Panthers of ISKL #348: Sesha Kalimuthu - The Multi-Tasking 'Senseshanal' Panther
The most enjoyable part of my role at ISKL is the students, truly. They teach me, they surprise me, they open my eyes, and they remind me to keep growing and to keep learning.
Meet Sesha Kalimuthu, ISKL’s much-beloved Performing Arts Center Manager and PAC Team player, who warrants her reputation for being ‘Senseshanal’, as one student fondly described her in 2015. She is constantly present, supporting her colleagues and students alike with a contagious energy and dedication to the smooth running of the division. Her presence and commitment do not go unnoticed, with those around her truly valuing and recognizing her unceasing hard work.
Here is Sesha’s story:
Please tell us more about yourself.
I was born in Penang and grew up in Johor Bahru. Both my parents worked, so I was a latchkey kid from Standard 3 (Grade 3). I was naughty, a little rebellious, and loved art too much- a kind of kid. I was convinced I’d grow up to be an illustrator. Clearly, the universe had other plans. After finishing my High School exams, my father hoped I’d pursue law, but my heart just wasn’t in it. Soon after my results were released, I left home, got a job, and started searching for a way to pursue art. I quickly learned that art, and higher education in general, was expensive, and I couldn’t afford it. I worked while looking for alternatives and eventually stumbled upon a college started by a local TV station. I ended up studying broadcasting and spent the next ten years in television, working my way from Production Assistant to producing and directing shows. Toward the end of that decade, I felt the pull for change. and that decision quietly set the stage for everything that followed. I wrote to the Executive Producer of the Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre to see if there was an opportunity for me to learn how to direct in theatre (I thought it would be great to combine the things I knew in broadcast with the stage).
I got a response as soon as my email was sent, and I was asked to come in for an interview, and that was how my theatre background began. I worked as the EP's Assistant from 2008 to 2010, and I had a great opportunity to learn theatre hands-on. In 2010, I had my son and took a year off to take care of him.
When he turned 1, I went on to work at various other venues and freelanced on various productions, taking on different jobs (from front of house, tech crew, costume assistant, production manager, line prompter... you name it, I've probably done it).
When and why did you join ISKL?
In 2015, I was freelancing in events, production, and theatre. I loved the work, but juggling everything with a lack of sustainability was becoming exhausting. When I saw an opening at ISKL, something in me said, “Try.” I applied and was thrilled to get a response for an interview.
When I first walked onto the campus, I felt something I’d never felt before. It was like the building was alive, breathing, welcoming. Then I stepped into the Robert B. Gaw Theatre lobby and the auditorium, and I was completely moved. I still feel grateful and privileged to have had the opportunity to experience the magic of the old campus.
Can you tell us more about your position in the PAC Office at ISKL?
I’m the Performing Arts Centre Manager. My days are filled with caring for the PAC spaces, guiding and supporting our PAC Team, looking out for the students who make this place their second home, and ensuring every event and production is supported with intention and heart.
Nothing in the theatre happens with or because of only one person. If it looks like I manage things smoothly, it’s only because I’m surrounded by colleagues who give so much of themselves, and it's not just within the PAC but across the entire campus. And on top of that, I get to work alongside students who are passionate, curious, and unbelievably inspiring. I learn so much from them, and they are my daily reminder of why I love what I do.
What is your overall vision for the PAC Office?
My vision for the PAC has always been for it to be a living, breathing learning space, an experiential place where best practices, creativity, and collaboration shape every moment. I hope we will continue to nurture a younger generation who are communicative, collaborative, creative, and conscientious. If the PAC can help shape kind, thoughtful, expressive young people, then everything we do is worth it.
What is the most enjoyable and most challenging part of your job?
The most enjoyable part is the students, truly. They teach me, they surprise me, they open my eyes, and they remind me to keep growing and to keep learning.
One of the challenges is that so much of our work is invisible. A lot happens behind the scenes, and people often assume it’s simple and easy, like we’re just “pressing a button.” (If only they knew!) But even that challenge reminds me why care, clear communication, and teamwork matter so much.
I also feel that the most enjoyable AND most challenging part is that the job is so centered in art, which is a forever evolving, growing, and developing form, and while that's one of the most amazing things about it, it is also incredibly subjective.
Sunflowers by Van Gogh may seem beautiful to one person, but disturbing to another. One person may enjoy Shakespeare's work, another just falls asleep in the theatre with it. I believe it really depends on the eye and mind of the beholder. So, I think at ISKL (and anywhere else) the focus should not be just improving, but to keep on collaborating & creating, and I think this way art will organically improve and thrive.
Can you tell us more about your hobbies and interests? What do you do after work?
I love reading. It’s my favorite way to visit new worlds without packing a bag, like going through portals to other worlds. I also love painting, crafting, and exhibitions. If it’s art, I’m there. Music is another love of mine. I also love gardening and cooking, but I haven't had much time for that lately. Hopefully, I will be able to indulge in those loves soon. After work, I usually wind down. Our hours are long, so coming home to my family is a good daily reset. And whenever I get the chance, I like to escape to the ocean. Saltwater is my happy place, it calms me and feels like a refresh for the soul.
Who or what inspires you?
People inspire me. Their stories, their resilience, their kindness; there’s so much to learn from the people around us. Animals also inspire me greatly.
What is your best memory (or most memorable moment) so far working at ISKL?
Being here since 2015, I’ve collected countless memories, good ones and less good ones. But the moment that stays with me, etched in my heart, is my first step into the old Ampang campus. The energy of that building was just incredible; indescribable. It felt warm and alive, and it almost felt like it welcomed me with a hug. It felt like a place where stories lived, and in an instant, I knew I wanted to be part of it. That feeling gave me hope and joy. It's a feeling I’ll never forget and cherish always.
Another beautiful moment was when we had our first-ever production in the Norma J. Hudson Amphitheatre in 2023. Our amazing MS Drama teacher at that time, Philip Oosthuizen, chose Malaysia’s Hanna Alkaf’s The Weight of Our Sky as the canvas for the show, and it just set into motion an extraordinary production where our MS students quite finely demonstrated that young minds are not to be underestimated. They showcased such confidence, empathy, and intuition; it was just incredible to be a part of that show. I have to say, these two are my favorite memories at ISKL.
Which Panther superlative best describes you and share why you chose this superlative and how it shows your Panther spirit!
I’m the most SENSESHANAL Panther because I (Sesha) try to experience everything through observation, intuition, and care. I pay close attention to people, spaces, and energy, and I believe that when we truly notice and listen, better art, stronger collaboration, and more connected communities naturally follow (sense). This started as a playful nickname given to me by a student when I first joined ISKL in the Take Me article.
Tell us why ISKL is special to you:
I Suka (Like) ISKL because it’s a place where people come together to dream, create, and grow. It’s a place that doesn’t just educate minds, it nurtures hearts, and being part of that is an incredible privilege. That's really because of the great people you get to meet and the bonds and connections that you make while you are here. I am so, so lucky to have met and made lifelong friendships and learnt from SO many special people.
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 who you are, treating everyone the way you want to be treated, and using what you have to, at the very least, try to make a positive difference. I believe it’s about showing up fully and leaving the world a little better than you found it.
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.