Kuala Lumpur Tower, one of Malaysia’s most recognisable and enduring landmarks, marked a new chapter in creativity and visitor engagement with the unveiling of its first-ever storytelling mascot family. Introduced at the HEMISFERA Luxury Sky Hall, the new characters — Kay Elle, Tawa, Hornbelle, Cik Mak and Puteri Raya — reflect the tower’s evolution as it looks toward the next decade of experiential tourism, cultural programming and community connection. The event also celebrated the winners of the nationwide Befriend Kay Elle Design Competition, which drew nearly 200 imaginative submissions from Malaysians across the country.
For almost 30 years, Kuala Lumpur Tower has stood not only as a beacon on the city’s skyline but as a silent witness to national milestones and a symbol of home for millions. Now, through the mascot family, the tower brings its identity to life in a new, engaging form. Each character embodies a unique element of the tower’s heritage — light, nature, culture, warmth and national pride — offering visitors a fresh lens through which to experience the landmark.
Officiating the ceremony, Mr. Khairil Faizal Hj Othman, Chief Executive Officer of LSH Service Master Sdn. Bhd., shared that the mascots represent more than creative figures; they give voice to the stories the tower has carried for generations. “Kuala Lumpur Tower carries stories that belong to every Malaysian. These mascots bring those stories to life — not as fiction, but as reflections of the tower’s very soul. They honour our past, celebrate our present and help us imagine our future in a way that is meaningful, joyful and uniquely Malaysian,” he said.
Leading the mascot family is Kay Elle, the Spark of the Skyline, inspired by Kuala Lumpur Tower’s iconic night-time glow. Cheerful and full of wonder, she captures the sense of magic that Malaysians feel each time they look up to see the tower illuminated against the cityscape. Accompanying her is Tawa, the Guardian of the Ancient Forest, who represents the 130-million-year-old Bukit Nanas Forest Reserve that surrounds the tower. As a spirited guardian, Tawa symbolises biodiversity, environmental stewardship and the tower’s extraordinary connection to nature.
The Befriend Kay Elle Design Competition added three more characters to the family, selected for their cultural storytelling, strong identity and alignment with Kuala Lumpur Tower’s values. Hornbelle, inspired by the majestic Rhinoceros Hornbill of Sarawak, symbolises unity, strength and the rich heritage of Eastern Malaysia. Cik Mak reflects the warmth and comfort of home, taking creative inspiration from the cultural significance of nasi lemak without portraying it as a food mascot. Completing the lineup is Puteri Raya, the Hibiscus Princess, whose design pays tribute to Malaysia’s national flower through vibrant petals that mirror the tower’s colourful illuminations during national celebrations.
The winning designers — Christelle Siow Zhi Shien (Hornbelle), Nur Aliahsafiyah Atikah Binti Mat Noor (Cik Mak) and Lay Heng Soon (Puteri Raya) — each received RM2,000 in cash, year-long Kuala Lumpur Tower passes, official merchandise sets and the honour of seeing their creations become permanent members of the tower’s identity.
Looking ahead, the mascot family will serve as the cornerstone of Kuala Lumpur Tower’s next phase of engagement initiatives. They will appear in interactive guest activities, school outreach programmes, cultural festivals, national tourism promotions, creative merchandise and digital storytelling efforts. Their introduction also aligns with Malaysia’s broader plans to elevate cultural tourism experiences ahead of Visit Malaysia 2026, reinforcing Kuala Lumpur Tower’s role as a meaningful, dynamic attraction for both local and international travellers.
The event concluded with a lively photo session featuring the mascots, their creators, invited guests and media representatives. Standing together for the first time, the characters symbolised a new era for the landmark — one where architecture meets imagination. With Kay Elle, Tawa, Hornbelle, Cik Mak and Puteri Raya now representing its spirit, Kuala Lumpur Tower steps boldly into the future as a living landmark whose stories are as tall, colourful and enduring as the tower itself.
