KUALA LUMPUR: Permodalan Nasional Bhd's (PNB) wholly-owned PNB Merdeka Ventures Sdn Bhd has launched a community grants programme to foster an integrated, thriving and culturally rich neighbourhood within the Merdeka 118 precinct here.
PNB Merdeka, in a statement today, said the programme was aimed at empowering the local community and building resilient businesses, institutions and community organisations.
This comprises five key locations - the Petaling Street Precinct, Jalan Hang Tuah Precinct, the Sports Quadrant1, Kampung Attap and Pudu Precincts.
PNB president and group chief executive Ahmad Zulqarnain Onn said the Merdeka 118 Community Grants Programme was created to foster synergies between the community and the Merdeka 118 mixed-use development, which encapsulates work, living and public spaces.
"Merdeka 118 is situated in an iconic location that is rich in culture and historical significance. In line with our vision to be a landmark destination in the heart of the city, it is crucial for the Merdeka 118 development to be integrated seamlessly with the wider community.
"As a new resident of an existing neighbourhood, it is important to respect what the local community stands for, while positively contributing to its development. It is our hope that the grants programme will unlock potential for the community and together, create a successful, vibrant precinct," he said.
Merdeka 118 project delivery partner Think City managing director Hamdan Abdul Majeed said the programme would be a much-needed boost to downtown Kuala Lumpur, specifically with reference to the communities and neighbourhoods around Merdeka 118.
"The grants will be one of the first building blocks towards the transformation of downtown Kuala Lumpur as a creative and cultural district, one of the key focus areas for Think City in 2021 and beyond.
"Taking a leaf from other well-established districts around the world such as the Bankside Design District in London, UK, Bairro Alto in Lisbon, and the West Kowloon Cultural District in Hong Kong, this district will act as a catalyst for creative regeneration, cultural renewal and urban innovation, not to mention a boost to the economy, subsequently benefitting the people of Kuala Lumpur," Hamdan said.
The grants are open for submissions from June 28 to August 20 this year.
Applicants may submit a proposal for three grant types namely Sports, Arts and Business Community.
Submissions will be evaluated by a review panel comprising members of PNB Merdeka and Think City, as well as a technical advisory panel with experts in sports, arts, community, technology, conservation and heritage and entrepreneurship development.