On 6 June 2026, the KLAF Tropical Fruit Pavilion was officially launched at Titiwangsa Lake Gardens, transforming the public park into a vibrant showcase of architecture, culture, innovation, and community engagement. The event brought together government representatives, industry leaders, architects, designers, sponsors, and members of the public to celebrate the intersection of design and Malaysia’s rich tropical heritage.
The launch was graced by distinguished guests of honour, including YB Tuan Nga Kor Ming, Minister of Housing and Local Government, YB Puan Hannah Yeoh Tseow Suan, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories), and YBhg. Datuk Seri TPr Fadlun Mak Ujud, Mayor of Kuala Lumpur, whose presence underscored the significance of placemaking, public engagement, and architecture’s role in enhancing urban environments.
The event commenced with an energetic cultural performance by Anak Borneo, setting a celebratory tone and reflecting Malaysia’s diverse cultural identity. Throughout the day, visitors also participated in interactive cultural activities organised by Learnado, creating engaging opportunities for families, students, and the public to connect with the festival.
A key highlight of the event was the unveiling of the SPACE KITA Pavilion, presented by KLAF’s Main Sponsor, BlueScope. The pavilion demonstrated BlueScope’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and design excellence, showcasing how contemporary building materials can be utilised to create meaningful and accessible public spaces.
The Tropical Fruit Pavilion initiative also featured a collection of pavilions developed through collaborations among KLAF’s strategic, corporate, and industry partners, along with local architects and designers. Through innovative materials and construction technologies, the installations offered immersive experiences that encouraged exploration, learning, and community interaction.
Guests were invited on a guided tour of the pavilions, where curators and winners of the Titiwangsa Pavilion Competition shared insights into their design concepts, creative processes, and the stories behind their installations. These sessions provided valuable opportunities for dialogue between designers, industry professionals, and the public while highlighting emerging talents within the architectural community. The programme also included the presentation of awards for the Brown Build Competition and the KL City Pavilion, recognising outstanding achievements, innovative ideas, and contributions towards sustainable and impactful design solutions.
The event concluded with a networking lunch, where guests, partners, participants, and visitors gathered in a relaxed setting to foster new connections and celebrate the programme’s success. In keeping with the festival’s theme, an assortment of tropical fruits was served, offering attendees a taste of Malaysia’s agricultural richness while reinforcing the inspiration behind the pavilion installations.
Set against the scenic backdrop of Titiwangsa Lake Gardens, the KLAF Tropical Fruit Pavilion successfully transformed a public space into an open-air exhibition celebrating creativity, culture, sustainability, and collaboration. The programme stands as a testament to KLAF’s commitment to promoting architectural excellence, strengthening industry partnerships, and creating meaningful experiences that connect design with the wider community.
