![Graduates respectfully received their completion certificates from their teachers, hearts filled with gratitude towards their teachers and parents. [Photo by Jenny Tee Wan Hwa]](/images/Articles/JY/2025/KL20251126_zwh03_050.jpg "Graduates respectfully received their completion certificates from their teachers, hearts filled with gratitude towards their teachers and parents. [Photo by Jenny Tee Wan Hwa]")
Six years ago, they walked into Tzu Chi International School Kuala Lumpur (TCISKL) as wide-eyed Year 1 pupils. On November 26, 2025, these students gathered in the Humanities Hall as confident graduates, marking a meaningful milestone – the first cohort to complete the full six-year primary education journey at TCISKL, having grown alongside the school since its establishment.
On November 26, 2025, Tzu Chi International School Kuala Lumpur (TCISKL) held its primary graduation ceremony, themed “Seeds of Growth”, at the Humanities Hall. The occasion marked a significant milestone for the school, as the pioneering cohort, who enrolled as Year 1 pupils when the school was established, completed their six-year primary journey.
Led by Acting Principal Yong Mei Teng, Primary Division Head Allison Poh, and their teachers, the graduates walked confidently into the hall. Parents, who had long awaited this moment, rose to their feet in applause, celebrating a meaningful chapter in their children’s lives.
In her address, Acting Principal Yong congratulated the students for becoming the first group to complete the full primary cycle at TCISKL. She reminded them to cherish the values cultivated over the past six years, emphasising that these character strengths will guide them on their future paths. She also expressed heartfelt appreciation to the teachers for recognising each child’s potential and creating countless opportunities for growth.
◎ Heartfelt performances and expressions of gratitude
The ceremony featured a series of touching performances by the students. The Confidence and Understanding classes opened with “We Can”, a spirited song of courage and optimism, reflecting their readiness to embrace the next phase of life.
The Perseverance class presented a sign language rendition of “A Happy Beginning”, expressing gratitude to teachers, parents, and friends for their unwavering support. They shared, “Today, we are not only celebrating our achievements but also marking a new beginning.”
In one of the most poignant moments of the ceremony, the Courage class performed a sign language rendition of “Kneeling Lamb”. All graduates then turned towards their parents and bowed deeply, expressing profound gratitude for their love and sacrifices. Lastly, the Contentment and Gratitude classes presented “At the Corner Where Phoenix Flowers Bloom”, dedicated to cherished friendships formed along the way.
◎ Celebrating excellence across five domains
TCISKL recognised students’ holistic development through five awards: Social & Life Skills, Aesthetic, Physical Education, Ethical, and Intellectual Awards.
Justin Tan, recipient of the Aesthetic and Physical Education Awards, thanked his teachers for their guidance and pledged to live out Tzu Chi’s values in his daily actions. His mother, Margaret Chan, expressed her appreciation for the nurturing environment provided by the school. “He has learned perseverance, the importance of keeping promises, and he has become more caring towards family and friends,” she shared.
Anson Han, who received the Aesthetic and Intellectual Awards, reflected on the challenges of online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. He praised his teachers for their perseverance and mindfulness, saying, “Even when it was difficult, they never gave up.”
Graduate Caitlynn Chu recalled the daily ‘Love and Care’ sessions, which taught her to extend kindness beyond her immediate circle to the wider world. She also treasured opportunities to represent the school in competitions, valuing the experience and confidence gained more than the accolades themselves.
Valedictorian and Head Prefect, Fia Khor, expressed heartfelt gratitude to her teachers and schoolmates for the opportunities to lead and grow. “These experiences helped me become a better version of myself,” she shared, “and taught me respect, kindness, perseverance, gratitude, and teamwork.”
Parent representative, Nicole Loh Poh Lian, reminded everyone that a child’s true worth lies not in medals or trophies, but in the warmth, empathy, and kindness they bring to the world.
◎ Teachers’ blessings for the journey ahead
Head of Primary Division, Allison Poh, described the graduates as pioneers who journeyed through the challenges of online learning during the pandemic. She commended their perseverance in adapting to changing environments and encouraged them to carry resilience, gratitude, and love into the future, quoting a Jing Si Aphorism: “Be grateful for the past, look forward to the future, and take advantage of the present.”
Homeroom teacher Santini Silvaraju fondly recalled the care shown by her students during her medical leave. “I received messages from students and parents while recuperating at home. When I returned, the girls welcomed me with warm hugs, while the boys shyly offered their greetings. Their gestures moved me deeply,” she shared. She reassured the students that her door would always remain open should they encounter challenges ahead.
Together with three other Year 6 teachers, Santini presented a song, “You Must Walk Your Own Path”, gently reminding the students: “I will hold your hand, but the road is yours to walk.”
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Six years have witnessed the transformation of playful seven-year-olds into confident adolescents, alongside the steady growth of the school itself. As the ceremony drew to a close, graduates eagerly posed for photographs with their teachers, capturing memories to last a lifetime. More than a farewell to childhood, this warm and meaningful celebration illuminated the hopeful paths that lie ahead.
