The International School of Kuala Lumpur (ISKL) recently hosted its annual International Festival (iFest) on November 25, 2023, a vibrant and colorful showcase of how ISKL celebrates the school community’s diverse cultures and traditions.
Organized by the ISKL PTA, the event was jam-packed with activities for the whole family. From a flag parade to traditional dances, cultural activities, and food stalls offering a variety of international cuisines, iFest was undoubtedly a feast for all the senses!
Among the numerous fun and exciting family activities happening on that day was the International Flag Parade, which kicked off the day’s events. During the parade, visitors to the festival witnessed students from different countries dressed in national costumes walking along the school corridors carrying their country’s flag.
The parade culminated in the Melawati Theatre, where the Head of School, Mr. Rami Madani, made his welcoming remarks before the start of the cultural performances.
Thanks to the collaboration of both students and parents, audiences were treated to delightful traditional dances representing various communities within ISKL. There were also captivating performances by the G5 Korean Orchestra, the ES Dance Club: The Little & Mini Paws, the ISKL Moms, K-Dance, the HS Dance Club, and a performance by One Voice International Community Choir. Even during the intermission, audience members were invited to join in and learn eight different folk dances from around the world, led by some of our community members.
Over at the MS/HS canteen, the highly anticipated parent-run food stalls were set up to satiate the crowds. The stalls were divided into culinary stations, where visitors could try out delicious cuisines from around the world, represented by the numerous nationalities in our community. There were so many delicious foods and beverages to feast on, hailing from all corners of the globe from countries such as Brazil, Canada, Egypt, Italy, Japan, Turkey, and Venezuela, to name a few. Next to the food stalls were more traditional handicraft stalls where visitors could try their hand at activities such as batik painting, pewter hammering, face painting, and more.
At The Jungle, younger children tested their dexterity and strength by participating in traditional games such as Batu Seremban, Lion Dance, Donkey Ride, and Gaelic Football. At the same time, older kids played Zorb Ball and Running Man and tested their bravery by walking through the ever-spooky Haunted House presented by the ISKL Thespians Society.
Visitors to the iFest Bazaar, located next to the Dr. Norma J. Hudson Amphitheatre, browsed through various vendors’ handicrafts, jewelry, and textiles. Apart from local charity booths, the HS Service Council had a fundraising booth selling upcycled clothes items made from ISKL uniforms sourced from the Lost and Found, along with handicraft items like Indian terracotta figures and Balinese woven purses purchased by students during the recent GAP trips. Furthermore, the Raffle Drive and Community Basket silent auction awarded fantastic prizes to those who signed up.
Thanks again to our amazing PTA iFest Committee, led by iFest Co-Chairs Daisy Q. and Debjani B., for all their preparation and planning for iFest 2023. Their efforts and enthusiasm made the event truly special, and we are immensely grateful for their contributions in every small and significant way. We should also not forget the community representatives and their entire communities for their generous donations, active participation, and invaluable volunteering.
iFest was once again a testament to the power of celebrating diversity and fostering cultural awareness by uniting our whole community from various backgrounds.
