Malaysia Week: A Transformative Experience for Every MS Student

Since 1979, Malaysia Week has been a hallmark of The International School of Kuala Lumpur’s (ISKL) Middle School (MS) program.  Designed for Grades 6–8, it offers an interdisciplinary outdoor learning experience that takes students beyond the classroom and into Malaysia’s reefs and rainforests. The experience fosters real-world learning, deeper cultural awareness, and a strengthened sense of self and community.

“Combining service learning, outdoor adventure, and personal development, Malaysia Week is an invaluable opportunity for growth that enriches student learning in so many meaningful ways,” shares ISKL’s Head of School, Rami Madani. “We know that students benefit enormously from the experience of being taken out of their comfort zone in a safe and supportive environment. In addition to developing new skills, it builds resilience and inner confidence. The fact that the trips comprise mixed grade levels also fosters intra-grade camaraderie and the opportunity to expand friendship groups and make new connections.”

In April, more than 400 students embarked on 24 transformative journeys across Malaysia; each crafted to build confidence, resilience, and perspective. Whether snorkeling among coral reefs or hiking through ancient rainforests, students took calculated risks and problem-solved while discovering the importance of collaboration, leadership, and empathy.

Purpose and Vision

Malaysia Week reflects ISKL’s vision: Know yourself, care for all, and create a better world. It also supports ISKL’s School-wide Learning Results (SLRs), providing students with opportunities to:

• Learn a new skill or gain knowledge in an area not ordinarily found in the school curriculum 
• Reinforce skills and content in the curriculum
• Explore Malaysia’s biodiversity, cultural heritage, and local communities.

• Strengthen teamwork through group challenges that foster communication and peer support.
• Apply academic learning in real-life contexts through critical thinking and ethical decision-making.
• Build independence through personal responsibility and self-management.
• Foster empathy and shared responsibility through community living.

Diverse Destinations for Every Learner

Trips are offered in three categories: Ocean, Rainforest, and Hybrid. Each tailored to students’ interests and readiness levels:

• Rainforest adventures emphasize trekking, survival skills, and cultural immersion.
• Ocean destinations focus on marine exploration, diving, and conservation.
• Hybrid programs combine nature, service, and cultural learning to ensure inclusivity.

This thoughtful approach ensures that every student finds an experience that challenges and inspires them.

Student Voices

From building confidence to creating lasting memories, students share how Malaysia Week left a meaningful mark on their Middle School journey: