Panthers of ISKL (POISKL) is our platform, where insightful and reflective stories from the International School of Kuala Lumpur (ISKL) community are shared. Here, our students, faculty, and staff provide real-life accounts that positively impact our ever-evolving world.
In this edition, we discuss how activities help students develop social skills and build connections with their peers. By participating in group activities, they learn how to communicate effectively, collaborate, and work together towards a common goal improving their interpersonal skills and making them better team players.
Activities help students realize and explore their inherent interests and passions to discover talents they didn't know they had or find new hobbies to pursue. This can assist students to develop a sense of identity and purpose to motivate them to follow their dreams.
Students can reduce their anxiety and improve their overall mental health by engaging in activities they enjoy while developing essential life skills, such as time management, organization, and leadership. By taking on different roles and responsibilities within an activity, students learn how to prioritize assignments, meet deadlines, and lead others effectively.
From bolstering their passion for music, revisiting a debate competition as a volunteer, or pursuing the performing arts, here we meet with two of our current students plus alumni to hear about their stories of activities they've experienced at ISKL.
A BUDDING CONCERTMASTER
A truly international student, Lamija ('23) was born in Sarajevo, in Bosnia-Herzegovina. From age three, she has lived between France, Russia, and the United Kingdom before moving to Malaysia and joining ISKL in Grade 9.
Lamija actively throws herself into ISKL's co-curricular activity program, participating in Tri-M, CARE Club, and the ISKL Philharmonic Youth Orchestra (IPYO). Her natural talent stems from music being a constant throughout her life; having started to play the violin at nine years old, Lamija explains, "ISKL is an amazing school to foster my passion for music."
This was consecrated during the IPYO Concert in May 2022, an emotional moment for Lamija as she participated in her premiere performance at ISKL. This was the first concert that welcomed visitors on-campus post-pandemic, albeit wearing masks and was monumental for the musicians to play to a live and receptive audience. One particular significance was her role as Concertmaster, which involved her acting as the Orchestra leader, culminating in all the participants' hard work and efforts being unified into a celebration of music.
"To know your strengths and weaknesses, where to grow and improve is a mindset that understands one person alone cannot create a better world, but many people can get closer to the goal," shares Lamija.
BRINGING COMRADERIE TO COMPETITION
Alumni student Farah Nadhirah Chairil Anwar ('15) shares her experience of undertaking the role of Tournament Director at the 43rd South East Asia (SEA) Forensics and Debate held in February. She shares, "My perspective of the tournament is that I see it as more than just a competition; the true spirit of participation celebrates camaraderie, community, and skills."
A Malaysian national, Nadhirah had an international upbringing, calling the U.S.A., Nigeria, and the U.K. home before returning to Kuala Lumpur in 2013j and graduating two years later. It was by chance, while undertaking her practicum to support her Master's in Teaching and Learning at ISKL's High School (HS) English department, that Nadhirah was encouraged to volunteer for the upcoming SEA Forensics and Debate. With recollections of how important the tournament was to her as a former ISKL student and debater, she was also keen to maintain the tradition for others and use it to support students in their growth.
Undertaking the role brought back many memories of her participation as a contender. Nadhirah vividly remembers being nervous and doing breathing exercises pre-debate. As this was her first competition, she recalls, "I had no idea what to expect, except I wanted to do well and make my team and coach proud."
With a clearer perspective of how the competition has evolved over the years, Nadhirah believes the essence of it remains true to its roots; in that, there is so much more to its spirit than simple competitiveness. Nadhirah saw the enjoyment and growth from all current participants, witnessing graciousness and respect. "The closing ceremony was momentous in its emotion," Nadhirah highlights, "with medalists clearly showing how much winning meant to them."
Since graduating from ISKL, Nadhirah has been undertaking a Masters's in Teaching and Learning, has completed an undergraduate degree in English with Creative Writing, freelanced as an editor and content writer of poetry collections and novels, coached Malaysia's National Quidditch Team to their World Cup debut. These academic accreditations and accomplishments are as many hobbies as career-driven choices for Farah.
Inspiration comes from looking at "the good in those around me," Nadhirah explains, saying, "Whenever I witness someone doing something kind, generous, or selfless, I feel inspired to be a force for good."
A PASSION FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
A team-spirited and talented student, Sukriti G. ('26) views herself as genuinely creative, developing her passion for the performing arts and absolute love of singing by participating in the school's Junior Varsity Vocals group as well as the Thespians Honor Society, which merges her love of both drama and acting. Having the freedom to sing, play the piano, and listen to music is so much part of Sukriti's day-to-day life that she considers these pursuits much more than hobbies.
There is no doubt that after Sukriti graduates from ISKL, the world will be her oyster when it comes to plans. Currently, her options are open, but they include following her Performing Arts dream and possibly combining this with Psychology. Foreseeing a future career can be considered challenging at such a young age. Still, with many doors to open once a firm path is considered, Sukriti enthusiastically exclaims, "I have many hopes and dreams for the future, but anything involved in the performance area would be awesome!" Her main goal is to have fun, enjoy time with friends and family, and, most importantly, make memories.
Sukriti's journey at ISKL has been filled with endless memories, so much so that she cannot pinpoint her most memorable moment, and she feels that all her experiences have made her feel different on so many levels. In essence, they are an abundance of recollections that include "the start of 5th and 6th grade, my 8th-grade Moving-On Ceremony, stepping off the bus into High School, hugging my best friends, saying "goodbye/hello/nice to meet you," trips, planting trees, joining teams, holding hands, taking a final bow, applauding until my hands hurt, or receiving a meal" Sukriti proclaims. Every experience is an essential episode that is memorable in a unique way.
At ISKL, we believe in a well-rounded education, as they help students develop social, emotional, and practical skills essential for success in school and beyond—many thanks to Lamija, Nadhirah, and Sukriti for sharing their activities' experiences.
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Established in 1965, The International School of Kuala Lumpur (ISKL) has become known as a center of excellence in the world of international education. ISKL is a co-educational, private, non-profit school responsible for the learning journey of over 1,600 students aged 3-18 years representing more than 65 nationalities at its campus in the heart of Kuala Lumpur.
ISKL offers a robust international curriculum which combines leading North American educational frameworks with global best practice. The curriculum recognizes that students are on a lifelong learning journey and is driven by ISKL’s purpose to prepare our students for life itself, as we believe in the importance of helping students to shape their own paths, supporting them in discovering their passions, developing their competencies, and having an ethical impact on the world.
ISKL is accredited internationally through the Council of International Schools (CIS), and in the United States through the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). There is a strong focus on service and sustainability across its divisions and is a member of the Eco-Schools organization and the Green Schools Alliance.
