KUALA LUMPUR, 28 May 2024 - Think City announces the launch of the Creative KL Grants Programme for 2024, a flagship initiative dedicated to rejuvenating Downtown Kuala Lumpur. Supported by the Ministry of Finance through Budget 2024, which includes an allocation of RM 20 million, this programme underscores the importance of catalysing urban renewal in the city’s historic heart.

The Creative KL Grants Programme, a component of the national initiative focused on rejuvenating Kuala Lumpur as a creative and cultural district, represents a comprehensive approach to revitalising Downtown Kuala Lumpur, focusing on the area around the confluence of the Klang and Gombak Rivers within a 3km radius. This initiative mirrors the government’s vision for rejuvenating the city, aiming to empower communities and businesses to actively contribute to revitalising the city’s cultural and economic landscape.

The grants programme was officially launched today by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Dr. Zaliha Mustafa in conjunction with the reopening of Semua House in Kuala Lumpur. As a key community partner, Semua House plays a vital role in revitalising the Fashion and Textile Area (tucked within the Traditional Shopping Street Precinct) by becoming a key creative and innovation hub.

With the support of the government, we are starting to see a positive change in Downtown Kuala Lumpur. Momentum has begun to build, but more work is needed. The government is committed to continuing its support to scale up efforts and renew the area, addressing the challenges faced by Downtown Kuala Lumpur to enhance the quality of life for the Rakyat.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Dr. Zaliha Mustafa said, “The catalytic efforts in revitalising Downtown Kuala Lumpur mobilised by Think City and Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) demonstrate the government’s commitment in creating a more vibrant and inclusive city, aligning seamlessly with the Malaysia MADANI Economic Framework. Recognising the potential of this initiative to foster inclusive economic development in the capital city, the government will be taking a proactive role in this project by intensifying and coordinating efforts to scale it up, ensuring it reaches its full potential in transforming Downtown Kuala Lumpur into a global creative destination.”

Hamdan Abdul Majeed, Managing Director of Think City said, "Recognising the urbanisation rate in Malaysia, and the challenges faced by Downtown Kuala Lumpur, it is crucial to rejuvenate the city. This is a long-term endeavour that requires consistent effort and the collaboration of multiple stakeholders, communities, and the public to find creative and innovative solutions.”

“Rejuvenating Downtown Kuala Lumpur into a creative and cultural district is key to unlocking the potential of the historic city. Through the Creative KL Grants Programme, we encourage communities to take ownership of their future and drive positive change in Downtown Kuala Lumpur. From rejuvenating heritage sites to supporting local creative and cultural businesses and activations, to urban greening efforts as well as digitalisation and capacity building, the programme aims to create a vibrant and resilient urban environment for all who live, work, and play in Kuala Lumpur.”

The Creative KL Grants Programme is designed around six key themes – Space Rejuvenation, Creative & Cultural Businesses Seeding and/or Expansion, Creative Content and/or Activation, Enhancing Environmental Resilience, Digitalisation, and Capacity Building – the programme aims to address the diverse needs and challenges of Downtown Kuala Lumpur. Enhancing public spaces to foster digital innovation, each theme plays a vital role in shaping the city’s future.

Applications for the Creative KL Grants Programme are open. Workshops, engagement sessions, and showcases of past grantee projects will be organised to inspire new applicants and community members in Downtown KL to take charge of the changes they want to see and experience.

For more information, visit [thinkcity.com.my](http://thinkcity.com.my).