Ok potong gaji for missing one content worth posting last September 2025 of the Malaysian Chess Festival.
I didn't even get a picture of her during the festival event at KL Gateway where she showed up multiple times presumably to see how her student was getting on. Here's some old pix of her...
Younger sister of WGM Irene Sukhandar - WIM Diajeng Theresa Singgih was here as I bumped into her at the start of the festival. Was surprised that she was not participating in any of the festival events at all. She was here to coach her Malaysian student. Well that was all I got from her when I talked to her. I assume that the student was a remote student and the festival was a chance for a face-to-face with the coach.
The May 2026 FIDE rating list shows Diajeng Theresa Singgih is no longer just a "prospect" but a dominant force in Southeast Asian chess. Her climb from 7th place in April to 2nd place in May among Indonesian women is a more than impressive.
The Numbers: A "Quantum Leap"
Current Rating: 2308 (Standard FIDE Rating).
Rank (Women/INA): 2nd, trailing only IM Medina Warda Aulia (2355).
April-to-May Jump: She gained nearly 200 Elo points in a single month after a whirlwind of international competition, effectively overtaking seasoned veterans like WGM Chelsie Monica.
The "India Effect": Sharpening the Blade
Following in the footsteps of Grandmasters who seek the "trial by fire" found in the Indian chess circuit, Diajeng spent significant time in India between 2025 and 2026.
Playing Indiais crazy!
India is known for having "underrated" youngsters. Playing there is notoriously difficult for one’s rating. It takes courage and confidence for anyone trying gain ELO points playing in the shark infested waters of India.Notable Scalps: During her 2026 run, she secured a stunning victory against GM Pouria Darini (2458) and a solid draw against Vignesh B (2222), proving she can hold her own against much higher-rated male opponents.
The European Tour
Her "solo travel" across Europe—a rare and courageous move for a young Indonesian player—was the catalyst for her recent success.
Serbia Success: It was in Serbia where she secured her second WGM (Woman Grandmaster) norm. Three norms are required for the title; Diajeng is now just one norm and a sustained 2300 rating away from becoming Indonesia's next Woman Grandmaster.
Financial Independence: Unlike many who wait for federation funding, Diajeng reinvests her earnings from prize money, coaching, and commentary back into her career. That's a big commitment and investment to one's own chess development.
A New Era for Indonesian Women's Chess
National Impact: Her 2308 rating doesn't just place her 2nd among women; it places her 22nd overall in Indonesia (including men), a rare feat for a female player at just 22 years old.
Fun Fact: Diajeng is also a prominent figure in the digital chess community. Known by her handle @chezzgirl04 on Chess.com and active on Instagram, she bridges the gap between traditional professional chess and the modern "streaming/content" era, making her one of the most relatable ambassadors for the sport in Indonesia.
The oldest pix I have of Diajeng is this one when she was 10 years old in 2014.
She is now 22 years old.
