Name: Dr. Chong Jun Ai
Cohort: DT108
Current Role: Lecturer and Orthodontist, International Medical University (IMU)
Location: Malaysia
From Dental Student to Educator and Orthodontic Advocate
Dr. Jun Ai never imagined she would one day be shaping the next generation of dental professionals when she first enrolled in IMU’s Dentistry programme in 2008. Coming from a family with no exposure to dentistry—her mother being dental-phobic—she originally planned to pursue medicine. But her parents’ suggestion that dentistry offered better work-life balance set her on a path that would become both her profession and passion.
Her journey, fueled by a deep belief in the power of education to transform lives, led her from clinical practice to academia, where she now thrives as a dental educator at her alma mater. She is committed to developing compassionate, competent dental surgeons who can help reduce dental anxiety in the community—something she’s all too familiar with from her own upbringing.
Journey at IMU
At IMU, Dr. Jun Ai quickly immersed herself in both academic and extracurricular life. From initiating intervarsity games and oral health campaigns to presenting research at international conferences, she made the most of every opportunity. She graduated top of her class, receiving the prestigious Tan Sri Datuk Dr Amar Sulaiman Merit Award in 2013.
Though often the last to complete clinical tasks, her tenacity and drive for self-improvement, paired with unwavering support from faculty members, laid the foundation for her success. These formative years shaped her identity not just as a clinician, but as a lifelong learner and eventual educator.
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Achievements Post-IMU
- Resilience in the Face of Challenge: After serving in Kluang under the Ministry of Health, she joined the Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Department at UKM, where demanding hours and critical cases tested her limits and built her clinical acumen.
- Trailblazer in Academia: Offered a position as IMU’s first dental tutor with a local postgraduate scholarship, she transitioned into teaching while balancing motherhood and postgraduate studies in orthodontics. Despite the disruption caused by COVID-19, she took the opportunity to upskill—attending over 100 webinars and publishing a widely cited article on palatal rugae patterns.
- Recognized Educator: Her dedication was recently acknowledged with the Young Educator’s Award during University Day 2025—an affirmation of her impactful teaching and mentorship.
Alumni Giving Back
Dr. Jun Ai credits mentors like Prof. Toh Chooi Gait and Prof. Allan Pau for recognizing her potential and opening doors to a fulfilling academic career. Today, she continues that legacy by nurturing IMU dental students with the same spirit of encouragement and excellence. She remains an active part of the orthodontic community, committed to elevating the standard of care and fostering continuous learning.
Impact on Society
Her journey from uncertain dental student to award-winning educator embodies IMU’s mission to cultivate healthcare professionals who lead with compassion, skill, and dedication. By training future dentists and challenging the stigma of dental fear, she’s not only changing individual smiles—but transforming lives.
Quote from Dr. Paul Chan
“Anyone can become a master at what they do—with enough time, effort, and heart. Our patients deserve only the best, and every day is a chance to be better than the last.”
This story reflects how IMU alumni are forging impactful careers rooted in service, mentorship, and a lifelong commitment to learning—shaping not just their professions, but the communities they serve.