The women's Asia Cup is the beginning of a beautiful journey for the young Malaysian Tigress.
Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) technical director Paul Revington made this assumption after Malaysia's opening two Group B matches in Muscat, Oman.
The national team defeated minnows Singapore 2-0 for their first win on Sunday, which came after the 9-0 thrashing by world No 8 India.
Revington, who is in Oman, said: "This is the starting point of a journey of four to five years for the young national team.
"Based on the two matches, they have to be ruthless and master longer possession periods."
Malaysia converted only two of 10 penalty corners through Fatin Shafika Sukri (seventh minute) and Nuraini Rashid (eighth) against Singapore.
Nuraini (123 caps), Fatin (92), Hanis Onn (81), Juliani Din (178) and Norsharina Shabuddin (114) are the five seniors in the team.
The other players are inexperienced with eight earning their first cap in Muscat.
Revington praised the team's performance in the opening two quarters against Singapore.
"There was intensity in movement and speed of passing, and their positioning was high in the opening two quarters.
"However, the young players have to improve on individual defending and show value and pride in their own half," Revington added.
Malaysia played Japan in a late match yesterday.
Meanwhile, the MHC have confirmed that this year's Azlan Shah Cup will be held on Nov 15-22 in Ipoh.