International school moves to new campus

(From left): United States Embassy in Malaysia deputy chief of mission Dean Thompson, Dr Hudson, Teo, Saifuddin, Dr Xavier and O’Hale share a light moment after the opening of ISKL’s Ampang Hilir campus in Kuala Lumpur.

THE audience was taken aback when Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad appeared suddenly on the large projector screen that hung from the ceiling of a well-equipped auditorium at the International School of Kuala Lumpur (ISKL).

“Congratulations ISKL on the opening of your new campus. I wish I could be there,” said Dr Mahathir in a pre-recorded video that was played right before the grand opening of the institution’s brand new 10-ha campus in Ampang Hilir, Kuala Lumpur.

Established in 1965, ISKL first opened its doors to 48 students at the Istana on Jalan Maxwell.

Since then, the international school has carved a reputation for itself.

To date, it is responsible for the education of over 1,700 students representing 67 nationalities.

Attended by over 600 guests - which included government officials, dignitaries, ambassadors, representatives of Malaysia’s business community, as well as previous board members - the event was officiated by Foreign Minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah, Water, Land and Natural Resources Minister Dr Xavier Jayakumar and Deputy Education Minister Teo Nie Ching.

Deputy Private Education director Lotfi Zubir, Federal Territories Education Department Private Education Sector and Special Education head Hamizar Abdul Hadi were also present.

Besides providing quality education to children from the Malaysian and expatriate community, Teo in her opening address at the launch noted that ISKL has been a supportive partner for education in Malaysia.

“The Education Ministry commends ISKL for its collaboration with the Private Education Department and the Day Schools Division in working with local teachers from government schools that offer the Dual Language Programme.

“By working with us, ISKL offered opportunities for collaboration, learning and partnership,” she said.

ISKL, she added, also acted as a learning platform for the effective practical implementation of 21st century learning and teaching for 50 senior leaders and educators from the KL district.

Teo said ISKL is poised to distinguish itself in an increasingly competitive landscape while supporting the government’s goal of making the country a regional hub for education.

“To attract foreign direct investment, top schools are key. The new ISKL campus goes a long way in supporting that goal,” she said.

ISKL head of school Dr Norma Hudson said the future of the school is bright.

“We are thankful to have this beautiful learning facility, a campus that will carry us forward in years to come, as well as the tireless efforts of many during the past several years.

“ISKL has a caring, warm and positive community, which includes students, parents, faculty staff, board members, alumni, diplomatic missions and corporations, all working together as partners,” said Dr Hudson.

The school’s goal, she added, is to ensure students have every opportunity to learn and become socially responsible global citizens.

“The campus, designed by award winning architecture firm HOK, supports our rich academic programme, extra-curricular opportunities and professional faculty that are the heart of any world-class education.

“The design supports and fosters engagement - creating learning spaces that provide flexibility, inspire ideas and allow opportunities for interaction and connectivity,” she said.

The school has state-of-the-art facilities, including technology and science laboratories, a performing arts centre, indoor and outdoor sports complexes and an olympic-sized swimming pool.

The campus is also the first school in Malaysia designed to achieve platinum Green Building Index (GBI) status.

“It is a testament to ISKl’s commitment to environmental sustainability and underpins its strong values-based education,” said Dr Hudson.

ISKL board of directors chairperson Kelly O’Hale described the launch as a proud moment for the school as the dream of a united, new campus for ISKL began almost 10 years ago.

“We were encouraged to think big and make sure our learning spaces kept up with our programmes. A task force was then formed to begin the process of scouting for a 10-ha site for our new school.

“The board trudged through many mud-covered sites and visited over 60 locations from Cyberjaya to Batu Caves until we found this location in Ampang Hilir,” she said, after thanking fellow board members for their help.

“We hope ISKL’s commitment to offering exceptional education at our facility supports Malaysia’s goal of attracting more foreign direct investment,” she said, adding that the international school is a non-profit institution.