Mid-Year Meeting &
Lend-A-Hand Project
2023
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Asia Pacific Students’ Association Malaysian Division (APDSA MD), alongside their co-organizer, the Faculty of Dentistry at Universiti Malaya, proudly presents the highly anticipated return of the APDSA Mid-Year Meeting (MYM) and Lend-a-Hand Project (LHP) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. This monumental event took place from December 15th to 18th, 2023, marking the revival of the MYM & LHP in Malaysia after a remarkable nine-year hiatus since 2014.
This gathering serves as a platform for the exchange of ideas, fostering teamwork, and establishing camaraderie among dental students in the Asia Pacific region. Beyond the academic sphere, the meeting offers an invaluable opportunity to introduce Malaysia as a hub of scientific and technological development, as well as a cultural melting pot, to all dental students in the region.
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The opening ceremony, held at the Wyndham Grand Bangsar Kuala Lumpur on the evening of the first day, was indeed a visual spectacle. A flash mob of Jalur Gemilang wavers proudly showcased the country’s flag, sending a clear message of national pride to the international participants.
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The second day took a philanthropic turn with MYM participants actively engaging in the Lend-a-Hand Project. In collaboration with the Suriana Welfare Society, the organizing committee prepared five dental-themed game booths for 24 children, aged 5 to 13 years old. Additionally, they successfully provided oral education to the young beneficiaries, promoting dental health awareness. To conclude the day, the participants enjoyed a night tour of Kuala Lumpur, appreciating another facet of Malaysia’s charm under the evening sky.
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Exceptional lectures and workshops took the spotlight on the third day. Topics such as fixed prosthodontics, implantology, aesthetic dentistry, suturing, and endodontics were imparted to the participants by experienced and renowned dental experts. To conclude the evening, cultural night was held, with each participating country showcasing their homeland’s culture. It was a fitting finale, including three engaging station booths. At the first station, participants engaged in ‘wau’ origami and penned their wishes on colorful papers. The second station offered translations of names into Mandarin and Tamil, teaching participants calligraphy. This activity bridged cultural divides, fostering appreciation for the linguistic and artistic nuances embedded in Chinese and Indian traditions. The third station challenged participants to gather as many red beans as possible within a minute. Completing all stations earned participants the chance to ‘spin the wheel’ for exciting rewards.
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The APDSA MYM & LHP 2023 has positively impacted lives, not only in Malaysia but across the Asia Pacific region. It has showcased Malaysia's potential in elevating the nation’s standing in the eyes of our international peers.
