Kuantan Port First Female Vessel Traffic Information Management System (VTIMS) Operator
Working in a male-dominated industry can be daunting for women as they often face societal expectations of their capabilities. Nevertheless, Pahang-born Sharifah Nornadrah Syed Zubaide has embarked on her journey as the first female Vessel Traffic Information Management System (VTIMS) Operator in Kuantan Port since April 2021. A bachelor’s degree holder in Nautical Science and Maritime Transportation from Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Nornadrah has set her heart on breaking the stereotype by constantly participating in adventurous activities that some people may perceive as too unfit for a woman.
Being the only woman in the VTIMS unit, she finds it incredible, as everyone is always so supportive and helpful in guiding her to adapt to the exacting working environment during the early days of her career. She strongly aspires to go beyond the limit in pursuing her goals, no matter how gruelling the journey can be. "We are already living in an era where most women can get a good education and work in male-dominated fields." Ignore the naysayers because, in the end, only you can decide for yourself. "If you never try, you will never know."
She has gone above and beyond as a sports enthusiast to participate in various sports events since her student days, particularly sailing, where she won a gold medal in Novice Women's Windsurfing in 2018 and participated in the Royal Langkawi International Regatta in 2019. Nornadrah holds a scuba diving licence and is the only woman on the Kuantan Port diving team.
With her thriving spirit to explore more adventurous activities, Nornadrah also hopes to inspire others to push their limits and pursue their dreams. In addition, she hopes that women can continue to empower one another and be fearless when venturing into new things, making their experiences more valuable.
