PNB Merdeka Ventures Sdn Bhd (PMVSB) has announced nine recipients of the Merdeka 118 Community Grants Programme in a third cycle, reinforcing its commitment to supporting community-led initiatives that contribute to inclusive placemaking, cultural vitality and social wellbeing within and around the Merdeka 118 precinct.
Introduced in 2021 in collaboration with Think City, the Merdeka 118 Community Grants Programme provides funding support to grassroots organisations, creatives and social enterprises.
Cycle 3 builds on the momentum of earlier cycles, strengthening the programme’s role as a platform for community participation and local impact.
PNB Merdeka Ventures chief executive officer Dato’ Ir Ts Izwan Ibrahim said the nine projects selected under Cycle 3 reflect the diversity of ideas, talents and perspectives within the Merdeka 118 precinct.
“These community led efforts demonstrate how placemaking, heritage and creative expression can come together to shape a more vibrant, inclusive and culturally rich urban environment, reinforcing Merdeka 118’s role as a core location within the Warisan KL initiative,” he said.
The Merdeka 118 Community Grants Programme Cycle 3 was launched as part of the broader Warisan KL grants rollout. Following an open call for proposals in July 2025, nine projects have been selected under Cycle 3.
The recipients represent a diverse range of disciplines and approaches, spanning community engagement, creative production, skills development and cultural activation.
Among the recipients, Pucks & Friends Events leads a community-focused programme through Pucks Coffee, using the café as a platform for participatory activities and community gatherings.
Persatuan Penduduk Sri Selangor, Perumahan Awam Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur (DBKL) will host a neighbourhood festival combining sports and traditional arts such as Zapin to strengthen community cohesion and revitalise the preservation of traditional arts amongst the youth.
Creative and content-driven initiatives are led by Lain-Lain Design, organising an art book fair featuring visual storytelling and printed works to support emerging creatives and independent publishers.
Another project by Apostrophe Marketing Communications Sdn Bhd, will organise a cultural festival in Petaling Street bringing people together through heritage, food, music and community-based programmes.
Meanwhile, Dipapansembilan Studio leads Merdeka Wall: Community Mural Proposal at Jalan Hang Jebat and Jalan Stadium to reimagine and beautify public spaces through community driven art.
Another group of recipients focuses on skills development, knowledge exchange and capacity building. SilverLab Project Enterprise centres its programme focusing on practical digital literacy and everyday skills sessions for senior citi ens.
In addition, The Bridge of Asia is producing a short video series to highlight the histories of Kuala Lumpur’s heritage districts, including the Merdeka 118 precinct, through engaging digital storytelling.
DIA Academy Sdn Bhd delivers a festival aimed at creating awareness of differently abled communities and promoting inclusivity through activation programmes.
Lastly, Wehn Legacy continues its programme from the previous cycle, focusing on income generation through crafts, participation in pop-up markets and establishment of a community-led collective to upskill participants and foster creative entrepreneurship.
Together, these initiatives reflect the programme’s core focus areas of community empowerment, cultural heritage and creative activation, while supporting the broader objectives of Warisan KL to encourage heritage led regeneration, community participation and inclusive placemaking within and around the Merdeka 118 precinct.
PNBMV and Think City will work closely with all Cycle 3 grantees throughout the implementation period, providing support and opportunities for collaboration, visibility and engagement within the Merdeka 118 precinct.
