Report on the Inauguration Ceremony of the International Stomatological Institute
Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine – Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital
By Adjunct Professor Dato’ Dr How Kim Chuan (侯锦泉)
President, World Stomatological Organization (WSO)
On 24 May 2026, I had the honour and privilege of attending the 5th Wei Zhi Yan Hun Forum and the Inauguration Ceremony of the International Stomatological Institute of Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine.
This landmark event gathered distinguished academicians, university leaders, international scholars, and leading experts in oral and maxillofacial surgery, orthodontics, digital dentistry, periodontology, artificial intelligence, robotics, and translational medicine. The atmosphere throughout the forum reflected not only academic excellence, but also the rapid advancement of modern stomatology and healthcare innovation.
Among the distinguished leaders and speakers present were:
Professor Wang Xudong (王旭东)
President of Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine
Professor Wu Zhengyi (吴正一)
Vice Chancellor of Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine
Academician Zhang Zhiyuan (张志愿院士)
Academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and Honorary Director of the National Center for Stomatology
Professor Peter Chung
Director of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh and Director of the Hong Kong Institute of Orthodontists (HKIO)
The academic sessions featured respected speakers and highly forward-looking topics, including:
Orthognathic surgery challenges and future directions
Dental robotics and future clinical applications
Periodontal health and systemic implications
Artificial Intelligence in digital dentistry
Fellowship and academic collaboration initiatives
The presentations by Professor Alfred Lau, Professor James Chow, Professor Maurizio Tonetti, Professor Dinggang Shen, and other renowned experts reflected the multidisciplinary direction that modern stomatology is evolving towards.
What impressed me most was not merely the scale or prestige of the event, but the spirit behind it — a vision to build a connected, multidisciplinary, and future-oriented stomatology ecosystem.
The establishment of the International Stomatological Institute of Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine signifies an important milestone in advancing oral healthcare education, research, clinical collaboration, and academic exchange.
As President of the World Stomatological Organization (WSO), I believe this development presents valuable opportunities for deeper collaboration between China, Malaysia, Southeast Asia, and the wider professional community.
WSO is committed to supporting and facilitating greater engagement with Shanghai Jiao Tong University and its International Stomatological Institute. We hope to serve as a bridge connecting:
China and Southeast Asia
China and Malaysia
Academic and clinical communities
Industry and research partners
Young professionals and future leaders in oral healthcare
In particular, Malaysia and Singapore occupy uniquely strategic positions as multicultural gateways between East and West. Through WSO and the World Stomatological Academy (WSA), we hope to facilitate:
Academic forums and conferences
Fellowship and training pathways
Collaborative research platforms
AI and digital dentistry partnerships
Oral-systemic health initiatives
Student and faculty exchanges
Regional leadership development in Southeast Asia
WSO is also honoured and delighted to strengthen collaboration with the Hong Kong Institute of Orthodontists (HKIO) and Professor Peter Chung, whose longstanding contribution to orthodontic education and professional development has been deeply respected throughout Asia and beyond.
The participation of distinguished leaders from Hong Kong further reflects the importance of regional cooperation in advancing oral healthcare standards.
I firmly believe that the future of stomatology will not belong to isolated institutions, but to those willing to build bridges across nations, disciplines, and cultures.
This journey was personally meaningful to me and reminded me once again that:
> “A tree grows tall because its roots run deep.”
And perhaps more importantly:
> “The greatest universities are not merely places that transmit knowledge — they are places that inspire humanity, collaboration, and hope for future generations.”
Today, advances in medicine, science, artificial intelligence, and healthcare innovation are reshaping the future of oral healthcare. Yet what moved me most during this visit was not only technological advancement, but also the sincerity, openness, and vision of the people committed to building a better future together.
I have always hoped to contribute, in my own humble way, towards strengthening connections between China, Malaysia, Singapore, Southeast Asia, and the wider professional community.
I believe the future of oral healthcare lies in building strong global education and collaboration hubs that can radiate from China, Malaysia, and Southeast Asia to the rest of the world — promoting innovation, multidisciplinary partnership, academic exchange, and professional development through a broader macro-global perspective.
WSO remains deeply committed to contributing to this journey.
We hope to continue working closely with Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, HKIO, and partners throughout China, Malaysia, Singapore, and Southeast Asia to advance the shared vision of:
> “One World · One Oral Health · One Smile.”
With passion, unity, and shared purpose, I truly believe we can build not only stronger institutions, but also a healthier and more connected world.
