Emily Mary Chin

Senior Content Executive

Travel writing Sustainable tourism Cultural and heritage storytelling Documentary filmmaking Video scriptwriting Community-based storytelling

Emily Mary Chin is the writer behind much of what you read across Amazing Borneo and its family of travel brands, from the practical to the cultural to the deeply personal stories of the people who make Borneo tourism what it is.

Her path here wasn't a straight line, and that's part of what shapes how she writes. Emily started her career in accounting and finance before discovering a deeper pull toward storytelling. She spent the next several years in media and documentary work — writing, producing, and directing, including the documentary Huminodun: A Woman's Legacy — followed by years working alongside Sabah's NGOs and civil society organisations on documentaries, campaigns, and websites for grassroots causes. More recently, she's supported community storytelling workshops across Sabah and Sarawak, covering community filmmaking, audio storytelling, and social media.

That background shapes how she approaches Borneo's stories, including her own. Emily is a sixth-generation Sabahan with mixed Chinese, Dusun, Kadazan, Japanese, and British heritage, and it was in uncovering her own family's layered history that she first found her love of storytelling. She holds a GSTC Professional Certificate in Sustainable Tourism and leads Amazing Borneo's efforts toward GSTC sustainable tourism certification.

Outside of work, she's an avid reader and an occasional cat-sitter, which she'll tell you is really just an excuse to hang out with more cats.

Articles by Emily Mary Chin

May 29, 2025

Enhancing Visitor Satisfaction in Kinabalu Park: The Role of Mountain Guides in Sabah's Tourism

A new study led by Lesley Hiew, Operations Director of Amazing Borneo and a PhD candidate at Universiti Malaysia Sabah, puts mountain guides under the spotlight. Published in Taylor’s University’s Asia-Pacific Journal of Futures in Education and Society, the paper unpacks how guiding in Sabah is evolving, and why it deserves greater recognition.

May 24, 2025

Earthquake Survivors Reach the Peak of Mount Kinabalu

On 22nd May 2025, Emyr and Prajesh stood once more at the summit of Mount Kinabalu, the same sacred mountain where, ten years ago, their school expedition was forever changed by a powerful earthquake. This time, they returned not as students, but as survivors, carrying the memories of friends and teachers who could not return with them.

May 19, 2025

Singaporean Kinabalu Earthquake Survivors First to Climb Again in Honour of the 10th Anniversary

On 5th June 2015, Mount Kinabalu shook as a 6.0-magnitude earthquake struck Sabah, Malaysia, causing serious damage. Almost ten years later, two survivors of the Singaporean student group, Emyr and Prajesh, are returning as young men honouring their friends and teachers, and the strength it took to survive.

Mar 28, 2025

Leading with Strength and Intuition: Emily Lim, Sales Director of Amazing Borneo

In the fast-paced world of sales and corporate leadership, Emily Lim has carved a name for herself as a formidable force.

Mar 18, 2025

Balancing Leadership and Motherhood: Carol’s Journey in Sabah’s Tourism Industry

For over a decade, Carol Binti Julius has been a driving force at Amazing Borneo. As the Senior Sales Manager, she has played a crucial role in the company’s success, shaping its sales strategies and leading a dynamic team. But beyond the workplace, she also embraces another vital role – being a mother.

Mar 14, 2025

Ethical Wildlife Experiences in Borneo – A Responsible Traveller’s Guide

As a conscious traveller, your choices matter. By selecting ethical experiences, you contribute to the protection of Borneo’s rich biodiversity and help sustain local livelihoods. This guide explores how to engage in responsible wildlife tourism while making a lasting positive impact!

Mar 13, 2025

Is Semporna Safe for Travel? What You Need to Know

Concerns about safety in Semporna – stemming from past security incidents – have left some travellers hesitant. If you're wondering whether it's safe to visit Semporna today, rest assured: Yes, Semporna is now safer than ever for tourists, thanks to significant security improvements.

Mar 10, 2025

Defying Expectations: Diana’s Journey as Amazing Borneo’s Female Tour Guide

Meet Diana Isdain, the only female Tour Guide at Amazing Borneo Tours, a role she never envisioned for herself but has since embraced wholeheartedly. Her journey is one of courage, growth, and proving that passion transcends gender barriers.

Mar 03, 2025

Breaking Barriers at Sea: Vince’s Journey as the First Female Officer on North Borneo Cruises

In a world where the maritime industry remains largely male-dominated, Vince 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.

Feb 21, 2025

The Last Nomads of Borneo: The Penan People of Mulu National Park

Deep within Sarawak's limestone karst landscapes and ancient rainforests lives one of Borneo's most distinctive indigenous groups – the Penan. Traditionally nomadic hunter-gatherers, they represent an important part of Borneo's cultural diversity as one of the Orang Ulu ("upriver people") of Sarawak.