Technical Institute of Kuala Lumpur

In 1926, a seed was planted. This seed was the Technical Institute of Kuala Lumpur (TiKL). It began as the Federated Malay State Government Trade School. The British administration, under the guidance of ILO officer Noel Leembruggen and superintendent Mr. Geary, envisioned a hub for skilled workers. TiKL’s first home was on Jalan Kolam Air, a modest beginning with just seven staff members. The Technical Institute of Kuala Lumpur was initially meant to train Malay students from Perak, Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, and Pahang. The curriculum focused on practical skills. Students learned technical drawing, metal works, and other academic subjects. Later, the school expanded its offerings to include radio, electricity, plumbing, and carpentry. English language classes were added to help students. Some of the teachers included Mr. Cherrington (carpentry), Mr. Bill Speldewinde (aeronautical engineering), Mr. Atkinson, Mr. Rosario (electrical engineering), and Mr. Daniel (radio communication). The school’s original single-story building was later joined by a two-story structure. This new building served as classrooms until the Japanese occupation in 1942, when the school was repurposed as a military base and hospital. After the war, the Royal Air Force (RAF) restored the school and renamed it the Junior Trade School. The Razak Report of 1956 led to another name change, and the Technical Institute of Kuala Lumpur was born. In 1962, the school adopted its current name, Sekolah Menengah Teknik Kuala Lumpur. It relocated to Jalan Tenteram, now Jalan Yaacob Latiff, in Bandar Tun Razak. The Technical Institute of Kuala Lumpur achieved cluster school status in 2008, specializing in Netball, Fire and Rescue Cadet training, and Engineering Drawing. Its alumni include prominent figures like Mohamed Azmin Ali and Andak Widodo. Today, TiKL continues to nurture young minds, equipping them with the technical skills needed to contribute to Malaysia’s ever-evolving landscape.