"I went to IIS more than ten years ago, but I still remember vividly how the 4,5 years I spent there impacted me. This was the place where I developed my English skills immensely through the dedicated teachers and wonderful friends. Aside from that, I also owe IIS for the many life lessons, insight, knowledge, and perspective from both the teachers and for the lifelong friendships I've made through interacting with diverse friends from many corners of the world.

We are the people we meet and the places we've been. I never realised how much IIS impacted my life until I entered the real world. I left IIS more than a decade ago and it's safe to say I've made lifelong friendships with the people I've met there - with both students and teachers. Even years after leaving school, I still go back there to visit the teachers and to reminisce about my days there which were filled with laughter. Growing up, my family moved around a lot, and I've never found a place I could fit in - until IIS. I was given a safe space to feel confident to be myself in IIS. IIS is filled with students from numerous backgrounds and stories. And the best part is, everyone was always accepting of everyone. There was no such thing as being the odd one out. This has made me as comfortable in my skin until now. Other than the people, IIS has also opened a lot of opportunities for everyone. Because of the number of students in each grade, all the students were allowed to be involved in every school activity. In addition, with the focus and dedication given by each teacher, I was also able to excel in my academics. I was encouraged to ask questions in class, and even free to consult teachers after hours. This was not only limited to academic matters but anything I needed guidance with. I am grateful for the three years I spent in IIS. And to all the students here now, I hope you make the most of your time in IIS! 

International Islamic School Malaysia (IISM) has been more than a school to me. It was an eye-opener. It opened my eyes to learning more than just what is within a 4-walled room that has a whiteboard. IISM was a pot of different cultures that celebrated our different backgrounds and we explored the world through it. Looking back, I truly am impressed at how IISM taught me to be more than just an exam-orientated person. We were raised to be individuals who are more than just getting good grades. The basics of the syllabus were taught in class, but if we wanted to know more, we would discuss it with our classmates and even do study groups together. I remember my study group would go to our teachers in the teacher’s room to ask what we did not understand or we ask for revision classes. The difference is we were not spoon-fed; we identified what we needed to improve on and explored ways to solve it. Fast forward to my present life, I come to realize, life is all about solving problems. We will face challenges and we are acquired to find solutions for it. Ever since I completed my IGCSE, I still apply the way to learn by finding similar individuals to create a study group and learn to solve problems together. I even have the advantage of being able to handle international situations where I am more understanding and particular about cultural differences which has made me better in terms of communicating with others. Thank you IISM for being a memorable part of my journey in life and I am truly grateful to have studied here where one of the biggest lessons I got is despite all the different backgrounds we have, we are stronger and better together. As an African Proverb goes, “If You Want to Go Fast, Go Alone. If You Want to Go Far, Go Together.”