Kuala Lumpur Tower, one of Malaysia’s most recognisable and enduring landmarks, marked a new chapter in its cultural journey with the introduction of its storytelling mascot family comprising Kay Elle, Tawa, Hornbelle, Cik Mak and Puteri Raya. Revealed at the HEMISFERA Luxury Sky Hall, the mascots symbolise a creative transformation for the tower as it prepares to advance into a new decade of experiential tourism, community engagement and cultural programming. The event also celebrated the winners of the Befriend Kay Elle Design Competition, a nationwide initiative that drew nearly 200 creative entries from Malaysians across the country.
For almost three decades, Kuala Lumpur Tower has stood as more than a soaring figure on the skyline. It has served as a compass for city dwellers, a witness to national progress and a beloved beacon for Malaysians everywhere. The introduction of the mascot family marks the first time the tower’s heritage has been personified, giving shape and personality to the spirit that defines it. Each character embodies the elements that reflect the tower’s essence, including light, nature, culture, warmth and national pride.
During the launch, Khairil Faizal Hj Othman, Chief Executive Officer of LSH Service Master Sdn. Bhd., emphasised the significance of the initiative. He shared that Kuala Lumpur Tower holds stories that belong to all Malaysians, and the mascots breathe life into these stories in a joyful, relatable and meaningful way. He described the characters as reflections of the tower’s soul, honouring the past while inspiring a spirited and imaginative future.
Kay Elle represents the tower’s iconic glow against the night sky, symbolising wonder, optimism and the sense of magic Malaysians feel when they see the tower illuminated above the city. Tawa emerges as the guardian of the 130-million-year-old Bukit Nanas Forest Reserve, capturing the unique connection between the landmark and one of Kuala Lumpur’s last remaining green sanctuaries. Together, these characters form the core of the tower’s new narrative identity, anchoring its heritage through expressive storytelling.
The Befriend Kay Elle Design Competition invited Malaysians to create new companions for the tower’s main mascot, sparking widespread participation and showcasing the artistic talent of the nation. From the nearly 200 submissions received, three new mascots were selected for their cultural depth, symbolic meaning and alignment with Kuala Lumpur Tower’s identity.
Hornbelle draws inspiration from the Rhinoceros Hornbill, a powerful cultural icon of Eastern Malaysia, and represents unity and strength. Cik Mak captures the comfort and familiarity Malaysians associate with seeing the tower from afar, symbolising warmth and hospitality through her character concept rooted in the idea of “home.” Puteri Raya represents Malaysia’s national flower, the Bunga Raya, reflecting courage, unity and the colourful illuminations that brighten the tower during festive seasons.
The competition winners, 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 and exclusive merchandise. More significantly, their designs now become part of the permanent Kuala Lumpur Tower mascot family, with their creations brought to life as cultural ambassadors for the landmark.
The mascot family will play a central role in the tower’s next phase of public engagement. They will be featured in interactive visitor experiences, school outreach programmes, cultural and festive activities, national tourism promotions, merchandise series and a range of digital storytelling initiatives. Their introduction also aligns with Malaysia’s broader efforts to strengthen cultural tourism offerings ahead of Visit Malaysia 2026, ensuring the tower remains a vibrant and meaningful destination for both locals and tourists.
The event concluded with a lively photo session that brought together the mascots, their creators, distinguished guests and media representatives. As the characters appeared together for the first time, they symbolised a fresh beginning for Kuala Lumpur Tower one where storytelling, culture and architecture are woven into a unified identity. With Kay Elle, Tawa, Hornbelle, Cik Mak and Puteri Raya now forming part of its brand, Kuala Lumpur Tower enters the future as a living, breathing landmark, whose stories are as rich and colourful as the views it offers from above the city.