Panthers of ISKL #345: Wendy Wong - The Warm Panther
Through building relationships and trust, I found great joy in the people, connections, and shared experiences that made my journey at ISKL so meaningful. I joined ISKL because I was drawn to its strong sense of community and its commitment to caring for students as whole people.
Meet Wendy Wong, a member of the Admissions Team who will be leaving a lasting impression on our ISKL community as she retires to enjoy a quieter and more personal chapter of life. Her legacy is ‘a warm welcome, a kind word, patience during times of transition, or simply making someone feel seen can have a lasting impact’. So many families have gained from Wendy’s compassion and commitment to the role and will remember her kindness and empathy in supporting their transition into and out of ISKL.
Here is Wendy’s story:
Please tell us more about yourself.
I was born and raised in Kuala Lumpur and am a third-generation Chinese Malaysian. Before joining ISKL, I had a teaching background and spent several years living overseas due to my husband’s work. As a family, we lived in Sydney, Manila, and Ho Chi Minh City. During those years, both our children attended international schools, and I was actively involved as a school parent representative and Malaysian community representative. Today, both of our children live in Copenhagen, and our international experiences continue to shape and enrich our family life.
Outside of work, I enjoy photography, classical music, staying active, a good walk in the park, mindfulness, and journaling. Cooking, baking, and gardening are also a meaningful part of my daily life. These are interests I inherited from my mother.
When and why did you join ISKL?
When we moved back to Kuala Lumpur from Ho Chi Minh City, my son Aaron attended ISKL. Interestingly, I first experienced ISKL as a parent before eventually becoming part of the staff community. It was only after Aaron left ISKL to continue his High School studies in Melbourne that I joined the school, and that was 14 years ago. Looking back, ISKL became more than a workplace; it became a community and an important chapter of my life. Through building relationships and trust, I found great joy in the people, connections, and shared experiences that made my journey at ISKL so meaningful. I joined ISKL because I was drawn to its strong sense of community and its commitment to caring for students as whole people.
I’ve always enjoyed connecting with people and hearing their stories, which made Admissions a natural and meaningful fit for me. Having experienced international transitions myself, I understand the uncertainties and emotions that often come with moving to a new place, which has allowed me to relate to families and support them with empathy and understanding. Supporting families through an important transition in their lives and helping them feel welcomed and seen has been incredibly rewarding.
What was the most enjoyable and most challenging part of your job?
The most enjoyable part of my job has been meeting families from around the world and being part of their first experience of the school. Working closely with our STAR students has also been especially meaningful. In 2013, together with Ms. Julia Love, former Director of Admissions, we worked to develop and grow the STAR program, supporting its implementation and training students to serve confidently as ambassadors for ISKL. It has been a privilege to see this vision come to life through our students, welcoming families, and sharing their authentic school experiences. Families may come to see the campus, but they often leave remembering how they were made to feel, which is something truly special.
The most challenging part of my role has been supporting families through difficult transitions and managing complex admissions decisions with care and fairness. It often requires balancing empathy for each family’s hopes with the realities and limitations of the school. Communicating decisions when we are unable to offer a place can be emotionally difficult. However, these moments have also been the ones that require the greatest compassion and have strengthened my ability to communicate with sensitivity, professionalism, and respect. The most challenging moments were often the ones that required the greatest compassion.
Who or what inspired you most at ISKL?
I have been continually inspired by the students at ISKL and the way they support one another across cultures, backgrounds, and experiences. I have always admired the resilience of families who relocate internationally and adapt to new environments with courage and optimism.
Can you share with us an experience, idea, or quote from ISKL that you will always carry with you through life beyond the school?
One idea I will always carry with me is that every family carries a story, and listening truly matters. Over the years, I have learned that small acts of kindness, patience, and understanding can leave a lasting impact, especially during times of transition and uncertainty.
I also remember a student once sharing a lesson his father taught him: “Character is what you do when no one is watching.” Those words have stayed with me throughout the years as a quiet but powerful reminder of integrity, kindness, and the way our everyday actions reflect who we truly are.
What is your best memory (or most memorable moment) of working at ISKL?
It is difficult to choose just one best memory because there have been so many meaningful moments throughout my years at ISKL. Some of my favorite moments were feeling incredibly special when former students or alumni returned to campus and took the time to stop by for a conversation.
Another especially memorable period was during COVID, when our community found creative ways to stay connected through online meetings, virtual Open Days, online student performances, and other activities. Despite the challenges, there was a strong sense of resilience, care, and togetherness that made me even more appreciative of this community.
Do you have any words of wisdom for any new members joining our ISKL community as faculty or staff?
Take time to build relationships. Be open to conversations, listen with empathy, and say yes to community moments, even the small ones.
Remember that small gestures matter. A warm welcome, a kind word, patience during times of transition, or simply making someone feel seen can have a lasting impact.
At the same time, I have also learned the importance of kindness with boundaries; offering care and support to others while being mindful of your own limits so that you can sustain that care over time.
Be open to learning from the people around you. Colleagues, students, parents, and staff all bring different experiences and perspectives that enrich this community.
Most importantly, enjoy the journey. The friendships, shared experiences, and moments of connection will become some of the most meaningful parts of your time at ISKL.
What are your plans once you leave ISKL?
After leaving ISKL, I am looking forward to a quieter and more personal chapter of life through retirement. Most importantly, I hope to spend more meaningful time with my granddaughter, who is now three years old. At the moment, I only get to see her for a few weeks each year, and I look forward to being more present in her life and watching her grow.
I also hope to continue pursuing the things that bring me joy and balance - photography and videography, cooking, baking, gardening, writing and journaling, as well as travel and mindfulness.
While Simon and I have adjusted to our empty nest, learning to embrace this quieter season of life with appreciation for more time, space, reflection, and staying connected to what matters most.
Which Panther superlatives best describe you, and how will you carry this spirit forward with you?
I would remember myself as both The Most Baik Panther (Baik means kindhearted) and The Most Onz Panther (Onz means nothing is impossible). For me, being Baik is about how we make people feel, with kindness that is thoughtful and balanced, so it can be sustained. Being Onz is about showing up with positivity, courage, and a can-do spirit in every situation.
Tell us why ISKL will remain special to you:
I Suka (Like) ISKL because it’s a place where people genuinely care for each other, where students and families from all over the world can feel at home, and where kindness is shown thoughtfully, with care, and community really matters.
What does “Know yourself, care for all, and create a better world” mean to you?
To me, “Know yourself, care for all, create a better world” is a reminder to stay grounded in who I am, to lead with gratitude, and, no matter how small, to make a positive difference in the lives of others.
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.