Kuala Lumpur Tower, one of Malaysia’s most recognisable and enduring landmarks, entered a new phase of creativity and visitor engagement with the launch of its storytelling mascot family: Kay Elle, Tawa, Hornbelle, Cik Mak and Puteri Raya. Introduced at the HEMISFERA Luxury Sky Hall, the mascots mark a major milestone for the tower as it prepares for the next decade of experiential tourism, cultural activities and community-focused programmes. The event also celebrated the winners of the Befriend Kay Elle Design Competition, a nationwide contest that drew nearly 200 submissions and reflected the imagination and artistic strength of Malaysians.
For almost 30 years, Kuala Lumpur Tower has stood as more than a structure. It has served as a guide for the city, a backdrop to national moments and a symbol that many Malaysians associate with home. The new mascots give form and character to this legacy, bringing the tower’s heritage to life through personalities inspired by light, nature, culture, warmth and national pride.
During the ceremony, Khairil Faizal Hj Othman, Chief Executive Officer of LSH Service Master Sdn Bhd, said Kuala Lumpur Tower carries stories that belong to every Malaysian. He explained that the mascots turn these stories into relatable characters that honour the past, celebrate the present and shape how future generations will connect with the landmark.
Kay Elle represents the sparkle of the skyline, inspired by the tower’s iconic night glow and the sense of wonder it brings to visitors. Tawa emerges from the ancient Bukit Nanas Forest Reserve beside the tower and symbolises conservation, biodiversity and the rare urban rainforest that surrounds the landmark.
The Befriend Kay Elle Design Competition encouraged Malaysians to imagine new companions for Kay Elle, resulting in designs rich with cultural meaning and creative depth. From the submissions, three mascots were chosen. Hornbelle reflects the majesty of Eastern Malaysia and draws inspiration from the Rhinoceros Hornbill, a strong cultural emblem of Sabah and Sarawak. Cik Mak represents the warmth associated with seeing the tower on the horizon, drawing symbolic meaning from the idea of “home.” Puteri Raya takes inspiration from the national flower, the Bunga Raya, symbolising unity, pride and the vibrant colours often displayed on the tower during national celebrations.
The winning designers, Christelle Siow Zhi Shien for Hornbelle, Nur Aliahsafiyah Atikah Binti Mat Noor for Cik Mak and Lay Heng Soon for Puteri Raya, each received RM2,000 in cash, annual passes to Kuala Lumpur Tower, official merchandise and the opportunity to see their characters adopted into the tower’s permanent identity.
The mascot family will play a central role in Kuala Lumpur Tower’s future visitor experiences. They will appear in interactive activities, outreach programmes for schools and youth, cultural and festive events, tourism campaigns and creative digital content. Their introduction supports Malaysia’s broader commitment to strengthening cultural tourism experiences ahead of Visit Malaysia 2026, ensuring Kuala Lumpur Tower remains a meaningful destination for both locals and visitors.
The event ended with a photo session featuring the mascots, designers, invited guests and media. As the new characters stood together for the first time, they marked the beginning of a new chapter for Kuala Lumpur Tower, one where imagination and identity come together. With Kay Elle, Tawa, Hornbelle, Cik Mak and Puteri Raya now part of its story, the tower moves confidently into the future as a living landmark shaped by the creativity and heritage of Malaysia.
