KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 20): It is time to create authentic, local-oriented experiences in Malaysian cities beyond shopping malls and conventional tourist sites, said Hamdan Abdul Majeed, managing director of Think City during the Creative Kuala Lumpur (KL) Grants Programme and Urban Challenge Award Ceremony, held on Monday (Feb 19) at GMBB Kuala Lumpur.

By investing in Malaysia’s cultural potential and developing a unique proposition for the city, Hamdan believes that KL can become a cultural and creative district, in line with the KL Creative and Cultural District (KLCCD) Strategic Master Plan.

To address urban challenges and create sustainable cities, Think City, alongside Kuala Lumpur City Hall and The National Heritage Department, crafted the KLCCD Strategic Masterplan in 2019.

Since then, the KLCCD has played a key role in rejuvenating Kuala Lumpur by promoting an economy centred around culture. Its goal is to create welcoming and creative spaces that blend seamlessly with the city’s history, ultimately improving the quality of life and attracting more visitors, said Hamdan.

With RM20 million earmarked for urban rejuvenation in Budget 2024, Think City is aiming to enhance liveability and promote creative and cultural sectors through the implementation of programmes such as the Creative KL Grants Programme and the Creative KL Urban Challenge.

Think City awarded eight applicants, who went through expert evaluations, workshops and a pitch event, with the grants. Three of the individuals or organisations won the grand prize of RM200,000, while five projects received consolation prizes of RM 40,000 to collaborate and design innovative urban solutions, including urban greening, accessibility and sustainable waste management for downtown KL.

“I’m proud of the Ministry of Finance’s active participation in these programmes to rejuvenate key sites like the UNESCO World Heritage sites, Georgetown, and the creative and cultural district of downtown KL,” said Deputy Minister of Finance Lim Hui Ying during her opening speech at the awards ceremony.

She also emphasised that reviving cities would improve the quality of life for people, and create high quality and inclusive income opportunities. 

Moreover, it would bring in more tourists and increase the flow of foreign direct investments.

“These investments are crucial and complement the Madani economic framework, and transform downtown Kuala Lumpur into a vibrant, liveable city,” she said.