Proudly recognised as the first Malaysian woman to compete in the Women’s Premier Soccer League, Intan Sarah Anisah Zulgafli, widely known as Intan Serah, stands as a strong figure in Malaysian sport.
In this Top 10 Malaysia exclusive, Intan Serah reflects on her personal journey, the values that have guided her growth and the aspirations that continue to inspire her next chapter.
Beginning her sporting career in athletics before making the transition to futsal and football, Intan Serah holds a Degree in Sports Management from the University of Malaya, a qualification that complements her experience as a professional athlete. She has also carved a presence in the creative and entertainment space. “Beyond the pitch, I’m active as a content creator and have experience as a streamer, actress and host, which has allowed me to connect with audiences across different platforms and industries,” Intan shares, a testament to her versatility both on and off the field.
As the discussion shifts to a crucial phase in her career, Intan looks back on a decisive choice that redirected her journey. “One of the most meaningful moments came when I moved away from an individual discipline and entered team sports at a competitive level. That change marked a turning point, sparking a sequence of accomplishments where every win strengthened confidence and momentum,” she explains. That path later opened doors beyond Malaysia, creating opportunities on the global stage, including time spent in New York, USA, for her.
Reaching that level of success was not without its challenges. Intan candidly shares that one of the biggest obstacles she faced was the lack of exposure and limited opportunities, particularly within women’s sports.
“There were moments when the pathways weren’t clearly defined, which meant I had to take full responsibility for my own development,” she explains. Through those experiences, Intan learned the importance of discipline, independently managing her performance and actively seeking — or even creating — opportunities to stay competitive.
Recognised as a constant source of inspiration and motivation, Intan Serah shares what continues to drive her forward. “I stay inspired by remembering why I started and the responsibility I carry as a national athlete,” she says.
Beyond her personal ambitions, she draws motivation from knowing that her journey resonates with young girls who look up to her. “Understanding that my actions and choices can encourage them to believe in themselves and pursue sports with confidence gives my work a deeper sense of purpose.” Grounded by the unwavering support of her family and close friends, and strengthened by the trust placed in her by sponsors, Intan remains focused and driven as she continues to push ahead.
Turning her attention to the future, Intan speaks about a dream she has yet to fully pursue — making a deeper impact in youth and grassroots sports development, especially by encouraging young girls to believe that they belong in sports and can pursue multiple paths beyond the field.
Looking ahead to the next few years, her focus remains clear. “My main goal is to continue performing at a high level and staying consistent as an athlete, while keeping my body in one piece for as long as possible — that part is important,” she confidently adds. Beyond the pitch, Intan hopes to further expand her presence in media, content creation and business, with the aim of building something sustainable for the long term.
Most importantly, she is driven by a desire to continue giving back to her country. By representing Malaysia with pride, elevating women’s sports and helping create better opportunities for future athletes, Intan hopes to shift the focus from mere survival to true performance. “If I can continue to grow, give back and still enjoy the journey along the way, that would be a win,” she says.
Intan closes by sharing sincere advice for those setting out on a similar journey. “Be patient, remain disciplined, and trust your own path,” she says, highlighting the value of self-growth and balance while urging aspiring athletes to focus on improving a little each day. “Have faith in yourself, stay aligned with your purpose, and allow your progress to speak on your behalf.”