Tan Sri Tunku Puteri Intan Safinaz

Larger than life and titles, Tan Sri Tunku Puteri Intan Safinaz Sultan Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah, is the daughter of the 28th Sultan of Kedah, Al-Sultan Tuanku Al-Haj Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah. The royal princess lives life purposefully and champions causes that concern the people and our environment.

Elected as Chairperson of the Malaysian Red Crescent Society (MRCS) in 2018, she is currently serving her second term. Prior to the election, Tunku Puteri Intan Safinaz has been faithfully serving the MRCS Kedah Chapter since 1998.

Being the first female Chairperson of MRCS in its 70-year history, she is committed to promoting women’s leadership at all levels and addressing issues of gender equality and inclusivity.

Aside from MRCS, she is also the chair of Yayasan Sultanah Bahiyah (YSB), a civil society organisation, for the past 25 years. YSB focuses on the needs of the local community; with emphasis on health, education and youth-based activities.

Tunku Puteri Intan Safinaz is a firm believer in an integrated ground-up, top-down approach when it comes to transforming lives and communities. In all her efforts she emphasises local action and encourages direct participation from the local community.

She is the Royal Patron and adviser of the Langkawi UNESCO Global Geopark, which is a UNESCO program that recognises the island of Langkawi in Kedah as having unique geographical qualities. The status gives recognition to the island for being able to balance the development and preservation of its natural resources.

The princess is also the Pro Chancellor of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) and of Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia (UPNM). As a commissioned officer of the Royal Malaysian Armed Forces, she is the only female ranked as the Brigadier General and serves as a commander of the volunteer unit Regiment 509 Askar Wataniah In Penang.

I feel that if anyone is blessed by privilege of any sort, whether it is of position in society, a gift of writing or the arts, of intellect or creativity; one is almost obliged to apply oneself to serve society so as to make the most impact and be a source of positive change.