Hi! I'm Irene Kharisma Sukandar. I'm Indonesia’s first chess Woman Grandmaster and female International Master. I have represented Indonesia at five chess olympiads, winning a silver medal for my debut performance when I was just 12 years old at the 2004 Olympiad, Calvia. I also became Asian Champion in 2012 and 2014, which led to my qualification and participation in the Women’s World Championships. In 2013, I won two individual gold medals for my performances in rapid and blitz chess at the South East Asian Games, the most prestigious multi-sports event in South East Asia. I am fortunate and grateful to Forbes for recognising my achievements, naming me as one of Indonesia’s 10 Inspiring Women in 2016 and in the 30 Under 30 in 2019.

On a personal front, I hold a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from Gunadarma University, Jakarta, Indonesia and a Master of Arts in International Relations from Webster University, St. Louis, USA.