Panthers of ISKL #329: Marleena A.R. - The Malaysia Boleh Panther
One famous tag line that has always empowered and motivated me is 'Malaysia Boleh’. As a phrase that resonates deeply with many Malaysians, it is a reminder to stay positive, persevere, and believe that we can achieve anything we set our minds to. It’s a mindset I carry with me in everything I do.
Meet Marleena A.R., a long-standing ISKL parent, who is also the first point of contact for new families being introduced to the ISKL Malaysian Community in her role as Country Representative. Balancing being a wife and mum, managing a full-time job, and supporting ISKL country-led activities and events can be a challenge, but she thoroughly enjoys the impact it has on others.
Here is Marleena’s story:
Please tell us more about yourself.
I was born in Alor Setar, Kedah, Malaysia. An accountant by background, I started my career in 1998 and have been working for almost twenty years.
My four children and I joined my husband’s first relocation to Taipei, where we were for four years. Our next posting was New York, and we were there for six years. We relocated back to Malaysia in 2018 and joined ISKL at the new Ampang Hilir campus.
I am currently working full-time, and my husband is working in Mumbai, but I decided to stay in Kuala Lumpur to let my 10th grader finish his High School at ISKL.
When did you join ISKL, and what year groups were your children in? What year groups are they now in?
We first joined ISKL in 2011, and my daughters were in Grade 1, 3, and 6. After one year at ISKL, we moved overseas for six years. When we returned in 2018, my oldest had graduated, and my other three children resumed their studies at ISKL. The youngest restarted in Grade 3 and is now in Grade 10 (‘28). The other two started in Grade 8 (‘23) and Grade 10 (‘21).
Can you tell us more about how you support ISKL as a parent volunteer? What are your commitments throughout the year? Tell us about how you got involved in your support of ISKL and what this means to you.
I am one of the Country Representatives of the ISKL Malaysian Community. My main role is to coordinate and get the Malaysian community to support country-led activities. I help to organise events such as iFest, Christmas Around the World, Let’s Iftar, and many more!
If a new family joins ISKL, I make sure to introduce myself and welcome them to the ISKL Malaysian community. I took on the role of Country Representative because I enjoy planning and am passionate about creating meaningful events, ensuring that Malaysia is well-represented as one of the central communities at ISKL.
What is the most enjoyable and most challenging part of your parent support role?
The most challenging part of my parent support role at ISKL is finding the time to balance everything, especially as a mom who works full-time. It can be difficult to manage commitments and ensure I am fully present for each activity. However, despite the challenge, being part of school activities helps me destress and unwind from work. The most enjoyable part is seeing people come together, getting involved, and genuinely enjoying themselves. Moments like these make all the effort truly worthwhile.
Can you tell us more about your hobbies and interests? What do you do after work?
I have always loved drawing, coloring, and attending creative workshops. I also like to sew in my free time. Since picking up this new hobby, I have created various items using batik, such as lanyards, phone straps, bags, aprons, and bucket hats. Some of the pieces I’ve made have even been showcased and sold during iFest, which has been a meaningful way to share my work with the community.
Who or what inspires you?
What inspires me most is the opportunity to represent Malaysia and share our culture with others. Living abroad as a diplomat taught me the importance of making our country visible and showcasing the richness of Malaysian heritage with pride. I’m always motivated when I meet people who don’t yet know much about Malaysia, as it becomes an opportunity to introduce them to our traditions, food, and spirit.
One famous tag line that has always empowered and motivated me is “Malaysia Boleh.” As a phrase that resonates deeply with many Malaysians, it is a reminder to stay positive, persevere, and believe that we can achieve anything we set our minds to. It’s a mindset I carry with me in everything I do.
What is your best memory (or most memorable moment) so far working at ISKL?
As one of the biggest celebrations at ISKL, I definitely have to say iFest. Although there is a lot of logistics to plan for each event, it’s always worth it. I love seeing people come together, embrace Malaysian culture, and enjoy the food, performances, and traditions we share. Watching the community celebrate and appreciate what Malaysia has to offer makes every moment truly meaningful.
Which of these Panther superlatives best describes you, and why does it show your Panther spirit?
I would choose the Most Onz Panther (Onz means nothing is impossible) because it reflects my “just do it” approach. When something needs to be done, I dive in and make it happen. Anything to do with ISKL is not only a lot of fun but also incredibly rewarding, especially when I see happy and proud faces around me. I believe life should be fulfilling, and being part of the ISKL community allows me to contribute in meaningful ways.
I’m the most determined because I believe that nothing is impossible and that there is always a solution to every challenge. I’m always ready to take on new challenges, persevere through obstacles, and find ways to make things happen, no matter how difficult they may seem.
Tell us why ISKL is special to you:
ISKL is special to me because it is the only school where all four of my kids have attended during their schooling years.
I Suka (Like) ISKL because ….
I Suka ISKL because over my eight consecutive years at ISKL, I have grown to deeply appreciate and love the community. The school is supportive of my children, inclusive, and fosters a sense of belonging for everyone. Being part of this community has been a meaningful and rewarding experience for my family and me.
What does “Know yourself, care for all, and create a better world” mean to you?
To me, “Know yourself, care for all, and create a better world” means understanding my own limits and strengths, knowing when to push myself, and making sure I love what I do. It’s about being happy, enjoying life, and living with no regrets.
At the same time, it means supporting everyone around me, being inclusive, diplomatic, and kind, and ensuring everyone gets a fair and equal opportunity.
By combining self-awareness with care for others, we can contribute to creating a better, more compassionate world.
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.