Class of 2025 Graduation Ceremony

 

On May 31, The International School of Kuala Lumpur (ISKL) proudly celebrated the graduation of the Class of 2025. Held at ISKL’s Ampang Hilir campus in Kuala Lumpur, the ceremony brought together families, friends, and faculty and staff to celebrate 151 graduating students, including 11 “lifers” who have attended ISKL for 12 or more years.

The event began with reflective remarks from High School Principal Jeff Farrington, who acknowledged the unique journeys and lasting contributions of the cohort.

“Whether your journey with us spanned one year or many, your unique contributions have undeniably enriched our school community,” he shared. “Your diverse experiences foster ISKL’s commitment to equity and inclusion, and your journey has exemplified enthusiastic learning.”

 

Following this, Head of School Rami Madani offered words of gratitude and encouragement as the Class of 2025 prepared for their next chapter.

“On behalf of the ISKL community, we thank each of you for being you and for your contributions to our school and each other. We look forward to the positive impact you will make in the world throughout your lives. As we always say, take ISKL with you; keep it in your hearts and on your life’s learning journey. Congratulations, Panthers!”

 

Words from the Class of 2025

One of the most memorable moments of the ceremony came from Hyren Gan (‘25), the elected Class of 2025 speaker from the Student Leadership Team (SLT), who delivered a heartfelt speech filled with honesty, gratitude, and reflection.

“When I first stepped foot into this concrete edifice that I now call home, I glanced up at the crowds of navy blue and white polos swarming up the staircase.

‘Wow,’ I thought, filled with a mix of admiration and anxiety. This is it. My new school for the next three years. Back then, in August 2022, as someone who had just joined ISKL, I never imagined I’d one day be standing here, given the incredible honor of speaking before all of you.

So today, I want to do my best to repay the trust my friends and peers have placed in me.”

Using the theme “Kalau tiada rotan, akar pun jadi” – a Malay proverb that translates to “If there is no rattan cane, roots will do” – Hyren spoke about how his cohort learned to adapt, navigate challenges, and problem solve. 

“We are the class that redefined the script – not by avoiding uncertainty, but by embracing it. And along the way, we learned a simple truth: not every path will be smooth or straight, but change, not comfort, will shape our fate.

We didn’t always have the rattan cane, the perfectly planned scripts, or the ideal circumstances, but we had each other. We had our roots – strong, resilient, and adaptable. And now, as we step into the next chapter, we carry those roots with us. Not to hold us back, but to remind us of where we come from and how far we can go.”

 

Adding a faculty voice to the celebration, High School math teacher Courtney Cross, chosen by the class to deliver the faculty address, spoke about choice, growth, and possibility.

“I believe in the people you’re becoming because of the choices you’ve already made and the ones still ahead. You may not have noticed it, but this is the moment before it all begins. From here on out, the choices are yours. Big ones, small ones, and everything in between. And with those choices come freedom, excitement, and possibility. Thank you, Class of 2025. Live your lives to the fullest. Have the courage to follow your choices and convictions on whatever paths you pursue. May your journey be a joyous one.”

 

Capturing the Moment: A Celebration of Community and Creativity

Following the ceremony, everyone gathered to celebrate. Following the ceremony, graduates, families, and faculty gathered to celebrate, capturing memories and sharing in the joy of the occasion. Graduates posed for photos in an ISKL-themed Class of 2025 magazine cover, with playful captions like “Most Likely to Create a Better World.” They also had the chance to be the star of a mock-up of a Spotify playlist screen, which displayed their class song – the same one they had sung together at the end of the ceremony. A nostalgic Jalan Balik Kampung ISKL setting filled with memorabilia from the past year gave students another fun opportunity to pose with friends and capture some special memories. As a final surprise, graduates received portraits of themselves beautifully illustrated by Middle School students as a gesture of cross-divisional creativity and connection.

 

Ready for the World

The Class of 2025 leaves ISKL ready to navigate the world with confidence and purpose. Most graduates are heading to universities in Australia, Canada, China, Japan, Malaysia, the United Kingdom, the United States, and more.

Their readiness reflects ISKL’s learner-centered approach, which includes pathways such as the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP), Advanced Placement (AP) courses, and the Pursuits Program. These offerings help students build essential skills in collaboration, creative problem solving, and self-direction – all vital for success in a rapidly changing world.

The Class of 2025 leaves with more than academic credentials. They carry empathy, confidence, and curiosity, ready to make a meaningful difference in their communities and the wider world. ISKL is so proud of our newest alumni and wishes them every success in the future!

To learn more about how ISKL nurtures future-ready learners, visit our Learning page or discover more community stories in Panthers of ISKL.