1. I'll try myself here, “buona sera”, "annyeonghaseyo", I have one more, “wan shang hao”. I'm not sure whether that will fit or not and a very good evening to all. Tonight, is a very privilege and a distinct pleasure for me to welcome you to Kuala Terengganu for the 31st Malaysian Association of Orthodontist International Scientific Conference and Trade Exhibition.
2. On behalf of the Terengganu state government, I extend our warm welcome to all delegates - local and international who have made their journey to Terengganu finally to be part of this highly anticipated and prestigious gathering of minds and expertise. On the other side of spectrum, as a light note, I have an admission or rather a revelation to make. So, bear with me.
3. Tonight, is one of the occasions that I have to be really careful on things that I say or say nicely. Because in here tonight, I have seen my own dental special specialist which is to Dr. Zakiyah in front of me as at any future point of time I have to endure all her dental surgical tools and needles as we as were in the past. So, I have to be careful on what I said otherwise later on she can do whatever she wished to me.
Ladies and gentlemen,
4. Let me first commend the Malaysian Association of Orthodontist, the organizing committee and supporting partners for successfully bringing this international recognized event to our shores for the first time in Terengganu. This year's theme, sustainability in orthodontics, speaks to that evolution and to the increasing alignment between clinical excellence, environmental conservancy, and social equity. Orthodontics, as many of you deeply understand, is not mere a clinical discipline. It is where anatomy meets aesthetics, where science meets empathy. In all, your work transforms lives.
5. For most people, I mean ordinary people on the street like myself, orthodontics means braces and a better smile. However, to some people, visiting dentist is a nightmare and full of terrifying experience. To be more dramatic, this type of patient would have a very strong imagination afterward. One would visualize, patients lie back in the chair can't talk and have a tool in their mouth and the s of the sense of helplessness vulnerable start sipping in needle phobia especially with injections in the gums and this is where one of the occasions of any human being seeing a big flying needle before their eyes. So, you can understand that the sound of the drills, the smell of this disinfectants and the pressure of vibration on teeth can be overwhelming.
6. In short, dental work is associated with the expectation of discomfort which triggers anxiety. As a policy makers or lawmaker like myself, we have to understand it as a better breathing, better speech, better nutrition and ultimately better lives. Orthodontics, it's not just about strict teeth, is often about giving people back their basic abilities that many take for granted which is to eat, speak and smile freely. A smile is more than just an expression. It is freedom make visible. When someone regains the courage to smile, they reclaim their confidence, their connections to others and their right to stand to stand tall in the world.
7. So, that's your contributions and it's very important contribution to the lives of the people. The conference this conference is more than a sharing and convergence of knowledge. It is a shared commitment to responsible innovation. In Terengganu, we are proud to support efforts that prioritize healthcare access, professional development, and digital solutions for rural and underserved communities.
8. Sustainability in orthodontics is no longer aspirational. It is imperative. Whether it's ad adopting digital impressions to minimize material waste, integrating 3D printing to enhance accuracy and efficiency or phasing out single use plastics from clinic. The professions have entered an era where clinical mastery must be matched by environmental awareness.
9. These efforts are in harmony with our state's broader vision for sustainable development and we are encouraged by the step taken by both public and private dental providers across the country. I wish to say that any policy, by any government at any point of time without professional input is like a surgery without diagnosis or having a plate like tonight without any food.
10. So, we need professional input from the expert from you all. Moving forward, we envision supporting initiatives that explore eco-conscious materials recycling pathways for clinical waste and the expansions of teleorthodontics or any green practices into healthcare. All is not just about for convenience but at as a strategic way to reduce carbon footprints and the biggest challenge of all make it affordable particularly in the rural areas and less fortunate in the urban spectrum.
11. Tonight, is a celebration not just out of the strides in orthodontics but of the shared value that bind us - precision, compassion, integrity, and a deep respect for the communities which we serve. I would encourage all delegates to use this conference as a space to exchange insight, forge interdisciplinary partnerships and inspire the next generation of orthodontics professional.
12. I've seen tonight 95% possibly the orthodontics specialist coming from the ladies. So, probably in the near future, we need to encourage more of the younger generation to be orthodontics professionals. While you are here, I invite you to immerse yourself in the treasures of Terengganu to experience our coastal serenity, our timeless heritage of the batik and our cleaner mastery that can be found in our nasi dagang, keropok and all those colorful desserts. These are not merely dishes or crafts. They are the living heritage of a people intertwined with tradition yet expanding towards the future. In these flavors, textures and traditions, you will find the soul of Terengganu, a land deeply rooted in its past yet always stepping forward with purpose and pride.
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