Building the Future of ISKL

The Building the Future of ISKL Panther sculpture captures the curiosity, dreams, and creativity of our Elementary School students. Created collaboratively by our youngest Panthers with local artist and ISKL alum Haffendi Anuar ('04), the artwork is inspired by Kuala Lumpur's architecture, incorporating symbols of life at ISKL and our students’ visions for the future.

At the heart of the Elementary School is The Melawati Way - a guiding foundation encouraging students to “Take care of yourself, take care of others, and take care of this place.” Through this shared code, our students' icons reflect the spirit of connection, kindness, and responsibility that define their ISKL experience. The bold, geometric design showcases the different perspectives, while the bright, metallic colors signify the strength and interconnectedness of our community. 

These elements connect us all in a colorful, unified mosaic- one that carries forward the lasting legacy of The Melawati Way.

A big thank you to our Elementary School students who contributed to the brainstorming session:

Alina H. (‘32), Ana B. (‘32), Aubrey Z. (‘34), Ayden Z. (‘32), Dovin K. (‘33), Gde R. (‘33), Jia Jia Elizabeth T. (‘33), Kate S. (‘33), Kavya S. (‘32), Liheng Z. (‘32), Lucas W. (‘33), Mallika B. (‘33), Mia D. (‘33), Mia F. (‘33), Mikaela J. (‘32), Mikael H. (‘32), Patience S. (‘34), Penelope W. (‘33), Ronan S. (‘32), Tien Dat (John) P. (‘32), Vinona X. (‘32), Violet L. (‘34), Xin Yu L. (‘32), Zoya H. (‘33)

About the artist

Haffendi Anuar, Class of 2004, was ISKL’s Artist in Residence in 2017-2018. During that time, he worked with students from across all divisions to create the beautiful artworks found at each of our divisional offices. Currently residing in the UK, he still practices sculpture and painting as a medium.

Learn more about Haffendi: Official Website, Blog

Friendship Forever

The Friendship Forever Panther Sculpture, crafted by local artist Fritilldea, celebrates the power of friendship that defines the formative years of our Middle School Panthers.

Every detail, from the vibrant colors symbolizing innocence, growth, and optimism, to familiar icons like the beloved ISKL turtles, reflects the spirit of our Middle School, where students build lifelong friendships as they navigate shared experiences in learning, creativity, and self-discovery. 

Friendship Forever reminds us of the powerful bonds formed at Middle School - connections that extend beyond the classroom, reinforcing the values of empathy, loyalty, and self-belief that will carry students forward into High School and beyond.

About the artist

Fritilldea (Friends Till Death) is a renowned street artist who creates colorful, bold illustrations that cover whole walls and objects. His style has been reflected in many iconic spots in KL and around the world, as well as on various well-known international brands. 

Learn more about Fritilldea: Official Website, Instagram

Mahamulya

The High School Panther sculpture symbolizes the journey of ISKL's High School students as they transform into confident young adults ready to embrace the world beyond ISKL.

Inspired by a dragonfly's life cycle, the sculpture by artist Christine Das features a vibrant array of dragonflies that represent the diverse subjects and experiences that shape students as they progress through High School. Interwoven with a single vine of diverse flora, the design signifies the cultural diversity of our ISKL community, reminding students that although they come from varied backgrounds, they are connected and stronger together.

Just as a dragonfly evolves from a nymph in the water to a creature soaring through the sky, ISKL students are ready to spread their wings, explore endless possibilities, and make their mark on the world.

About the artist:

Passionate in wildlife preservation and sustainability, Christine is an abstract painter who creates fluid, evocative pieces that honor the animals and plants she depicts. True to her cause, she is an artist who contributes back what she earns to charities supporting wildlife preservation and awareness. 

Learn more about Christine here: Official Website, Facebook, Instagram

What Makes A Better World

The What Makes A Better World Panther sculpture, created by local artist Dianne Tahir, celebrates the profound connection and shared experiences between parents and their children within the ISKL community.

Through personal stories and universal themes, this sculpture reflects the love, growth, and understanding that parents pass on as they guide their children's journeys. The bold colors represent the fierce dedication and courage parents bring to supporting their children, while softer tones capture the nurturing love they guide them. The Panther's inquisitive expression, bathed in a blue aura, reflects the boundless curiosity of children, forever eager to explore, learn, and uncover new truths.

From fiery hues to a calm blue aura, each element symbolizes a parent's hopes and dreams that each child will grow into a confident, compassionate individual, ready to make a positive impact on the world.

A big thank you to our group of parents who contributed to the brainstorming session:

Eliana Torres, Kathy Bouttchenko, Katie Stackhouse, Yiga Josayma

About the artist:

Skateboarding artist, Dianne Tahir, is a storyteller who uses playful character illustrations to detail common narratives of the human condition. As a believer in the freeing processes of art, Dianne asks her viewers to search for the often-lost courage of our inner child to have fun and not be afraid to create.

Learn more about Dianne: Instagram

Panther of Interconnectedness or “Inclusio Nexus”

The Panther of Interconnectedness, or Inclusio Nexus, celebrates the unity, diversity, and collective spirit of ISKL’s faculty and staff. Born from the insights and creativity of our Panthers, this artwork by William Koong embodies a shared vision of interconnectedness, where every culture, idea, and experience is valued and embraced.

Inspired by Batik motifs, each pattern on the sculpture tells a unique story. Open hands with an infinity symbol represent continuous giving, while vibrant, overlapping floral swirls symbolize cultural diversity at ISKL. Set against a grey undercoat as a symbol of resilience, the sculpture showcases vibrant hues and intricate patterns, capturing the essence of ISKL’s commitment to belonging and respect.

Through Inclusio Nexus, we are reminded of the transformative power of unity and the endless possibilities that arise when people come together.

A big thank you to our faculty & staff who contributed to the brainstorming session: 

Haw Yinn Wai, Hoe Sue Lu, Khor Huy Jye, Melissa Lee, Michelle Byrom, Nadine Leone, Nicky Mohd, Ross Idris, Sesha Kalimuthu, Stephanie Lin, Sumathy Kandiah, Uma Esvaran

About the artist:

With a drive towards sustainability and easily accessible art, William transforms recycled materials into large, colorful sculptures. Starting the "Ghetto Playground" with other artists, he strives to transform waste and sculpture into stories that live in our physical spaces - Pasar Seni Central Market is one such space where you can see his metalwork peacock sculpture.

Learn more about William: Instagram, Ghetto Playground Instagram

The Roots of ISKL Panther sculpture, crafted by local artist Jacktus, celebrates the legacy and lasting connections shared by ISKL alumni across generations. Inspired by tree roots, which symbolize growth and continuity, the sculpture's blue base represents ISKL, while vibrant yellow highlights the school spirit that lives on in each Panther. Adorned with icons, paw prints, and the word Panther in multiple languages, the sculpture honors the diversity and unity of ISKL's global alumni community.

The distinct colors across the sculpture capture the evolving eras of ISKL’s history: muted greys from the 1960s through the 1980s, warm sepias for the 1980s and 90s, and deep blues symbolizing ISKL from the 1990s to today. Together, these colors honor our school’s journey across time.

With the phrase "Once A Panther, Always a Panther" inscribed across the back, Roots of ISKL stands as a tribute to the lifelong impact of ISKL's values and the roots that continue to connect us all, no matter where life takes us. Because Once A Panther, Always a Panther!

A big thank you to our alumni who contributed to the brainstorming session:

Fairuz Khan (‘97), Farrah Vivien Raguet (‘98), Gael Oliveres (‘01), Jaan Joseph (‘17), Nicholas Tang (‘17), Owen Ooi (‘17), Riyad Santamarina (‘17), Shaun Chow (‘17), Rianna Bir (‘23)