Cathay Building, 1940

Singapore

Completed in 1939 and designed by British architect Frank Brewer, the 17-story Cathay Building, standing at 83.5 meters, was the tallest building in Singapore and Southeast Asia. Housing a hotel and a 1,300-seat cinema, this first Singaporean skyscraper served as a landmark for aircraft approaching Kallang Airport. Its original design was compromised by a new facade in 1978.