Kuala lumpur: Malaysia's tallest tower, Merdeka 118, has been illuminated in blue from yesterday until Monday, November 24, from 7 pm until 2 am, to commemorate World Children's Day 2025, symbolizing "Janji Kita" (Our Promise) to every child. A joint statement by the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and PNB Merdeka Ventures Sdn Bhd (PNBMV) confirmed that the iconic tower will be accompanied by Taman Jaya Park in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia's first Child Friendly City, which will also shine blue during a community celebration tomorrow, November 22.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the coordinated illumination signifies Malaysia's comprehensive commitment to child rights, from national leadership to community involvement. Robert Gass, UNICEF Representative to Malaysia and Special Representative to Brunei Darussalam, expressed that the initiative is an opportunity for Malaysians to reaffirm their collective promise to every child in the country. "The lighting of Malaysia's tallest tower is a symbol of hope and commitment to protect, uplift, and celebrate our children. UNICEF is honored to light up Merdeka 118 in partnership with PNB Merdeka Ventures, a collaboration that helps raise awareness of the importance of securing every child's future," he stated.
PNBMV chief executive officer Datuk Tengku Ab. Aziz Tengku Mahmud noted that the tower, built as a symbol of the country's pride and potential, now also represents hope and inspiration. "Lighting the tower blue for World Children's Day reflects PNBMV's support for UNICEF's mission to build a Malaysia where every child is valued and protected," he added.
The statement revealed that a full-day family festival, "Go Blue in the Park," will be co-hosted by UNICEF and the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) at Taman Jaya tomorrow. The park will transition to blue during sunset at around 6.45 pm, symbolically linking Petaling Jaya's communities to the national promise to reaffirm Malaysia's commitment to every child.
One of the event's highlights will be UNICEF's "My Day, My Rights" Phone Booth, where children can record video messages about their hopes and ideas for a brighter future, capturing their real and unfiltered reflections. The statement also emphasized the significant role of children and young people in national and regional conversations throughout Malaysia's ASEAN chairmanship in 2025. "These moments reflect this year's World Children's Day theme 'My Day, My Rights', which underscores that child rights must be lived every day, not celebrated only once a year," the statement concluded.