Wong Kai Xuan (in the photo above) is the secretary of INDSA and writer of this article.
The IMU Nutrition and Dietetics Students’ Association (INDSA) is an official association representing all the students enrolled under the BSc (Hons) Nutrition and BSc (Hons) Dietetics with Nutrition programmes under the International Medical University (IMU). It was launched on the 22 September 2021, with enthusiasm and support from the Division of Nutrition and Dietetics, School of Health Sciences. The idea for the association dates back to 2018, when Hing Mook Lin, the current vice-president of INDSA admitted the importance of uniting all Nutrition and Dietetics students across the different cohorts in IMU. The need arises, from the support needed for each graduating cohort to adapt at the workplace. This was echoed by Phang Chin Yi, also a founding member, leading to the formation of a student administrative body to facilitate the students and alumni of both Nutrition and Dietetics programmes, not only to excel academically but also interact socially for a greater cause. Besides connecting students from all cohorts, INDSA strives to actively engage students in nutrition and dietetic-related events to expand their members’ professional network, extracurricular merit, and competency. Such events not only include collaboration opportunities with existing entities within IMU clubs and societies, but also sporting and cultural events. INDSA would also serve as a voice representing the nutrition and dietetics members by being the primary platform where relevant events could be communicated. Since INDSA’s inception, it has received much support and valuable opportunities from IMU’s Division of Nutrition and Dietetics faculty, many of whom are recipients of research grants, authors with high-impact publications, and key opinion leaders in the field. At the online inauguration, Prof. Winnie Chee, IMU’s Dean of School of Health Sciences, said, “This marks the beginning of something exciting and I look forward to nurturing the growth of INDSA.”
| INDSA’S Committee members: | |
|---|---|
| Phang Chin Yi | President |
| Hing Mook Lin | Vice-President |
| Wong Kai Xuan | Secretary |
| Seneta Thien | Treasurer |
| Choo Pei Yee & Toh Meng Hui | Event Directors 1 & 2 |
| Yap Hsin Yuen | Public Relation Director |
| Sapnah Binti Fazal Rahman | Marketing Director |
| Tan Kian Sheng | Design Director |
| Khor Man Yee | IT Director |
At the moment, INDSA has proudly established an inter-cohort event- the NDT Buddy System- that aims to connect NDT students from various academic years. Additionally, the INDSA Cookbook Competition is an ongoing event that challenges all Dietetics and Nutrition students to transform their theoretical knowledge acquired from lectures and translating into the practical recipes. The winners of this competition will have their recipe featured in the INDSA E-Cookbook.
Since the association’s inception, there are also Podcasts where INDSA shares learning experiences and nutrition knowledge. The episodes can be accessed via Spotify, Apple Podcasts and ‘The INDSA Podcast’ YouTube channel. Soon, the association is preparing to represent and support events such as Nutritionists’ Day, Dietitians’ Day, Nutrition Month Malaysia and MDA-related activities. INDSA is also aiming to establish itself as the central agency to receive external professional collaborations with other associations and clubs in IMU. Indeed, there is much excitement and growth to be expected from INDSA, so watch this space! Article written by Wong Kai Xuan (Secretary of INDSA)
