In a world where the maritime industry remains largely male-dominated, Vince Lee stands as a trailblazer. As the Second Officer of North Borneo Cruises, she has navigated her way through uncharted waters, proving that women can not only hold their own but thrive in this demanding field. 

Women remain significantly underrepresented in the cruise industry, with less than 3% of cruise captains being female and only around 10% of all cruise officers being women. Vince’s journey with North Borneo Cruises began in December 2021 as an intern with the Service Crew. She immersed herself in every aspect of onboard service, mastering the restaurant, registration, and safety procedures. Her ability to multitask, stay composed under pressure, and quickly adapt to new responsibilities did not go unnoticed. 

Before joining North Borneo Cruises, Vince was working as a cashier, with no specialised experience in the maritime industry. Despite this, Amazing Borneo saw her potential and had faith in her capabilities. Recognising her dedication and willingness to learn, the company chose to invest in her growth, providing her with training and upskilling opportunities to develop her into the role of Second Officer. This decision underscores Amazing Borneo’s commitment to recognising talent and empowering their team to be the best they can be, regardless of their background or prior experience. 

“When I first started, I had no idea I would one day be an officer,” Vince admits. “I didn’t have any formal training in this field, but Amazing Borneo saw something in me. They believed in my potential, and that gave me the confidence to push myself further. The transition wasn’t easy, but I took every challenge as an opportunity to learn.” 

Transitioning into a leadership role came with its challenges. Being one of the few women in this line of work, Vince often wondered whether her male colleagues would take her seriously. Initially, some hesitated to listen to her, but over time, as she demonstrated her ability to steer the ship and handle critical tasks, their respect followed. 

“I had to prove myself,” she shares. “At first, there was hesitation. Some of my colleagues weren’t sure if I could handle the responsibilities. But I kept pushing forward, learning everything I could. Now, they see what I bring to the team, and that respect has grown.” 

For Vince, the thrill of captaining a vessel is unparalleled. “It’s very fun actually,” she says with a smile. “There were moments when I doubted myself, but the more I learned, the more I realised – I can do this.” 

Beyond the excitement, she also brings a unique perspective to the team. While Vince acknowledges the strengths that her male teammates bring to the table – such as their expertise in mechanical aspects and physically demanding tasks – she notes that women excel at multitasking, a skill that has been crucial in her role. “I used to handle cashiering, safety briefings, registration, and clearing plates all at once. Even now, I naturally take on tasks like reports and weather updates, which helps support the team’s overall efficiency,” she explains, “I think we all bring different strengths, and that’s what makes a great team.” 

While she may not have originally set out to become an officer, Vince’s story is one of embracing opportunities and defying expectations. Her message to other women considering the cruise industry is simple: “Go for it. Don’t let fear stop you. If an opportunity comes your way, take it. You never know how far it will take you.” 

On this International Women’s Day, we celebrate Vince – not just for breaking barriers, but for inspiring the next generation of women to navigate their own paths with courage and determination. Her journey is a shining example of how Amazing Borneo values potential, invests in its people, and empowers them to reach their fullest capabilities.