Melbourne-based architectural firm , Fender Katsalidis, is set to design the world's second-tallest tower standing 580 meters high in Malaysia inspired by Islamic patterns.

When finished, the tower will be second only to Burj Khalifa tower in Dubai at 828 meters and will be the tallest structure in the country overtaking Petronas Towers at 452 meters.

Fender Katsalidis director Karl Fender told The Age that Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak announced their winning bid. "It has become an election topic over there, but the tower will go ahead if the Prime Minister is re-elected,'' he said.

''For a building like that that [in Kuala Lumpur], you can't mess around. You must have consultants with the most most appropriate experience,'' Fender said. He is set to visit New York soon to negotiate with top building consultants. The developers want the tower to exemplify the highest level of sustainability although no specific details relating to costs have been finalized at the moment.

''It's another example of an Australian firm being selected because they were in the region - not America or Europe - and therefore accessible, and with the appropriate experience - the Eureka Tower,'' he added.

Fender Katsalidis is led by principals Karl Fender and Nonda Katsalidis. The firm is well-known for its distinct, sculptural buildings incorporating different textures and materials that are now considered landmarks in various Australian cities.