Cover Puteri Munajjah is the third Malaysian Woman International Master (WIM) (Photo: Fady Younis)
Puteri Munajjah is the third Malaysian Woman International Master (WIM) (Photo: Fady Younis)
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In conjunction with International Chess Day, Tatler speaks to Puteri Munajjah Az-Zahraa Azhar, the third Malaysian to earn the FIDE title of Woman International Master
In 2019, Puteri Munajjah Az-Zahraa Azhar etched her name in Malaysian chess history, becoming the third Malaysian to earn the International Chess Federation (FIDE) title of Woman International Master (WIM). It is the second highest title, after Woman Grandmaster (WGM), which Malaysians have yet to claim. The 23-year-old prodigy joins the elite ranks of Audrey Wong Su Yi, who first claimed the title for the nation in 1985, and Dr Siti Zulaikha Foudzi, an eight-time record holder, whose last win came in 2006. With her predecessors now retired, Puteri is the highest-ranked among the nation’s women chess players.
“I believe it takes a competitive mindset to be a woman international master. It begins with setting goals and working towards achieving them,” Puteri says, reflecting on her journey. “I used to spend five to seven hours on daily training. Confidence only comes from knowing you’re well-prepared,” the young prodigy says, citing this as the secret of her success.
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Puteri has been playing chess since the tender age of four, introduced to the basics by her mother before her father took over her training. “Chess was a way to stimulate my brain, and I quickly fell in love with the game because of the cognitive challenge it provided, along with the satisfaction of winning.”
Above Puteri Munajjah plays a constant game of balancing her studies with her passion for chess
Puteri Munajjah plays a constant game of balancing her studies with her passion for chess
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She also claims that chess taught her valuable life skills, from keeping the big picture in mind to learning to create opportunities for success. “I consider myself a tactical player. I enjoy the complexities of such strategic playstyles, where each move can dramatically change the course of the game. This preference requires sharp calculation.”
The global chess player demographic heavily skews towards men, leaving women underrepresented in the game at every stage and tier. In July 2019, a FIDE report recorded 1,643 men to 37 women grandmasters, demonstrating the severity of the gender gap. A 2023 study evaluating gender bias, published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology, confirmed that parents’ and mentors’ tendency to underestimate the potential of girls in chess is one of many factors making women less likely to take interest in the game.
Puteri’s parents held no such bias, raising their daughter to be a proficient chess player alongside her siblings: Muhd Syakir Shazmeer, Muhd Irfan Haqqim, Puteri Rifqah Fahada and Puteri Delisya Zhansaya. Puteri’s older sister, Puteri Rifqah, is a Woman FIDE Master (WFM)–third-highest rank in the game.
“My sister [Puteri Rifqah] has always been my chess partner and sparring mate. Chess has been a significant part of our relationship, strengthening our bond and fostering mutual respect,” Puteri says.
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Puteri also expresses great admiration for Hungarian chess grandmaster Judit Polgar. “She is the strongest female chess player in history and the only woman to have ever been ranked in the top ten chess players in the world. Her achievements have shown that women can compete at the highest levels of chess, breaking many barriers and stereotypes.”
Above Puteri Munajjah is the highest-ranked among the nation’s women chess players
Puteri Munajjah is the highest-ranked among the nation’s women chess players
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Naturally, Puteri hopes to see greater equality on the playing field. “To encourage more women to play chess, I believe there should be more women-only tournaments with prizes that match those of men’s tournaments. This can help create a more inclusive and supportive environment for women in chess.”
Puteri also has the distinction of being the first Malaysian chess player to qualify for two consecutive editions of the FIDE World Cup, in 2021 and 2023, even though she did not emerge with titles. “It was still one of my most memorable moments. Playing against top players from around the world was an incredible learning experience,” she says, looking back fondly on her matches with international masters Ana Matnadze of Spain and Divya Deshmukh of India.
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Today, Puteri is working towards obtaining a degree in computer science at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UITM), aiming to achieve her dream of becoming a software developer. “While chess is a deep passion of mine, pursuing it as a full-time career can be challenging due to the financial instability and the intense competition involved. Many players, even those at the top level, often have other careers or sources of income to support themselves,” Puteri says.
Even so, she continues to try and practise for at least two hours a day, explaining, “Consistent practice is crucial in chess, as it helps in sharpening skills, especially in making choices on what is the best strategy.”
Credits
Photography: Fady Younis
Location: 1 Utama Shopping Centre
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