For 60 years, The International School of Kuala Lumpur (ISKL) has been more than just a place of learning; it has been a second home for generations of globally mobile families. Founded in 1965 with 48 students learning in the Istana on Jalan Maxwell, ISKL has remained proudly rooted in the heart of the city, deeply connected to its host country, Malaysia. Today, it is a dynamic international school of over 1,800 students on a purpose-built, 25-acre campus in Ampang Hilir located near the iconic Petronas Twin Towers.
The International School of Kuala Lumpur (ISKL)
9 June 2025
While much has changed, one thing remains constant: the deep sense of connection that ties generations of
ISKL students, alumni, families, educators, and staff, affectionately known as Panthers, together through a shared sense of belonging and pride.

The KL skyline is more than a beautiful backdrop for ISKL’s state-of-the-art campus; it’s part of the school’s identity. A vibrant blend of cultures, cuisines, and traditions, Malaysia’s capital offers a welcoming environment that embraces diversity and encourages exploration. For ISKL families, many of whom arrive from around the world, the city quickly becomes more than just an ideal destination; it’s where friendships blossom, and culture becomes a way of life.
“We have been here for 15 years, and we have not only made friends but also cultivated new family members,” reflects Tina Casey, Performing Arts Director. “So many people here are like our family. Oh, yes, and the food! Malaysian food and culture are the heart of our time here as a family.”
From
roti canai breakfasts to exploring rainforest trails just minutes from the city center, families find that Kuala Lumpur offers an ideal balance between modern amenities and rich cultural heritage. Malaysia’s multilingual, multicultural fabric mirrors ISKL’s own community, where over 70 nationalities come together in an environment built on empathy, inclusion, and care.
The school’s emphasis on care and empathy is one of the many reasons why ISKL has been shortlisted for the 2025 Think Global People/Relocate Award in the Excellence in Education category. The nomination, building on ISKL’s previous win in 2023, recognizes the vital work of its Student Services team, which plays a key role in helping students and families feel welcomed, supported, and connected from the moment they arrive.
That connection to the vibrant city was celebrated in style with the launch of the
APOM x ISKL 60th anniversary collection, which included the playful and proudly local
“I Suka Kuala Lumpur” design, which translates to “I Love Kuala Lumpur,” a tribute to the school’s acronym and its Malaysian home. Created in partnership with APOM (A Piece of Malaysia), a beloved local lifestyle brand, the collaboration brings a fun Malaysian twist to the school’s milestone celebration, blending beloved local expressions with Panther pride.
Featuring slogans like
“Goreng Strong Since 1965” and
“With ISKL Semua Can,” the collection includes tote bags, tumblers, and beach towels. Proceeds support ISKL’s Pathways Scholarship, which offers two Malaysian students the opportunity to study at ISKL. The collection is a fitting tribute to ISKL’s enduring connection with Malaysia, honoring its roots and ongoing commitment to shaping a better future.

These items quickly became more than just commemorative merchandise. For students, alumni, and families, they symbolized the school’s enduring relationship with Malaysia and a shared sense of belonging that transcends borders.

“As soon as I returned, the sense of connection was immediate,” shared Raymond Tait, Class of ’78, who organized the return of over 40 alumni to Kuala Lumpur for the 60th anniversary celebrations. “Even though the campus has evolved from our day, the feeling of belonging is still the same – warm, welcoming, and inspiring. It’s a feeling that’s been with us since we left all those years ago …
Once a Panther, Always a Panther!”
ISKL invites families to explore what makes Kuala Lumpur and ISKL feel like home by booking a campus tour at
iskl.site/visitcampus
About ISKL
Established in 1965, The International School of Kuala Lumpur (ISKL) has become known as a center of excellence in the world of international education. ISKL is a co-educational, private, non-profit school responsible for the learning journey of over 1,800 students aged 3-18 years representing more than 70 nationalities at its campus in the heart of Kuala Lumpur.ISKL offers a robust international curriculum that combines leading North American educational frameworks with global best practices. The curriculum recognizes that students are on a lifelong learning journey and is driven by ISKL’s purpose to prepare our students for life itself, as we believe in the importance of helping students to shape their own paths, supporting them in discovering their passions, developing their competencies, and having an ethical impact on the world.ISKL is accredited internationally through the Council of International Schools (CIS), and in the United States through the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). ISKL has a strong focus on service and sustainability across its divisions and is a member of the Eco-Schools organization and the Green Schools Alliance.

Find out more about the Think Global People and Think Women community and events.
Subscribe to Relocate Extra, our monthly newsletter, to get all the latest international assignments and global mobility news.Relocate’s new Global Mobility Toolkit provides free information, practical advice and support for HR, global mobility managers and global teams operating overseas.©2025 Re:locate magazine, published by Profile Locations, Spray Hill, Hastings Road, Lamberhurst, Kent TN3 8JB. All rights reserved. This publication (or any part thereof) may not be reproduced in any form without the prior written permission of Profile Locations. Profile Locations accepts no liability for the accuracy of the contents or any opinions expressed herein.