A quiet, heartfelt moment outside Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Taman Yarl in Kuala Lumpur recently caught the attention of people online.
In a TikTok video shared by user @/drahmadkamal5577, the principal is seen greeting students one by one at the school gate.
However, this isn’t just a wave or a handshake. The principal greets his students with a smile, a few kind words, and, for many of the boys, a warm hug.
He checks in with each student, asking simple but caring questions like, “Are you okay?” or “Are you well?”
Though it is a small gesture, it shows that he genuinely cares about his students.

The simple act has captured the hearts of people online, sparking a conversation around kindness and leadership in schools.
More Than Just a Routine
This is also not just a one-time gesture. Based on other videos on the TikTok account, these greetings are part of the principal’s daily routine, standing at the school gate every morning to greet his students.
Though he holds a position of authority, this did not stop him from humbly greeting his students. His actions speak volumes about empathy, connection, and treating students with genuine respect.
“He Respects Students, So They Respect Him”
The video quickly went viral and drew a flood of emotional reactions in the comments.
“I don’t know why, but I feel proud watching this… I’ve never seen a principal wait for students at the gate early in the morning. He respects the students, and they automatically respect him back.”

Leadership That Goes Beyond Titles
What is even more inspiring is how the principal’s behavior will change the tone of the whole school. His small, consistent actions are helping to shape a positive environment where students feel seen and valued.
One commenter wrote:
“This is an example of a smart and excellent school. Keep up the noble effort, this is the best.”

Another added:
“This is an example of a dedicated teacher fulfilling his entrusted responsibilities. Congratulations and well done, teacher.”

The comment section of the video overflowed with gratitude and admiration. Mostly praising how kind and respectful the principal is toward his students.

Many in the comments shared their memories of teachers and principals who did the same gesture as this principal, reminiscing about the good memories.
Others hoped more schools would adopt the same thoughtful culture.
Small Gestures, Big Impact on Students’ Hearts
It is easy to overlook the impact of small, everyday gestures. Yet this principal, simply by showing up each morning with a smile and a hug, shows how genuine presence and kindness can help students feel welcomed, respected, and emotionally ready to begin their day.
Watch the video here:
@drahmadkamal5577 ( ADMIN ) DR. AHMAD KAMAL BIN ARIFFIN BELIAU BERPENGALAMAN SEBAGAI; 1. GURU SEKOLAH DI SMK SEKSYEN 18, SHAH ALAM ( 1999 – 2006) 2. WARDEN ASRAMA SMK SEKSYEN 18, SHSH ALAM ( 1999 – 2003 ) 3. JURULATIH UTAMA PENGURUSAN HAL EHWAL MURID ( BAHAGIAN SEKOLAH, KPM – 2002 – 2006) 4. PENOLONG PENGARAH DISIPLIN MURID, BAHAGIAN SEKOLAH, KPM ( 2006- 2007( 5. PENOLONG PENGARAH KAUNSELING MURID, BAHAGIAN SEKOLAH, KPM ( 2008-2010) 6. KETUA UNIT HEM ( BAHAGIAN PENGURUSAN SEKOLAH HARIAN, KPM ( 2011) 7. KETUA UNIT AKADEMIK ( BAHAGIAN PENGURUSAN SEKOLAH HARIAN, KPM ( 2012) 8. PENYELIDIK PERINGKAT KEDOKTORAN ( UNI MALAYA, 2013 – 2015) 9. KETUA PENOLONG PENGARAH ( PUSAT DIPLOMASI BAHASA DAN BUDAYA, IDFR, KEMENTERIAN LUAR NEGARA ( 2016 – 2018) 10. KETUA JABATAN, JABATAN PENGURUSAN HEM DAN KAUNSELING, INSTITUT AMINUDDIN BAKI, KPM ( 2019 – 16 SEPTEMBER 2024) 11. PENGETUA, SMK TAMAN YARL, KUALA LUMPUR ( 17 SEPTEMBER 2024 HINGGA KINI ) TAHNIAH TUAN PENGETUA. #MOTIVASI #pengetua #PENDIDIK #cikgutiktok #gurutiktok #fyp #gurutiktok #fypage #fypp #tiktokviral #tiktok #MALAYSIA #pmx #fadhlinasidek #BEST #FYP #tiktok #viral #TIKTOK #top #fypage #yes #teachersoftiktok #fypppppppppppppp #fypppp #fypppppppppppppp #top #fadhlinasidek
♬ original sound – Dr. Ahmad Kamal bin Ariffin – Dr. Ahmad Kamal bin Ariffin
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