Panthers of ISKL #333: Pecky L. - The Warm and Fun Panther
ISKL is a place where community is built, diversity is celebrated, and families truly feel a sense of belonging. It has been such an exciting and fulfilling journey for us, so why not share it with others, right?
Meet Pecky L., fondly known as ‘Cikgu Pecky. ’ She is a friendly face both as a representative and liaison for the PTA’s Malaysian Community and also as a parent. Her warmth, dedication, and commitment are reflected in all she does and achieves at ISKL and are valued by everyone who meets her.
Here is Pecky’s story:
Please tell us more about yourself.
I was born and raised in Selangor, Malaysia. I received my Bachelor's and Master of Education from the University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur. I worked in PR and Marketing for a few years, then taught at a University College for nine years before my husband received his first posting to Bangkok. A year later, Kishen was born. After four years in Bangkok, we moved to Frankfurt, where we lived for four years. Kishen received his early childhood education at the Frankfurt International School (FIS) in Oberursel.
When did your family join ISKL, and what grade was your child in at the time?
We came home to Malaysia in 2016. Seeing how Kishen had flourished at FIS, we knew that we had to find a similar school, a school where students feel safe and valued, and their voices are heard and respected. ISKL was and still is the perfect choice. Kishen started Grade 1 at ISKL, and he is currently in Grade 10.
Can you tell us more about how you support ISKL as a parent? What are your commitments throughout the year? Tell us how you got involved in supporting ISKL and what this means to you.
I am one of the parent liaisons for the Malaysian community at ISKL. As the host country and one of the largest communities at ISKL, we try our best to support PTA-led workshops and events such as the International Fest, Christmas Around the World, and Let’s Iftar. We also organize makan and mingle sessions for our Malaysian community to keep everyone connected and excited about events happening at school.
I also enjoy being a part of the PAL team (Parent Ambassador League). During Open Days, we meet prospective parents and share our experiences as ISKL parents and what it is like to be a part of such a diverse and supportive community. We talk about PTA-run workshops and events, travel opportunities for sports tournaments and IASAS, support and talks organized by the school for parents, and many more amazing experiences to help them realize that beyond education, ISKL is a place where community is built, diversity is celebrated, and families truly feel a sense of belonging. It has been such an exciting and fulfilling journey for us, so why not share it with others, right?
I would say that one of the most rewarding experiences was teaching Bahasa Melayu to Elementary School and Middle School students. I taught ES Bahasa Melayu ASA for seven years and MS WIN Time Bahasa Melayu for three years. I am grateful for the experience that broadened my perspective from that of a parent to an educator. It gave me the chance to connect with the wider school community, students, teachers, and local staff. However, as Kishen moved on to High School, I could see our time at ISKL slowly coming to an end, and I decided to enjoy the last four years at ISKL solely as a parent and started participating in PTA-led events as well as talks and workshops organized by our school.
I still occasionally sub at ISKL. I started my role as a substitute teacher at the Elementary School when Kishen was in Grade 2, and later moved on to Middle School and eventually High School. Seeing these tiny little humans from ES grow into respectful and confident teenagers in HS amazes me every time! (Oh! I plan to continue subbing even after Kishen graduates from ISKL. I am not ready to let go of ISKL yet!)
What is the most enjoyable and most challenging part of your parent support role?
The most enjoyable part would be working with positive people and having tremendous fun along the way. The most challenging and heartbreaking part is when friends leave as they move on to their next adventure.
What keeps you motivated?
People, the friendships that I make along the way, and the supportive community. It is always motivating to work with people who have positive energy.
Can you tell us more about your hobbies and interests?
I love spending time with friends and family. Simple moments, like breakfast with friends at the mamak and chatting over Teh Tarik and Roti Canai, bring me genuine joy! I look forward to coffee with my mom and sisters every Sunday and the occasional saree shopping or evening tea with my sisters-in-law and mom-in-law.
When I have time for myself, I enjoy sketching and doing art and crafts. Kishen and I used to spend a lot of time doing art and craft and sketching together when he was younger, but these days, it is more of a solo activity.
We love travelling as a family. Travelling allows us to spend quality time together without worrying about school or work while we explore new places and cultures.
Who or what inspires you?
Many people inspire me. My biggest inspiration is my son. Seeing Kishen grow from a shy child into a kind, articulate, and confident young man with an amazing sense of humor makes me a proud mom. He is resilient and is committed to seeing things through once he sets his mind on a goal.
As a substitute teacher and having had the opportunity to teach Bahasa Melayu at ISKL, I have met and engaged with many of our local staff. Their dedication, support, and hard work provide the foundation on which our school thrives. They work tirelessly and are always cheerful. The genuine care that they provide for our students is exceptional.
What is your best memory (or most memorable moment) so far at ISKL?
The list is endless! Cheering for Kishen and his team during the BISP 7 football matches in Phuket for 2 years in a row is definitely one of the highlights. And watching our boys receive their medals as the undefeated champion for AIMS football when Kishen was in Grade 7 was a proud moment. Supporting Kishen and his teammates during the Middle School Sports Festival at JIS was also an amazing experience. We attended every band performance from when Kishen was in Grade 5 through Grade 9, and we were impressed every single time. He is currently taking Film as an elective, and I attended the recent HS Fall Film Showcase. Needless to say, I was blown away by our students’ talent. Their ideas were creative, bold, and brilliantly executed.
Christmas Around the World will always be my favourite PTA-led event. I have been a volunteer since Kishen was in Elementary School, and even though he is a high schooler now, I still show up. It is such a magical experience.
Which Panther superlative best describes you?
🐾 The Most PAWesome Panther – (No translation needed!)
Share why you chose this superlative and how it shows your Panther spirit!
I’m the Most PAWesome Panther because I am fun to be around. I love making people laugh, and I bring positive energy wherever I go. I am sincere, and it truly matters to me that those around me feel valued and comfortable being themselves.
Tell us why ISKL is special to you:
I Suka (Like) ISKL because it is the WORLD under one roof. Where else can you find more than 60 nationalities in a single place? Yet, within our diversity, the warmth, kindness, and support create such a positive environment where everyone feels they belong. Being a part of this community is special. We have met wonderful people, formed lifelong friendships, and experienced a genuine sense of belonging.
What does “Know yourself, care for all, and create a better world” mean to you?
Every action or decision that we make, big or small, affects others. A simple gesture, such as a smile or even a word of encouragement, could positively impact a person’s day and influence how they treat the next person they meet. I have always believed that one act of kindness often leads to another and vice versa.
It all starts with “Knowing yourself”. Understanding our own values and recognizing what truly matters to us helps us live honestly and lead a more fulfilling life, not because life is perfect, but because we are living in a way that feels true to us. And when we are happy and at peace with ourselves, we are naturally more empathetic and kind toward others. And that is how we contribute, in our own small but meaningful way, to creating a better 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