Panthers of ISKL #321: Karamjit Kaur - The Welcoming Panther
ISKL is special to me because it has truly been my second home for more than 31 years. It’s where I built my career, grew as a person, and created countless memories with students, families, and colleagues. I started here as a young teaching assistant and have since taken on many different roles, each one giving me opportunities to learn, connect, and contribute to the community.
Meet Karamjit Kaur, fondly known as Jit, who has been a valued member of the ISKL community for 31 years. Originating from Seremban, Negeri Sembilan, Jit’s position as Admissions Executive gives her the privilege of working with families from all over the world, welcoming them and supporting them in their transition into ISKL.
Jit takes great pride in building meaningful relationships with families who are undertaking one of the most important decisions of their lives: that of the education of their children. Her empathy and professional guidance are qualities that help them feel safe in ISKL’s admissions process.
Here is Karamjit’s story
Can you tell us more about yourself:
My name is Karamjit Kaur (Jit), Admissions Executive from Seremban, Negeri Sembilan.
I have been with The International School of Kuala Lumpur (ISKL) for the past thirty-one years. Over this time, I have had the privilege of working with families from all over the world and supporting them through the admissions process. Being part of ISKL for more than three decades has given me a deep understanding of our community, values, and commitment to student success.
I take great pride in building meaningful connections with families and guiding them with care, clarity, and empathy as they make important decisions about their children’s education.
When and why did you join ISKL?
I began my career working in different companies before joining ISKL. My first job, at the age of 18, was with Price Waterhouse, an accounting firm. I then moved on to Hong Leong Finance before finally joining ISKL in 1994. I started as a Grade 3 Teaching Assistant, and five years later transitioned to the IT Department, where I worked for six years. After that, I continued to grow in my career by joining the Admissions Department, where I have remained ever since.
ISKL has been the place where I found both professional growth and a true sense of belonging. While I gained valuable experience in my earlier roles, ISKL is where I chose to stay, and I have loved being part of this community for more than thirty-one years.
Can you describe what a typical day looks like for you as an Admissions Executive?
A typical day as an Admissions Executive at ISKL is dynamic and centered around supporting families through their admissions journey. My mornings often begin by reviewing emails and inquiries from prospective parents, answering their questions, and guiding them through the application process. I also spend time checking applications through our system, ensuring that all documents are complete and ready for review.
The day often includes meeting families, whether in person or virtually, to share more about ISKL, organize campus tours, and help them feel welcome. Behind the scenes, I coordinate with teachers, administrators, and other departments to schedule screenings, assessments, or interviews as needed.
A very exciting part of my role is sending out offer emails and confirmation letters to families once a placement has been approved. It’s always rewarding to deliver this good news and welcome new students into the ISKL community.
In addition, I work on data and reports, update waitlists, and prepare communication materials for families. Every day is different, but what remains the same is the joy of connecting with families and the fulfillment of helping students begin their educational journey at ISKL.
Can you tell us about anything exciting or interesting happening at ISKL that you’re a part of?
One of the most exciting parts of my role is being involved in welcoming new families to ISKL. Every year, I get to meet people from all around the world, hear their stories, and help them transition smoothly into our community. It’s always inspiring to see how quickly children adapt and begin to thrive once they feel at home here.
I’m also part of the planning and coordination for Prep Reception and Prep Junior group screenings, which is always an exciting time. Seeing our youngest learners take their very first steps into school life is both heartwarming and rewarding.
Equally meaningful is meeting new families during orientation, when I get to greet them in person, answer questions, and see the excitement on students’ faces as they prepare to begin their ISKL journey.
What makes all of this exciting for me is that no two days are ever the same, and every interaction is an opportunity to build connections and make families feel welcomed and valued.
Can you tell us more about your hobbies and interests? What do you do after work?
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family and staying connected to nature. Cooking is one of my favorite ways to unwind after a busy day. I love experimenting with new recipes and making traditional dishes for my loved ones. I also enjoy reading and listening to music, which helps me relax and recharge.
Most of all, I treasure my free time playing with my granddaughters, Mannat (1 year 2 months old) and Maahi (11 months old), who live with me. These are truly the happiest moments during my day off, filling my life with laughter, joy, and endless energy.
On weekends, I like going for walks and exploring new places around the city, and I always make time to connect with friends and family. These activities keep me balanced and bring fresh energy to my work at ISKL.
What is your most memorable moment so far at ISKL?
After more than 31 years at ISKL, I have had many wonderful moments, but one of the most memorable was being part of the school’s big move to the Ampang Hilir campus. It was a proud and historic milestone for ISKL, and I felt fortunate to witness the transition and to see how beautifully the school has grown since then.
At the same time, it was also a little bittersweet for me. Leaving the Melawati Campus was a sad moment because that was where I first started my job and built up my career. It was such a nice, cozy place, filled with memories and experiences that shaped my journey. But as we grew, the school’s move to the new campus at Ampang Hilir was necessary, and it has been exciting to see ISKL flourish in its new home.
Another very special memory for me was when my own child, Rashvinder, who was only 3 years old at the time, performed during the Deepavali festival at ISKL. Watching her on stage, celebrating our culture and being part of the school community, was truly unforgettable and filled me with pride as both a parent and a staff member.
Moments like these, whether it’s welcoming families, watching children thrive, or seeing my own daughter perform, remind me why I love ISKL so much and why it feels like home.
Which Panther are you?
I would say I’m the Most Baik Panther (Baik means kindhearted) because I am loyal and caring. For me, being part of ISKL for more than thirty-one years shows my loyalty and dedication to the school community. At the same time, I love meeting new families, making them feel welcome, and supporting them through their admissions journey, which reflects the caring side of the Panther spirit.
I’m proud to carry that Panther energy with me every day, both in my work and in the connections I build with students, parents, and colleagues.
Share why you chose this superlative and how it shows your Panther spirit!
I chose Baik Panther (Baik means kindhearted) because those qualities truly reflect who I am and how I approach my work at ISKL. Over the past thirty-one years, I have remained deeply committed to the school, showing loyalty not just through the length of time I’ve been here, but through my dedication to supporting families and students every single day.
The caring side comes through not only in the way I welcome new families and guide them through the admissions journey, but also in how I support my colleagues. Many times, they come to me for personal advice or work-related concerns, and I believe God has blessed me with the ability to be a good listener, problem-solver, and adviser.
For me, being a Panther means working with heart, building connections, and always putting people first. That’s the Panther spirit I carry with me.
Tell us why ISKL is special to you:
ISKL is special to me because it has truly been my second home for more than 31 years. It’s where I built my career, grew as a person, and created countless memories with students, families, and colleagues. I started here as a young teaching assistant and have since taken on many different roles, each one giving me opportunities to learn, connect, and contribute to the community.
I Suka (Like) ISKL because ….
I Suka ISKL because it is unique in its warmth and inclusiveness. The way people from so many different backgrounds come together as one family. I’ve always felt supported here, not just professionally but personally, and I’ve formed lifelong friendships. Seeing children walk through our doors a little nervous and later watching them thrive reminds me every day why this school is so special.
For me, ISKL is not just a workplace; it’s a place filled with love, growth, and belonging.
What does ISKL’s vision, “Know yourself, care for all and create a better world,” mean to you?
To me, ISKL’s vision “Know yourself, care for all, and create a better world” is not just a phrase, but a guiding principle in my work and life. Knowing yourself means understanding your strengths and values; for me, it’s about recognizing that I am a listener, a helper, and someone who can make others feel at ease. Caring for all reflects the way I approach families and colleagues with empathy, kindness, and the belief that everyone deserves to feel welcomed and supported.
Finally, creating a better world starts with small, everyday actions: helping a family find a place where their child can thrive, supporting a colleague in need, or simply sharing a smile. These little acts of care and connection build the foundation for a better, more compassionate world. For me, living this vision is what makes being part of ISKL so meaningful.
Do you know of any student, teacher, parent, or staff member who always has an anecdote to tell, loves to share some insights into their passions and interests, or simply is a Panther through and through? Nominate them to be featured in our Panthers of ISKL stories by sending in your submissions here.