Shaping Southeast Asia's Dental Future - An exclusive interview with Vida lau, Southeast Asia Commercial Director at Straumann Group

In an exclusive interview with Dental Tribune ASEAN, Ms. Lau reflects on her journey, which includes leadership roles at KaVo Dental Asia Pacific and Invisalign Singapore. She shares how these experiences have shaped her expertise in market development and stakeholder engagement, ultimately leading to her instrumental role in Straumann Group’s success. Under her leadership, Straumann has navigated challenges, including launching its Malaysia subsidiary during the pandemic—a feat achieved entirely through remote collaboration. Her strategic initiatives have not only propelled the company’s growth but also set benchmarks for digital transformation in the industry. Asia’s dental industry, Ms. Vida Lau has played an instrumental role in driving innovation and growth across the region. In an exclusive interview with Dental Tribune ASEAN, she shares her journey, insights into the dental market, and her vision for Straumann Group’s continued success in Malaysia and beyond.

A Journey of Leadership and Innovation

Ms. Vida Lau’s professional path is a testament to her leadership and forward-thinking mindset. Spanning over two decades, her career in the dental industry has seen her take on pivotal roles at leading companies such as KaVo Dental Asia Pacific and Invisalign Singapore. As Senior Product Manager for Southeast Asia at Invisalign, she spearheaded initiatives across six countries, gaining deep insight into the regional dental aesthetics market. This experience ultimately led her to her current role at Straumann Group.

“At Straumann Group, I have the opportunity to leverage my expertise in market development, stakeholder engagement, and strategic leadership,” Ms. Lau shares. “The challenge and reward of driving growth in such a dynamic region are what motivate me.”

Transforming Challenges into Success

Among the many accomplishments that stand out in Ms. Lau’s career, her leadership in launching Straumann Malaysia during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic is particularly noteworthy. “We established the subsidiary entirely through remote collaboration—something that seemed impossible without a physical presence. Yet, it became a benchmark for digital transformation in business development,” she reflects.

From earning recognition for innovative marketing strategies to leading Straumann’s Southeast Asia ITI (International Team for Implantology) section to a “Most Empowering Section” award in 2023, Ms. Lau has consistently pushed the envelope. Despite facing regulatory challenges across diverse markets, her ability to adapt global strategies to local needs has been key to her success. “We’ve developed scalable solutions that respect local nuances while maintaining global standards of excellence,” she explains.

Ms. Lau’s mission as Southeast Asia Commercial Director aligns seamlessly with Straumann Group’s overarching goal: unlocking the potential of people’s lives through confident smiles. She emphasizes three core priorities: customer excellence, market innovation, and regional development.

“We’re committed to providing dental professionals with cutting-edge solutions and comprehensive support, while expanding access to advanced oralcare across Southeast Asia,” she states. These priorities are not just words, but actions, as evidenced by Straumann’s steady market growth and reputation as a leader in aesthetic dentistry.

The future of dental implants: Digital innovation and patient comfort

Looking ahead, Ms. Lau sees dental implants evolving rapidly, driven by digital integration, artificial intelligence, and advanced materials. Straumann is at the forefront of this change, continuously developing technologies that enhance patient comfort and streamline treatment workflows.

“In the near future, we’ll see more efficient, digitally-planned implant procedures that not only improve outcomes but also revolutionize the way dentists approach patient care,” she predicts.

Straumann’s focus on the Malaysian market

Ms. Lau offers valuable insight into the unique opportunities and challenges in Malaysia’s dental industry. With a growing middle class, increasing dental tourism, and rising awareness of oral health, Malaysia is a market ripe with potential. However, challenges remain, including geographic disparities in access to advanced dental care and navigating a complex regulatory environment.

To strengthen Straumann’s presence in Malaysia, Ms. Lau has implemented a multi-faceted strategy focused on education, market access, digital transformation, and community engagement. “We aim to position Straumann not just as a product provider, but as a comprehensive solutions partner for the Malaysian dental community,” she affirms.

When asked how Straumann plans to expand its reach with in Malaysia’s dental community, Ms. Lau emphasizes the importance of continuous education and professional development. From structured training programs to digital engagement and scientific symposiums, Straumann is committed to supporting dentists in growing their practices.

Equally important are partnerships with local suppliers and stakeholders. “Strong local relationships are fundamental to sustainable growth,” Ms. Lau says, drawing on her experience managing diverse markets. “We work closely with dental associations, academic institutions, and local suppliers to create value chains that benefit all parties involved.”

Behind Straumann Malaysia’s success is a dedicated team that blends local market expertise with global standards. Ms. Lau takes great pride in her team’s development, ensuring that everyone embodies Straumann’s core values. “We foster an environment where our team can grow professionally, while maintaining a strong work-life balance,” she notes.

Regular training sessions, cross-functional projects, and recognition programs are integral to the team’s ongoing success. “Our player-learner culture encourages collaboration and innovation, making sure that we’re always aligned with Straumann’s global standards of excellence,” Ms. Lau adds.

A Message to Malaysian Dentists: Partnership for Excellence

In closing, Ms. Lau offers a clear message to dental professionals across Malaysia: “Straumann is your trusted partner in delivering clinical excellence. We’re not just offering products; we’re providing a one-stop dental solution that includes world class implant systems, comprehensive training, and long-term partnerships.”

Her vision is for Straumann to empower Malaysian dentists to achieve clinical excellence while growing their practices sustainably. “Together, we can elevate the standard of dental care in Malaysia and make advanced solutions more accessible to patients across the region,” Ms. Lau concludes with confidence.