
OUR CEO & TRAINER
CEO OF MDC TRAINING AND MANAGEMENT SERVICES | TRAINER AND CONSULTANT OF MDC TRAINING AND MANAGEMENT SERVICES | MENTAL HEALTH ADVOCATE
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With an impressive career spanning over 47 years, Ms. Mala has dedicated herself to training, coaching, and mentoring adults and children across Australia, Malaysia, Indonesia, India, and Thailand. She has successfully balanced her expertise in corporate and educational environments, becoming a leading advocate for mental health awareness, early intervention, and Montessori education methodologies.
About
My name is Mala Davi N Thanjappan

Ms. Mala's contributions to the field of education are extensive. She designed and delivered the Montessori Method of Education Diploma for Modern Montessori International London at their franchise center in Bangkok. Her innovative approach emphasizes applying Montessori principles in diverse settings, including early childhood education, workplace training, and aged care. Her passion for early intervention stems from her involvement in international initiatives, including collaborations with the Ministry of Social Welfare in Thailand and The Lotus Flower Foundation, an NGO with a global outreach.
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Her corporate experience is equally noteworthy. She has held key roles at esteemed organizations such as Mattel (KL) Sdn Bhd, Nestlé, ExxonMobil, and the German Development Service. This broad professional exposure has equipped her with exceptional interpersonal skills, enabling her to interact effectively with individuals from varied professional and cultural backgrounds.​
Ms. Mala’s advocacy for early intervention in mental health has gained recognition through her contributions to ASTRO, the Malaysian Mental Health Association (MMHA), the Selangor Mental Health Association (SMHA), and Mental Illness Awareness and Support Association (MIASA). She has appeared in interviews and awareness campaigns, underscoring the importance of mental health literacy. Her qualifications include Mental Health First Aid Instructor Certification from the Malaysian Mental Health Association a license from Australia and extensive participation in mental health activities in Australia and the USA.
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As the founder of MDC Training and Management, Ms. Mala has spearheaded numerous educational and training initiatives targeting educators, corporate leaders, and policymakers. MDC has been instrumental in providing HRDCorp-certified training programs such as the Certificate in Early Childhood Care and Development and Aged Care and Disabilities under the HRDCorp Penjana initiative by Malaysia's Ministry of Human Resources. Additionally, MDC has launched three HRDCorp SBL-Khas-approved programs, reflecting its commitment to upskilling and professional development.
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Ms. Mala’s dedication to professional growth is evident from her recent participation in global platforms, including the GHT Global Montessori Conference in Cairo, in November 2024, and the 10th Asia Montessori Conference in Singapore, in October 2024. These experiences further strengthen her ability to incorporate global best practices into her training and advocacy efforts.
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Currently, Ms. Mala champions the integration of Montessori methodologies into early intervention strategies for mental health, fostering positive outcomes from the early years to the workplace and aged care settings. Through her visionary leadership, MDC Training and Management continues to shape the future of education, mental health advocacy, and professional development.
INDUSTRIAL EXPERIENCE
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Early Childhood workshops and training since 2004
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Mental Health - since 2015
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HR-related workshops - since 1987
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Corporate, Mattel, Nestle, German Development Service
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Seagull Logistics Malaysia- training and development- HR department
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Tadika Sinar Mesra, Butterworth, Tadika Strawberri, Sungei Petani, Northern Maryland,
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Sungei Petani, Tadika Perling, Tadika Aculand
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Tadika Babyartlier, Catepillar Montessori school, Bintulu, Sarawak
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Sita Devi Foundation, India - Introduction to Montessori Education
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Jakarta Montessori International – Teacher
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Lotus Flower Foundation, Bangkok (Swiss NGO)- Collaborated with the Ministry Of Welfare to set up a ShelterHome in Thailand
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Modern Montessori International Bangkok - Trainer and help to set up the training center in Thailand
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Roche Malaysia- Trainer for Mental Health First Aid
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Johnson & Johnson Malaysia - Trainer for Mental Health
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MIASA Forum - Panel Speaker on Mental Health
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Novartis - Trainer for Mental Health First Aid
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MMHA (Malaysian Mental Health Association) Trainer for Mental Health First Aid and
Caregiver Alliance -
Segi University - Speaker for Mental Health
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Masagena Montessori, Jakarta, Indonesia – Consultation
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Sunway University - Speaker for Mental Health
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HELP University - interview for Mental Health/panel for judging Mental Health videos
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Nottingham University - video shoot on Mental Health
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Taylor University - collaboration
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Klang GH Forum - Panel speaker for World Mental Health Day
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Mental Health First Aid, Australia
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NAMI New York – Visited
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V-Buzz – Interview with ASTRO
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Caregiver Alliance Singapore - Trainer
EDUCATION
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Master in Education, Victoria University Melbourne, Australia
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International Montessori Diploma, Montessori Centre International, London, England
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Special Needs Education, Montessori Centre International, London, England
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Leamington Spa Diploma – England
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Certification in NLP, Bangkok Thailand
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Accredited Standard Mental Health First Aid Instructor, Malaysia
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HRDCorp certified trainer (Cert No: TTT/17444) PROFESSIONAL
CONFERENCES
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GHT Global Montessori (Cairo, Egypt) - November 2024
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10th Asia Montessori Conference (Singapore) - October 2024
MEMBERSHIP
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MMHA (Malaysian Mental Health Association) - Vice President
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Selangor Mental Health Association - Committee Member
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Suara Minda -Vice President
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Montessori Association of Malaysia
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NAWEM (National Association of Women Entrepreneurs of Malaysia)
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National Association of Women Entrepreneurs of Malaysia