ICD Section XV Background
In 2015 International Council meeting in Dublin, the Council approved that:
“The Council approves the continued development of creating a new Section XV (Asia Pacific) via a mentorship process, with the matter to be considered for decision at the 2016 meeting of the International Council.”
The Asian Union Council would like to especially acknowledge Secretary-General Dr John V. Hinterman for his continuous huge support and contribution to the formation of Asian. Dr Hinterman has been instrumental in the development of Section XX as well as reforming the Regions and promoting membership growth. He has also shown his support to the Asian Union by attending all the three (3) induction ceremonies from 2014-2016 amidst his busy schedule. This has laid a strong foundation towards the ultimate formation of Asian Union and has united the regions within Asia’s smaller nations by grouping them into a stronger Union and speak in one voice.
In March 2016, International President Professor Phillip Dowell graced the International Induction Ceremony and proposed the idea of evolving Section XX Asia into Asian Union. This idea was very well received by all the Regents and culminating to the signing a joint declaration of all the Regents. Asian Union was thus officially formed 11 March 2016 in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia (Appendix 1: Joint declaration of Asian Union formation 11 March 2016).
This is a natural evolution process for the development for Asia but not a revolution. It would not be possible without the blessings of our International President Professor Phillip Dowell, Secretary-General Dr John Hinterman and the Executive Committee. The formation of the Asian Union was also witnessed and graced by the Honorable Health Minister of Malaysia Datuk Dr S Subramaniam. The Health Minister also promised support from the Malaysian government for ICD.
This would also pave the pathway for greater collaborative activities in humanitarian, education, science and professional development in Asia. This would also set the momentum for greater membership growth and rejuvenate ICD in Asia.
International Induction Ceremony from 2014-2016
The First ICD Section XX Induction Ceremony took place on 18th to 19th of Jan 2014 in Kuala Lumpur Putra World Trade Centre. Dr Hinterman conducted the Induction Ceremony and the then FDI President Dr TC Wong was also present as our Guest of Honour and was conferred as Distinguished Fellow with President Citation. The induction ceremony was a success and was attended by 10 countries from Asia with over 300 delegates attending the scientific conference and 30 Fellows were inducted.
The Second ICD Section Xx Asia International Induction Ceremony Cum Scientific Conference And Trade Exhibition took place on 28-28 March 2015 in Aloft Hotel in Kuala Lumpur. The event grew bigger in terms of the number of attendees. 18 member countries attended with over 450 delegates attending and 80 Fellows were inducted. Our Secretary General Dr John Hinterman conducted the Induction Ceremony and chaired the meeting for the Council and delegates. The Guest of Honour was the Honorable Minister for Transport of Malaysia Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai.
The Third ICD Asia Pacific International Congress, Induction Ceremony And Trade Exhibition happened a few months back on the 11th to 13th of March 2016. The event took place in Pullman Hotel Bangsar KL and was attended by over 1000 delegates from 21 various countries. The Minister of Health Malaysia Datuk Seri Dr. S. Subramaniam and Director General of Health Malaysia, Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Bin Abdullah were inducted as Honorary Fellows. A total of 153 Fellows were inducted. A new category which is Young Dentist Affiliate member was introduced to cultivate and encourage young dentists to contribute to the dental profession and 9 members were inducted. The Induction Ceremony was conducted by Secretary-General Dr John Hinterman and International President Professor Phillip Dowell.
There is significant growth of members over the years and this is an encouraging news as more dental professionals including young ones are eager to contribute to the development of the dental profession in the countries of Asia Union.
Mission Statement of Section XX Asian Union
To contribute to the advancement of the profession of Dentistry internationally
To provide a universal forum for the cultivation of cordial relations with the profession
To recognize distinguished service to the profession and to the public worldwide
To foster growth and diffusion of dental knowledge
Member countries and Regents of Section XX Asian Union
1. Malaysia (Region 33) – Professor Mohd Ibrahim
2. Singapore (Region 25) – Dr Loh Kai Woh
3. Thailand (Region 23) – Professor Prathip Pantavumnit
4. Indonesia (Region 25) – Dr Benny Soegiharto
5. Brunei (Region 25) – Dr Dharma
6. Myanmar (Section XIV) – Dr Myo Thant
7. Cambodia (Region 23) – Professor Hong Someth
8. Vietnam (Region 31) – Professor Ngo Thi Quynh Lan
9. Laos (Region 23)- Professor Hong Someth
10. Hong Kong (Region 22) – Dr John Ling
11. Macau (Region 22) – Dr John Ling
12. Pakistan (Region 24) – Professor Arshad Malik
13. Bangladesh (Region 24)- Professor Sattar Mostaque
Activities of regions
There are quite a number of activities held in each Region. Please kindly refer to the following attachments for details of the activities.
Subscription status
At this present moment, there is an issue with the subscription status as the billing and payment system is currently being sorted out. A lot of members would like to pay to renew their subscription but we would like to ensure a more efficient system first before collecting. Therefore, it has to be put on hold for the moment.
After the evolution from Section XX to Asian Union, a lot of the regions have dormant member lists. Therefore there is a need to look into the existing list and update accordingly.
One of the possible reasons that members refused to pay as they complained that there is lack of activities organized. They will only pay once number of activities planned or done have increased. The Asian Union will tackle this issue at the highest priority.
At the moment, the subscription status of Myanmar, Hong Kong, Macau, Vietnam, Cambodia and Pakistan are in order, the other countries are in the process of alignment.
Membership growth programme
Fellow recommend members programme
Personalized touch with dormant fellows
Organized activities with fellows
Conference and CPD talks
Induction ceremony
International networking
Young Dentist Associate member programme
Dental Student Affiliate member programme
Humanitarian activities
Nepal earthquake fundraising and humanitarian aid
Numerous free dental treatments conducted by the Regents of each country as exhibited in their respective reports.
Fellowship Admission Criteria Task Team
To standard admission criteria to ensure the quality of Fellows being invited to the College possesses the necessary credentials.
A future project in the pipeline
4th Asian Union Congress and International Induction Ceremony in Macau 14-16 March 2018
Reported by
Prof. Dato’ Dr. How Kim Chuan
President for Section XX Asian Union
International Councillor