Puah Pei San stands as one of Malaysia’s most influential figures in netball, leaving an enduring mark as a national athlete, elite coach, and dedicated educator. Her journey rooted in passion, discipline, and excellence continues to shape the future of Malaysian netball.
Born with a natural affinity for sports, Pei San began her academic and athletic journey at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) in 2006, where she pursued a degree in Sports Science Education. She graduated in 2010 with First-Class Honours and was named UTM Sportswoman of the Year, an award that celebrated her exceptional achievements in netball alongside her academic success.
From a young age, Pei San demonstrated a rare drive for excellence. She often recalled rising at dawn for training before classes, balancing her commitments as a national athlete with the demands of academic life. Sacrificing leisure and time with friends, she embraced discipline as her guiding principle. These early challenges not only toughened her resolve but also shaped her character as a leader in sports.
Even as a student, Pei San was already a prominent figure in the Malaysia National Netball Team, representing the country in the Asian Youth Netball Championship, Asian Netball Championship, and the World Netball Championship. Her commitment and talent on the global stage made her a cornerstone of the national squad.
In 2011, she embarked on her coaching career at the prestigious Bukit Jalil Sports School (SSBJ). Balancing dual roles as a coach and national athlete, she continued competing at the highest level, with her final appearance coming at the 2017 Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) in Kuala Lumpur, where she fittingly retired on home soil at the peak of her career.
Her peers often described her as a quiet yet commanding presence on and off the court. Former teammates admired her unwavering focus, while students saw her as a source of encouragement and belief. One colleague once remarked, “Coach Pei San never just trains athletes—she builds people.” Such testimonials underscore her influence, which transcends beyond the game itself.
Transitioning fully into coaching, Pei San quickly established herself as a transformative leader. In 2018, she guided Malaysia U18 to victory at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) School Games, while her SSBJ teams became dominant forces in local and national competitions.
Her career reached another milestone in 2023, when she was appointed as National Coach for the Malaysia Youth Team at the Asian Youth Netball Championship in Jeonju, Korea. Under her leadership, Malaysia captured the gold medal, a proud moment that solidified her status as one of the nation’s elite coaches.
What sets her apart is her holistic coaching philosophy. Pei San emphasizes discipline, teamwork, and mental strength as much as technical mastery. She encourages players to reflect on their growth, fostering accountability and resilience. Her approach creates not only winning teams but also well-rounded individuals who carry lessons from the court into their lives. Students often call her a mentor for life.
From 2023 to 2025, Pei San broadened her coaching influence by leading the Putrajaya Dynamites in the Netball Super League (NSL). Under her stewardship, the team achieved its best-ever finish as 2025 runners-up, cementing her reputation as a coach capable of elevating teams to new heights.
Her dedication to education and sport was formally recognized in June 2025, when she was appointed as an “Excellent Teacher (Netball)” by the Ministry of Education Malaysia (MOE) a prestigious honour that acknowledged her exemplary service, coaching excellence, and leadership in school-based sports development.
Adding another milestone to her legacy, Pei San recently guided the Malaysia School Sports Council (MSSM) netball team to a historic gold medal at the Sukan Institusi Pendidikan Malaysia (SIPMA) 2025, held at her alma mater, UTM. This was MSSM’s first ever gold in the event, a triumph that highlighted her enduring impact on the sport.
Looking ahead, Pei San envisions a stronger grassroots system to ensure Malaysia continues producing world-class netball players. She hopes her story inspires young athletes, especially girls, to believe in their potential and persevere despite challenges. For her, true success lies not only in medals but in building a sporting culture of resilience, pride, and unity for future generations.
Today, Puah Pei San’s journey from student-athlete to national icon and award-winning coach stands as a powerful story of perseverance, excellence, and service. Her influence continues to inspire future generations, making her not just a leader in netball, but a true role model in Malaysian sports and education.
Source: UTM NewsHub