmes that highlight materials innovation, industry best practices, and this time cultural engagements such as design challenge, workshop and art installations. Additional industry partners, including UAC Berhad, Roca Malaysia Sdn Bhd, Inovar Contracts Sdn Bhd, Knauf Sdn Bhd, Rockwool Malaysia Sdn, HP DesignJet / DPI Technology Sdn Bhd, DML Products Sdn Bhd an Monier GAF will support technical showcases, building industry material tech and awareness, workshops and exhibitions that expose professionals and students to new technologies and construction methods.
Virtualtech Frontier, KLAF’s Technology Partner, will integrate digital, creative, and immersive experiences across festival programmes, enhancing high-tech engagement and promoting interactive learning of the physical environment. Their collective contribution and continued commitment to supporting architecture, design and cultural initiatives played a vital role in enriching the festival experience and fostering meaningful engagement between the architecture, creative and cultural community and the public.
Academic involvement from UiTM, UCSI University, Taylor’s University, City University and universities nationwide will ensure strong engagement between emerging architects, designers, and students through studio showcases, research, student competitions, mentorship activities, urban & architecture events and programmes. The launching event also featured an energetic line-up of performances, including a traditional lion dance, the powerful rhythms of Orang- Orang Drum Theatre, immersive art experiences and a live DJ set that carried the atmosphere seamlessly.
Complementing the performances was a student wayang kulit art exhibition, showcasing emerging creative voices and reinterpreting heritage craftsmanship through fresh perspectives. The experience was further enriched by coffee partner Stellar Coffee, an independent coffee bar. Adding to the festive energy, a two-day pop-up market activated the venue with a curated mix of creative brands and community-driven vendors, including Point Blank, Lain Main Lab, 3D Express Lab, Learnado EdTech, Heritaste and Lost prints Community whose offerings enhanced the overall atmosphere and reinforced the joyous spirit of the Chinese New Year celebration throughout the event.
Meanwhile, in collaboration with the Pasar Seni MRT Station, a series of Cultural Experience Booths were activated, featuring Learnado, Klang River Festival and Kongsi KL. Learnado invited visitors to participate in hands-on traditional games and activities, encouraging intergenerational play and learning.
Besides, Klang River Festival and Kongsi KL presented engaging narratives on the Klang River — tracing its flow, history and significance across Kuala Lumpur, and highlighting its role in shaping the city’s urban and cultural identity.
Overall, the launch successfully achieved its objectives by clearly introducing the festival’s direction, generating strong traction, and reinforcing KLAF’s positioning as a people-centric cultural and architectural movement that connects architecture with public life, laying a strong foundation for programmes throughout the year.
Supported by:
Tourism Malaysia, Kementerian Perumahan
dan Kerajaan Tempatan (KPKT), Malaysia
Rapid Transit Corporation (MRT)
In collaboration with:
Archidex
Strategic Partner:
Bluescope
Corporate Partner:
Nippon Paint
Industry Partners:
UAC, Rockwool, ROCA, Knauf, HP,
Roca (DML Group of Company),
Inovar, Monier
