KUALA LUMPUR — The long-awaited Olympic House — the first of its kind in Asia, envisioned as a hub for national sporting excellence — officially broke ground today in Bukit Jalil.
The ceremony was graced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who lauded the project as a symbol of hope and ambition for Malaysian athletes and the broader sports community.
The facility, with an estimated cost of RM103 million, will not only bring together 58 national sports associations under one roof but also stand as a bold statement of Malaysia’s commitment to environmental stewardship and athlete development.
Strategically located next to the National Stadium and the Axiata Arena, the new headquarters aligns with Malaysia’s long-term goal of becoming a regional sports powerhouse, particularly in preparing elite athletes for international competitions.
As the first Olympic House in Asia, the project positions Malaysia at the forefront of sporting governance and green infrastructure, setting a new standard for how nations can fuse ambition, sustainability, and national pride through sport.
It is within this dynamic and inclusive environment that the Olympic House will take its place — at the heart of Malaysia’s sporting future.
It replaces the current Wisma OCM near Stadium Merdeka, which was built in 1991.
“This Olympic House is not made out of cement and bricks. It is a home of dreams for any young Malaysian who dares and believes that standing on the podium of Olympic success is within reach,” said Anwar, addressing a crowd of sports officials, dignitaries, and representatives from the Olympic Council of Asia.
Designed and developed by Malaysian Resources Corporation Berhad (MRCB), the facility will span over five acres and include an auditorium, gymnasium, resource centre, museum, gallery, café, surau and more.
Meanwhile, OCM President Tan Sri Mohamad Norza Zakaria described the initiative as a legacy project, adding that this is not merely the construction of a building but the establishment of a home that will preserve history, serve the athletes, and inspire generations.
“Today’s groundbreaking is not merely a symbolic act of shoveling into the ground to denote the start of construction. What it is, in essence, is the establishment of a foundation for a space that holds great value.
“It’s a future home for Malaysian sports, a symbol of how far we’ve come, and more importantly, where we are headed.
“The new Olympic House is perceived as more than a headquarters. It will take the shape of a vibrant space for our sporting community, where history is preserved, support is within reach, and the Olympic spirit remains alive at every turn,” Norza added.
At the same time, he said that the building will be Malaysia’s first green-energy sports headquarters.
“What makes this project even more meaningful is the way it’s being shaped. This is set to become Malaysia’s first green energy sports headquarters. It will be a building that does not just serve people but also honours the environment at the same time.
“This building has been designed with care and purpose. We are using sustainable materials, including recycled and waste-based content.
“We are integrating solar panels, smart lighting, and natural ventilation to reduce energy use and operating costs. Rainwater harvesting, native landscaping, and open, breathable spaces will enhance comfort while respecting nature.
“Over 26 percent of the site will be dedicated to green space. Trees will be planted that will grow naturally in our climate and do not need heavy maintenance. Even the parking area uses permeable materials, allowing rainwater to return to the earth instead of flooding the streets.
“This building is designed to complement nature, not to work against it. And most importantly, it is designed to serve people. It will be a place that reflects the values we want to live by,” he said.
Norza said that MRCB was entrusted to conceptualise and design this facility as the conglomerate has a strong track record, having previously worked with the government to regenerate the Bukit Jalil National Sports Complex into what is now the iconic Kuala Lumpur Sports City.
At the same time, Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh also lauded the project’s broader social mission.
“The Olympic House is more than a facility. It reflects our belief in what sport can do for a nation. It will be a welcoming space where athletes find support, stories are remembered, and young Malaysians are inspired to dream bigger,” she said. - August 7, 2025
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