A first look at Malaysia’s future hub for sport and culture – Shah Alam Sports Complex

The Shah Alam Stadium has been the pride and glory of Selangor for over 25 years. It has been the centre of many of Malaysia’s proudest sporting moments, but having reached the end of its operational timeline, this iconic landmark is being upgraded as part of a broader integrated state-of-the-art world-class sports and community-centric sports Kompleks Sukan Shah Alam (KSSA). 

Populous is partnering with Malaysian practice HIJJAS Architects + Planners on the project that will blend iconic heritage with modern, inclusive elements to meet community needs while aligning with Selangor’s low-carbon goals. 

A letter of acceptance handover ceremony was held this month (May 2025) between Menteri Besar Selangor Incorporated (MBI) and Lembaran Projek Sdn Bhd (LPSB), a subsidiary of MRCB Land, and witnessed by the Raja Muda of Selangor Tengku Amir Shah, Amirudin, and State Secretary Dato’ Ahmad Fadzli Ahmad Tajuddin. 

Populous Senior Principal & Director – APAC Brett Wightman, who attended the signing ceremony, said the project would restore the iconic landmark of the Selangor state to its former glory, inspiring and supporting the next generation of Malaysian athletes. 

Dato Nasir Mohd Nasir bin Ab Latif, Chairman, MRCB said they were humbled to be entrusted with delivering this visionary project for the State of Selangor.  

“With our proven track record in urban regeneration and sustainable infrastructure, we are committed to building more than a stadium; we are creating a living, breathing destination for the people of Selangor,” Dato Nasir Mohd Nasir bin Ab Latif said. 

The Shah Alam Stadium sits at the centre of the KSSA with commercial, sports and community spaces radiating from it.  Populous is reimagining the stadium drawing on the latest trends in venue design to create a world class football venue that will be multifunctional and adaptable so that it can be used by the community all year round.  

The more than 45,000 seat stadium will reflect the original silhouette and honour the heritage of the former stadium’s iconic curved roof.   

The stadium will meet FIFA standards for international football matches and will be fully covered with a fixed roof made up of double-layered ETFE cushions allowing light to enter. With a sliding pitch that can move in and out along the length of the stadium, the venue can be transformed for various sports and entertainment events.  

The broader complex will feature an indoor multi-purpose hall, football training grounds, an arena, and dedicated spaces for arts, cultural events, and performances. The focal point of the new complex will be a 310,000 square metre green area featuring a botanical garden, running and cycling paths, and walkable spaces. 

The redevelopment works, which include the demolition of the aging Shah Alam Stadium, will span 48 months and are targeted for completion in 2029.

• Approximately 60% of the entire area will be developed into world class modern sporting facilities. 

• Approximately 40% of the sports complex will be converted into a public recreational community park. 

• The original iconic silhouette of the stadium will be retained to preserve its heritage and history. 

• The stadium will be fully covered and able to accommodate 45,000 spectators. 

• The stadium will meet FIFA standards for international football matches. 

• With a sliding pitch that can move in and out along the length of the stadium, the venue can be transformed for various sports and entertainment events.