Once a Panther, Always a Panther: Celebrating 60 Years of ISKL Spirit

Celebrating 60 Years as a Leading International School in KL

Throughout April, The International School of Kuala Lumpur (ISKL) marked its 60th anniversary with a series of celebrations honoring its history, strengthening community bonds, and looking ahead to a future filled with purpose and promise. Community gatherings, alumni reunions, student performances, and special tributes all reflected ISKL’s journey since its founding in 1965.

A Legacy of Belonging and Purpose

From its modest beginnings with nine teachers and 48 students learning in a palace on Jalan Maxwell, ISKL has grown into a leading international school in KL. With a purpose-built campus that more than 1,800 students from over 70 nationalities now call home, ISKL’s evolution has been guided by a bold vision of fostering learning, connection, and global citizenship, a spirit that continues to inspire the community today.

In celebrating its 60th anniversary, ISKL honors the legacy of those who came before and reaffirms its commitment to nurturing the next generation of changemakers. As Head of School, Rami Madani states, “While ISKL has evolved over the past six decades through changes in location, employees, leadership, and the world around us, it remains one unbroken symbol of belonging, connection, and purpose. It is this symbol that people carry with them long after they leave. And it is this symbol we continue to build together and leave safely behind for those who come after us. 

A Month of Celebration

The anniversary festivities began with one of ISKL’s most cherished traditions: iFest, the school’s annual International Festival. Fittingly, in ISKL’s 60th anniversary year, iFest and two Interscholastic Association of Southeast Asian Schools (IASAS) tournaments, Track & Field and Golf, took place at the same time, creating a unique moment that brought together two of the community’s most vibrant and much-loved events.

IASAS showcased the spirit of collaboration, international mindedness, and high standards that define ISKL’s approach to learning, while iFest celebrated the cultural diversity and inclusivity at the heart of the community. Together, these events embodied all that has made ISKL so special over the past 60 years. Families, students, alumni, and employees came together to enjoy global cuisine, musical performances, student showcases, and spirited athletics, reflecting both the richness of ISKL’s heritage and the energy that continues to drive it forward.

To mark the anniversary, this year’s iFest included commemorative hand-crafted quilts telling the story of ISKL’s journey, and “Ties That Bind” limited-edition T-shirts designed by students especially for alumni, symbolizing the enduring connections across generations of Panthers.

Reconnecting Past and Present

Later in the month, ISKL welcomed back alumni from across the decades, providing opportunities to reconnect with classmates, teachers, and treasured memories. More than 80 alumni gathered from around the world for campus tours and visits to a former school site, bridging generations and rekindling the sense of belonging that remains at the heart of the ISKL experience.

“Even though the campus has evolved from our days, the feeling of belonging is still the same;  warm, welcoming, and inspiring,” shared alumni Raymond Tait (’78), who brought together Panthers from around the world for the anniversary festivities.

Music, Memories, and Community Spirit

Celebrations continued with Jam at ISKL, an afternoon of live music featuring performances by students, parents, employees, and alumni. The event created a relaxed and joyful atmosphere that captured the creativity and unity of the ISKL community.

That evening, more than 500 alumni and current and former employees came together for Jom Lepak, a heartfelt anniversary dinner filled with shared stories, laughter, and lasting friendships.

Marking a Milestone Through Art and Spirit

In honor of this significant milestone, ISKL unveiled a series of life-sized Panther statues representing the six core groups that form the heart of its community: Elementary, Middle, and High School students, parents, employees, and alumni. These stunning works of art, created by talented Malaysian artists in collaboration with the ISKL community, are a testament to the school’s collective creativity and Panther spirit.

The designs were directly inspired by ideas generated during brainstorming sessions with students and community members last school year, ensuring the statues reflect the voices and vision of the community. Located across campus, the statues now stand as a lasting tribute to the legacy, connection, and inclusive culture that define ISKL and the many individuals who have contributed to its journey.

Celebrating ISKL’s Malaysian Roots

To commemorate the milestone in a way that celebrates ISKL’s deep connection to Malaysia, the school partnered with lifestyle brand A Piece of Malaysia (APOM) to create a special anniversary merchandise line. 

Featuring playful slogans such as “Goreng Strong Since 1965,” “I Suka Kuala Lumpur,” and “With ISKL Semua Can,” the APOM x ISKL collection quickly became a community favorite. Proceeds from the collection support the Pathways Scholarship, offering two Malaysian students a four-year opportunity to study at ISKL from Grades 9 to 12, a meaningful way of investing in future generations.

Looking to the Future

As ISKL enters its seventh decade, its commitment to cultivating students' passions, values, and competencies remains steadfast.

“As Head of School, it is both a privilege and a joy to be part of our remarkable community and to help build on the legacy shaped by those who came before us,” says Madani. For over sixty years, ISKL has stayed true to its commitment to creating a learning environment where every student feels supported, empowered, and inspired. That vision continues to guide us today and will carry us into the future. I am truly humbled and grateful to be part of ISKL’s ongoing journey.”

Learn more about how ISKL nurtures learning, belonging, and global citizenship here.