The 38th Annual Scientific Meeting of the IADR Southeast Asia Division and the 25th Annual General Meeting of the Malaysian Section brought together over 300 participants from 12 countries, including Australia, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, Japan, Korea, and more. Held from 28th to 30th November 2024 at Hatten Hotel, Melaka, the conference was a dynamic platform for researchers, academicians, and industry experts to drive the future of dentistry under the theme “Bridging Sustainability and Innovation: Shaping Tomorrow’s Dentistry Through Research.”
With a robust programme featuring:
✅ 25 expert speakers presenting cutting-edge research
✅ 5 engaging symposiums on emerging dental advancements
✅ 5 keynote speakers addressing global dental challenges
✅ 1 plenary session fostering academic and industry collaboration
✅ 1 interactive forum encouraging discussions on sustainability in dentistry
The conference set the stage for groundbreaking developments in oral healthcare.
Dr. Erum Zain’s Contribution to the Conference
A key highlight of the event was the remarkable contribution of Dr. Erum Zain, Faculty of Dentistry, SEGi University, who played an instrumental role in the conference. She was honoured to serve as a judge for two major research categories:
Day 1: Postgraduate Cariology and Oral Health Research
Day 2: Postgraduate Cariology and Digital Dentistry
Beyond her role as a judge, Dr. Erum was also given the prestigious responsibility of moderating the final sessions on Day 3, guiding insightful discussions that shaped the direction of dental research.
The conference concluded with a spectacular Gala Dinner, where Dr. Erum joined global dental professionals in celebrating cultural diversity. The evening was a vibrant showcase of traditional performances from participating countries, highlighting the unifying spirit of the dental profession.
A Conference That Strengthens Research, Innovation, and Collaboration
The IADR Southeast Asia Conference 2024 not only reinforced the importance of research-driven innovation but also celebrated the global collaboration in dentistry. Through the contributions of dedicated professionals like Dr. Erum Zain, the conference underscored the value of mentorship, academic leadership, and professional excellence in shaping the future of oral healthcare.
This event aligned with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being – Enhancing global dental research for improved patient outcomes.
SDG 4: Quality Education – Providing an international platform for learning and academic exchange.
SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – Driving technological advancements in dentistry.
SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – Strengthening global collaboration in oral health research.