Panthers of ISKL #342: Zhao Y.K. (‘25) - The Wholehearted Panther
Give wholeheartedly into what you love. Be too loud if it means being yourself. What people call ‘performative’ is just a reflection of what they’re afraid to face within themselves.
Meet Zhao Y.K. (‘25), a recent member of the ISKL alumni community and a driven individual who believes that giving wholeheartedly is the key to expressing what you love in life. His belief in having a clear sense of who you are, will allow you to be poised for success; advice he has taken himself to establish his newfound path at the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta, USA.
Here is Zhao’s story:
Can you tell us more about yourself?
I was born to a Chinese mother and Malaysian father, spending a few years in Beijing before moving to Kuala Lumpur at the age of five. My parents travelled frequently before then: though, as any ex-infant would know, you tend to remember very few things! Hence why a life goal of mine is to visit over one hundred countries. I joined ISKL in August 2012, and graduated in the Class of 2025. That means I spent thirteen years here!
Where are you now on your journey beyond ISKL? How has your experience been so far?
So far, so good! I’m currently pursuing a Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science (CS) at the Georgia Institute of Technology. Atlanta has been a refreshing change of pace from the bustling energy of Kuala Lumpur, giving me the space to reset and re-evaluate my priorities.
I was recently elected Vice President of Big Data Big Impact, a student organization of ten+ machine learning project teams creating societal impact across a range of fields: from education to medicine to agriculture. My semester was otherwise spent leading workshops and contributing to PerfectPunch, a virtual camera-based boxing coach that democratizes access to professional training.
Looking ahead, I am slated to join AquaBots in fall: a Vertically Integrated Project (VIP) that conducts seafloor exploration by combining computer vision with underwater robotics. Inspired by my diving and conservation efforts from Malaysia Week and GAP, this project hits particularly close to home.
Do you have any advice for our Class of 2026 who are currently pursuing the IB? Please share some tips.
For the love of life, do not spend yours being nonchalant. There is only so much time before you graduate, and the last thing you need is to obsess over someone else’s opinion. Don’t be afraid to take up space. Give wholeheartedly into what you love. Be too loud if it means being yourself. What people call ‘performative’ is just a reflection of what they’re afraid to face within themselves.
This applies especially during the International Baccalaureate (IB): the subjects you choose, the activities you pursue and the intellectual ways you push yourself in Theory of Knowledge (TOK) and Extended Essay (EE) should connect by a narrative throughline that is distinctively yours. Knowing that narrative, and being able to tell it with intention, is perhaps the most powerful tool to have. None of us have life fully figured out, but what distinguishes someone truly poised for success is a clear sense of who they are, even if where they’re headed is still a mystery.
Finally, kudos to those of you who’ve stayed at ISKL for as long as I have (or longer!). To continue giving your best after your achievements are no longer a novelty, after your reputation precedes you: these things demand a level of psychological strength your peers might never realize. Cultivate habits that force you to slow down, and devote energy into planning your future. Also: lie upside-down on a couch in the social studies commons, and thank yourself for the hard work! Soon, you’ll be at college orientation with a chance to start anew.
Do you have any thoughts on your career pathway?
University has greatly expanded my view on CS careers, and a run-of-the-mill Software Engineer position is far from the only possibility. It’s too early to say for sure, but networking events and alumni talks have been invaluable for meeting my future peers in industry and/or research. There’s always something to learn from others, so I do my best to approach every conversation with an open mind.
What are your interests and hobbies?
Guys. Atlanta is the Southern capital of music. It’d be a waste if I didn’t frequent the local concert scene!!! Seeing my favorite artists live inspired me to join GT’s Rock & Pop Ensemble, debuting an original song with my band onstage next to the dining hall. My pen game is stronger than ever, flowing in the late-night spaces between homework and project deadlines (perhaps at their expense, as a relief, or both: time will tell!).
I also love a good sunset hike! Recently, I got the chance to climb Stone Mountain and watch the sky turn various shades of purple, orange and pink. Spontaneous trips (especially when a hotpot is involved!) are my favorite way to grow closer with friends and stay fit before returning to our demanding schedules.
Who or what inspires you or has influenced you?
My best friends are my biggest inspiration. I’m a firm believer that you are who you choose to surround yourself with: and I’m forever grateful to have such kind, emotionally understanding people make up my inner circle. Even after moving into adulthood and to different countries, we call frequently and continue to share important moments in each other’s lives.
Most memorable moment at ISKL?
The stage was where I found myself at ISKL. From my shaky cover of Stitches in Seventh Grade to captaining the IASAS Vocals octet in my senior year, performing over the years has coaxed out the confidence within me. Months of rehearsals preceding every show taught me discipline, and travelling conventions gave me the opportunity to connect even deeper with my choir alongside peers from all over Southeast Asia.
The confidence I gained onstage spilled over into other aspects of my extracurricular life, from Model United Nations (MUN) to hosting a trans-national computing olympiad between IASAS schools. Now that I’m in university, I am never afraid to make new friends in a room full of strangers.
Which Panther superlatives best describes you and how does it show your Panther?
I’m The Most Baik Panther (Baik means kindhearted) because I value being a nurturer: someone whose presence makes others feel safe and loved.
Kindness is rarely loud, or visible for that matter. There are many things I’ve done for ISKL that remain undiscussed, and I prefer it that way. If there's one thing I want to be remembered for here, it's empowering others to grow into their best, authentic selves: just like I would’ve wanted when I was younger.
Tell us why ISKL is special to you:
I Suka (Like) ISKL because of the long history I’ve shared with this school. Over thirteen years I’ve seen expat families come and go, witnessed the transition between campuses, and played my part in the evolution of our community into what it is today.
Graduating in the Class of ‘25, as a result, felt like closing the page on a lifetime’s worth of memories. After all, I’d grown up with some of these people since Prep Senior, with our little nametags and glowing eyes at the now-retired Melawati campus. Watching my lifelong friends receive their diplomas (and receiving my own) felt surreal.
What does “Know yourself, care for all, and create a better world” mean to you?
To actively support others and live for a greater purpose brings infinitely more fulfillment than solely focusing on your own success. However, generosity is rooted in your ability to give; you can't pour from an empty cup, and you need to find causes that resonate with who you are to devote genuine care.
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.