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Kuala Lumpur’s global standing strengthened in 2025, driven by regulatory reforms, investor-friendly policies and resilient macroeconomic fundamentals. Malaysia recorded a resurgence in foreign direct investment, while Kuala Lumpur climbed the Global Financial Centres Index from 51st to 45th, signalling renewed investor confidence and competitiveness.

At the centre of this momentum is Tun Razak Exchange (TRX), Malaysia’s International Financial Centre. Purpose-built to anchor high-value economic activity, TRX has emerged as a focal point for global institutions across finance, technology and professional services. Dato’ Sr Azmar Talib, CEO of TRX City Sdn Bhd, said, “TRX was designed to enhance Kuala Lumpur’s position as an International Financial Centre and we are now seeing it operate as a vibrant financial and business hub where capital, innovation and talent converge.”

Spanning 70 acres with a gross development value of RM40 billion, TRX today hosts more than 120 international and local firms within a highly connected, mixed-use district. Over 20,000 professionals work in the district, a number expected to grow significantly as new developments come online.

TRX is guided by five core pillars: World-class City, Infrastructure, Talent, Catalytic Environment and Hub of Convergence. These pillars shape how the district is planned and managed, integrating urban design, transport connectivity, talent pipelines and policy facilitation. Its central location, multi-modal links and concentration of financial institutions position TRX as a key enabler of Kuala Lumpur’s regional financial ambitions.

Building Momentum

TRX has achieved major development milestones, supported by strong demand from global and regional firms across financial services, fintech, technology and advisory sectors. Key assets include the Exchange 106, Menara Prudential, Menara IQ (HSBC), Menara Affin, the Exchange retail development and the 10-acre City Park, collectively driving strong occupancy and tenant diversity.

The district has achieved 80 percent occupancy net lettable area, with the landmark Exchange 106 tower housing 90 percent international firms. Separately, TRX has attracted over RM8 billion in private investments to date. A key milestone is the announcement of Monash University Malaysia’s Global City Campus, positioning TRX as a future talent and knowledge hub. Opening in 2032, the campus is projected to accommodate up to 22,500 students and 1,700 staff by 2040. PwC Malaysia’s decision to relocate its headquarters to TRX in 2029, into a 38-storey tower with 800,000 sq ft of lettable space, further reinforces the district’s long-term appeal.

Strategic Connections

The TRX IFC ecosystem is strengthened through collaboration with key partners including Bank Negara, Labuan IBFC, MIDA and Asia School of Business.

Many organisations within TRX operate regional or global functions from Kuala Lumpur, enhancing the city’s influence within ASEAN. The district also hosts policy dialogues, academic institutions and visiting delegations, including strategic engagements with financial institutions, regulators and global partners.

Connectivity is a core advantage. TRX is the only interchange station linking the MRT Putrajaya and MRT Kajang Lines, serving an average of 50,000 weekday passengers, supported by direct highway access and pedestrian links.

ESG at the Core

TRX is Malaysia’s first ESG-anchored financial district, aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and international green finance standards, with achievements including LEED and GBI Platinum and Gold certifications, low-carbon mobility solutions, smart energy systems and a digitally enabled infrastructure.

Building on this foundation, TRX’s next phase of ESG delivery places stronger emphasis on human health, comfort and well-being, with WELL Certification as a key focus. Developed by the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI), WELL shifts the sustainability conversation from buildings to people, enhancing indoor environmental quality, occupant comfort and productivity within the workplace.

This people-centric approach is reinforced by TRX Smart City infrastructure, including AI-enabled surveillance, a centralised command centre and traffic optimisation systems that support safety, efficiency and liveability.

Measured against current market benchmarks for urban rooftop solar performance in Malaysia, TRX’s 192.5 kWp rooftop solar system generates approximately 190 MWh annually, delivering solid, market-aligned performance for an urban commercial district. The system reflects a deliberate, fit-for-purpose approach, balancing efficiency, reliability and long-term scalability within TRX’s broader sustainability framework.

The Next Chapter

TRX’s professional community is projected to exceed 40,000 as new developments and the Monash Global City Campus come online. Education partnerships and community facilities such as the TRX Islamic Community Centre and City Park support a vibrant, inclusive district.

As TRX enters its next phase, the district is deliberately evolving into a comprehensive international financial ecosystem, modelled on successful global IFCs. This is anchored on four interconnected ecosystem pillars: talent, business growth, seamless operations and innovation, and ESG. Priorities include talent pathways, regulatory facilitation, investor services, fintech and digital finance, green finance expansion and district management excellence.

By 2035, TRX is expected to attract approximately RM12 billion in additional private investments, supporting Malaysia’s ambition to position Kuala Lumpur as a leading financial and business hub in Asia by 2030. Dato’ Sr Azmar Talib said, “The focus now is on deepening talent pipelines, enabling financial innovation and ensuring TRX continues to support Kuala Lumpur’s long-term competitiveness.”