Captain Eezmaira Sazzea binti Shaharuzzaman made history as Malaysia’s first female Master Mariner and the inaugural female recipient of the National Seafarer of the Year award during the Day of the Seafarer National Celebration on June 25, 2022. The award honors Malaysian seafarers who show exceptional dedication to the maritime profession and contribute significantly to the community.
Expressing her gratitude, Captain Eezmaira highlighted the importance of this achievement in her decade-long maritime career. She attributed her success to the support from her family, friends, and colleagues, along with the progressive environment fostered by Eaglestar and MISC, which actively promotes women in maritime fields. She emphasized that this recognition symbolizes not only her personal accomplishment but also the commitment of women in the maritime industry, aspiring to inspire more women to pursue careers at sea.
Eezmaira’s journey began when she was among the first Malaysian women to receive professional maritime training at the Malaysian Maritime Academy, graduating in 2010. With over ten years of experience sailing as an officer with Eaglestar, she achieved another milestone in 2021 by becoming the first Malaysian woman to command an LNG carrier, the Seri Bijaksana.
Her profound contributions did not go unnoticed by industry leaders. Captain Peter Liew, Managing Director and CEO of Eaglestar, commended her as a role model for aspiring female seafarers, reinforcing the company’s commitment to inclusivity within the maritime sector. Similarly, Datuk Yee Yang Chien, President and Group CEO of MISC, praised her excellence, stating that the company’s focus on empowering women in maritime is crucial to cultivating a sustainable talent pipeline.
The award presentation saw Captain Eezmaira recognized in her absence as she was on a voyage. Her father, En. Shaharuzzaman bin Abdul Rahman, accepted the award on her behalf from the Deputy Transport Minister of Malaysia, YB Dato Henry Sum Agong, further underlining the family’s pride in her accomplishments.
Overall, Captain Eezmaira’s recognition not only marks a significant achievement in her personal career but also highlights the progress of women in maritime professions, paving the way for a more inclusive and diverse future in the industry.
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