Penang to Host the 10th ICD Section XV & WSI International Conference

The International College of Dentists (ICD) Section XV and the World Stomatology Institute (WSI), in partnership with the Penang State Government and the Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PCEB), have announced the 10th ICDXV & WSI International Conference and Induction Ceremony, to be held from 18–20 April 2025 at the Setia SPICE Convention Centre, Penang.

The announcement was made today during a press conference attended by YB Wong Hon Wai, Penang State Executive Councillor for Tourism and Creative Economy; Adjunct Professor Dato’ Dr. How Kim Chuan, Organising Chairman and President of ICD Section XV and WSI; and Mr. Ashwin Gunasekeran, CEO of PCEB.

This landmark conference is supported by the Ministry of Health Malaysia (MOH), the Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MYCEB), and the Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PCEB). It is also strongly backed by a host of Malaysia’s leading academic institutions including Universiti Malaya (UM), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR), MAHSA University, AIMST University, SEGi University, International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), and the Penang International Dental College (PIDC).

Locally, the event is also supported by the Han Cultural Centre and the Malaysia Dental Industry Association (MDIA). Internationally, the conference has received the support of prominent organisations such as the Hong Kong Dental Association (HKDA), Macau Dental Association, Quanzhou Dental Association, South Dental Alliance, Hong Kong Institute of Orthodontists (HKIO), and the Hong Kong Association of General Dental Practitioners (HKAGDP).

YB Wong Hon Wai expressed his heartfelt support for the conference, noting its importance in both global healthcare and local development: “This conference places Penang at the forefront of international medical and dental innovation. We are proud to host this prestigious gathering of healthcare professionals, academics, and innovators from around the world. It not only promotes knowledge sharing and collaboration but also enhances our tourism, creative economy, and global visibility.”

The 10th ICDXV & WSI International Conference is expected to draw participants from all around the world, including leading dentists, medical professionals, researchers, academics, industry leaders, policymakers, and international delegates. The theme of this year’s conference, “New Era of Digital AI Technology in Medicine and Dentistry”, underscores the increasing role of artificial intelligence in revolutionising clinical practice, diagnostics, public health, and education.

Adjunct Professor Dato’ Dr. How Kim Chuan highlighted the unique synergy between ICD and WSI and the purpose of bringing two global platforms together under one roof. “The International College of Dentists, founded in 1920, is the world’s oldest and most prestigious honorary dental organisation with over 12,000 fellows worldwide. ICD Section XV proudly represents Southeast Asia and beyond. The World Stomatology Institute (WSI), our academic arm under the World Stomatology Organization (WSO), is an emerging global platform promoting multidisciplinary collaboration across six pillars—academia, civil service, private practice, associations, military healthcare, and industry.”
 

Prof. How added, “This conference is not merely a gathering of professionals, but a declaration of unity, excellence, and forward-thinking. We are proud to welcome our colleagues from across continents to Penang—an exceptional venue rich in culture, hospitality, and progressiveness.”

Key features of the three-day event include:

• Plenary Sessions and Forums with over 30 local and international speakers
• Scientific Poster and Oral Competition
• Trade and Exhubition
• Hands-On Workshop
• Two Grand Induction Ceremonies
  - ICD Fellowship Induction on 19 April 2025
  - WSI Fellowship Conferment on 20 April 2025

Special recognitions such as the ICD Honorary Fellowship and the WSI Founding Fellow Awards will also be presented to distinguished leaders who have demonstrated exceptional service to global oral health, including government officials, senior academicians, and public health pioneers.

Mr. Ashwin Gunasekeran, CEO of PCEB, reaffirmed Penang’s readiness as a global event destination: “Penang’s commitment to intellectual exchange, innovation, and medical excellence is reflected in our ability to host conferences like this. This is not only a medical and academic milestone, but also a great tourism opportunity that will benefit our hotels, local businesses, and international perception. We are proud to support this meaningful event, and we thank the organisers for choosing Penang.”

Beyond healthcare and academic impact, the conference aims to foster global partnerships, expand educational mobility, and establish Penang as a key node for international cooperation in the field of oral health.