president's message

Hello and a warm welcome to everyone.

I am Yap Jia Qi, and it is both an honour and a privilege to serve as the President of the Malaysian Dental Students’ Association (MDSA). MDSA stands as a national platform that unites dental students across Malaysia, driven by a shared commitment to academic excellence, leadership development, professionalism, and service to the community.

At MDSA, we strive to complement formal dental education by nurturing well-rounded individuals who are prepared to meet the evolving demands of the dental profession. Building upon the strong foundation laid by our predecessors, MDSA continues to grow in strength, unity, and purpose. With the guidance of our esteemed Patron and Advisors, and the dedication of our Committee members, we remain committed to providing meaningful opportunities that empower dental students academically, clinically, and personally.

This tenure, MDSA is proud to present a comprehensive lineup of programmes and initiatives designed to address the diverse needs of dental students nationwide:

• Leadership Camp 2025 – Fostering teamwork, strategic planning, and collaboration among MDSA committees.

• Dental Undergraduate Success Kit (DUSK) 9.0 – Equipping undergraduates with academic guidance, clinical exposure, and insights beyond the classroom.

• National Dental Students’ Clinical Skills Competition (NDSCSC) – Showcasing clinical competence, teamwork, and professionalism on a national stage.

• Malaysian Dental Intervarsity Debate Competition (MDIDC) – Promoting critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and effective communication.

• National Dental Intervarsity Games 2026 – Organised by the Kulliyyah of Dentistry, IIUM, to encourage camaraderie, sportsmanship, and inter-university bonding.

• University Limelight Week – Recognising outstanding preclinical and clinical dental students from each university, encouraging excellence and motivating students to achieve their best.

• Mouth Cancer Awareness Month TikTok Videography & Infographic Poster Competition – Celebrating creativity while educating the public about mouth cancer and raising awareness on oral health.

• MDA–MDSA Mentorship Programme – Bridging students with experienced practitioners for guidance, professional development, and career growth.

• Academic Initiatives – Including Case-Based Learning, Bite-Sized Learning, and the Nothing But The Tooth Podcast, promoting lifelong learning beyond the classroom.

• Community Outreach & Awareness – Including the National Intercollaborative Outreach Programme (NICOP) and other initiatives to raise oral health awareness and contribute meaningfully to society.

• International Clinical Exchange Programme – Providing students with exposure to global dental education and practices.

Representing dental students across Malaysia is both a responsibility and a privilege. As President, I firmly believe that leadership is rooted in service, collaboration, and integrity. I encourage all members to take an active role in MDSA, to share ideas, and to grow together as a united community.

Together, let us continue to aspire towards excellence, inspire one another, and move forward with purpose as future dental professionals dedicated to improving oral health and serving society.

Thank you for your continued support of the Malaysian Dental Students’ Association.

Sincerely,
YAP JIA QI
PRESIDENT
MDSA 25/26