Fencer Filzah Fizzing With Fierce Determination
Feature: Filzah Hidayah Nor Anuar (Annabel Pennefather Excellence Award)
Fencer and alumna Filzah Hidayah Nor Anuar realised her dream of winning gold at the 32nd Southeast Games through unwavering determination and mental preparation. Competing in the Women's Team Épée event, Filzah and her team demonstrated skill and resilience, securing the gold medal and making Singapore proud. Following her unforgettable Major Games debut, she represented Singapore at the 19th Asian Games and has also competed in both the World and Asian Championships.
Interestingly, Filzah discovered fencing only at the age of twelve through the Learn-To-Fence Programme at the Fencing Academy of Sports School. She explored several co-curricular activities (CCA) in primary school and was in the Outdoor Education CCA at Lianhua Primary School. The programme, which is open to students who are in primary 3 and above, ignited her interest in the sport, so much so that she decided to pursue it seriously at Sports School in Secondary 1.
Her breakthrough moment in fencing came when Filzah faced an injury that forced her to take time off from competition. Rather than feeling discouraged, she used this period as an opportunity for growth. During her recovery, Filzah watched videos of fencers in action, allowing her to gain new insights into their techniques and strategies. This time also gave her the chance to reflect on her own style and identify areas for improvement.
Once she recovered, Filzah returned to the sport with a new outlook. Her playing style evolved, incorporating the lessons she had learned during her recovery, and she came back stronger than ever. She became a more ‘sophisticated’ player who was strategic and intelligent in her play.
Filzah also did well in her studies, graduating from Sports School in 2024 with Diploma in Business, which is jointly offered with Republic Polytechnic. Currently, Filzah is studying Maritime Studies at Nanyang Technological University (NTU). She continues to train in Sports School under Head Coach Shim. She continues to train in Sports School under Head Coach Shim. Though balancing the demands of her university studies at NTU and the rigour of sports is challenging, she remains committed to excelling in her sport. She aims to win individual and team gold medals at future SEA Games, secure a top-8 finish at the Asian Championships, and represent Singapore at the Asian Games and the Olympic Games.
She was honoured at the 2025 Awards Night with the Annabel Pennefather Excellence Award, sponsored by the International Women’s Forum and managed by the Community Foundation of Singapore. The award is given to recent graduates who have achieved sporting excellence and show commitment to excelling in the sport.
This year, the award, named after former national hockey player Annabel Pennefather, who died in 2020, was also presented to Filzah’s teammate Cheung Kemei. Kemei, who won an individual bronze medal and team gold medal at the last two editions of the SEA Games, is the first double recipient of the Annabel Pennefather Excellence Award. She also received the award in 2021 after completing her secondary education.
Photo Credit: Singapore National Olympic Council and Sport Singapore
Interestingly, Filzah discovered fencing only at the age of twelve through the Learn-To-Fence Programme at the Fencing Academy of Sports School. She explored several co-curricular activities (CCA) in primary school and was in the Outdoor Education CCA at Lianhua Primary School. The programme, which is open to students who are in primary 3 and above, ignited her interest in the sport, so much so that she decided to pursue it seriously at Sports School in Secondary 1.
Her breakthrough moment in fencing came when Filzah faced an injury that forced her to take time off from competition. Rather than feeling discouraged, she used this period as an opportunity for growth. During her recovery, Filzah watched videos of fencers in action, allowing her to gain new insights into their techniques and strategies. This time also gave her the chance to reflect on her own style and identify areas for improvement.
Once she recovered, Filzah returned to the sport with a new outlook. Her playing style evolved, incorporating the lessons she had learned during her recovery, and she came back stronger than ever. She became a more ‘sophisticated’ player who was strategic and intelligent in her play.
Filzah also did well in her studies, graduating from Sports School in 2024 with Diploma in Business, which is jointly offered with Republic Polytechnic. Currently, Filzah is studying Maritime Studies at Nanyang Technological University (NTU). She continues to train in Sports School under Head Coach Shim. She continues to train in Sports School under Head Coach Shim. Though balancing the demands of her university studies at NTU and the rigour of sports is challenging, she remains committed to excelling in her sport. She aims to win individual and team gold medals at future SEA Games, secure a top-8 finish at the Asian Championships, and represent Singapore at the Asian Games and the Olympic Games.
She was honoured at the 2025 Awards Night with the Annabel Pennefather Excellence Award, sponsored by the International Women’s Forum and managed by the Community Foundation of Singapore. The award is given to recent graduates who have achieved sporting excellence and show commitment to excelling in the sport.
This year, the award, named after former national hockey player Annabel Pennefather, who died in 2020, was also presented to Filzah’s teammate Cheung Kemei. Kemei, who won an individual bronze medal and team gold medal at the last two editions of the SEA Games, is the first double recipient of the Annabel Pennefather Excellence Award. She also received the award in 2021 after completing her secondary education.
- Fencer Filzah Fizzing With Fierce Determination