Taiwan Attends Asia-Pacific Dental Federation Conference, Enhancing International Public Health Participation
Taiwan's delegation attended the 47th Asia-Pacific Dental Federation Conference in Vietnam, hosting a 'Taiwan Night' to engage with leaders from global and regional dental federations. The World Dental Federation president praised Taiwan's dental leadership, and the Taiwanese delegation emphasized their commitment to overcoming diplomatic challenges through expertise and increasing contributions to international public health.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: May 12, 2026 at 14:24
- 🔍 Collected: May 12, 2026 at 14:31 (7 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 12, 2026 at 15:54 (1h 22m after Collected)
Central News Agency (CNA) — Hanoi, May 12 — The 47th Asia-Pacific Dental Federation Conference is underway in Hanoi. On May 11, "Taiwan Night" was held, attended by key executives from the World Dental Federation and Asia-Pacific Dental Federation. Dr. Nikolai Sharkov, President of the World Dental Federation, stated that no one should be excluded from public health. The Taiwan delegation emphasized that they will break through diplomatic difficulties through professionalism and enhance their contribution to international public health.
The Chinese Taipei Association for Dental Sciences delegation traveled to Hanoi, Vietnam, to attend the 47th Asia-Pacific Dental Federation Conference (APDC) and hosted "Taiwan Night" on May 11. Over 80 distinguished guests attended, showcasing Taiwan's active involvement in international affairs and the deepening of professional diplomacy.
The lineup of distinguished guests at "Taiwan Night" included Dr. Nikolai Sharkov, President of the World Dental Federation (FDI), and Enzo Bondioni, Executive Director; the outgoing President of the Asia-Pacific Dental Federation/Asia-Pacific Regional Organization (APDF/APRO), Arleen Reyes, and Secretary-General Fernando Fernandez, among other important executives.
Dental leaders and representatives from the International College of Continuing Dental Education (ICCDE) and countries such as Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Singapore, Vietnam, the Philippines, Nepal, and Thailand also attended "Taiwan Night." Lin Yi-min, Minister of the Representative Office in Vietnam, also attended to convey greetings. Participants enjoyed bubble tea from a Taiwanese beverage store, creating a lively atmosphere.
The World Dental Federation, headquartered in Switzerland, is the most authoritative professional organization for oral health globally. Established in 1900, it represents over 1 million dentists worldwide and maintains official relations with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations. Last year, it successfully advocated for oral health to be included in the UN's "Declaration on Non-Communicable Diseases."
Dr. Sharkov met with Vietnam's Minister of Health, Đào Hồng Lan, yesterday. In an interview with CNA, he expressed regret that Taiwan could not participate in the upcoming World Health Assembly, stating that public health should not exclude anyone.
He said that although he has not yet visited Taiwan, he has felt the "leadership style" from his Taiwanese dental colleagues. This leadership has also made the Chinese Taipei Association for Dental Sciences one of the most efficient among the 139 countries and over 200 dental associations in the World Dental Federation. "I hope all members, including Taiwan, can participate more actively and contribute more in the future."
Yu Chien-hung, President of the Chinese Taipei Association for Dental Sciences, who led the delegation, stated that Taiwan actively participates in the Asia-Pacific Dental Federation, with Taiwan holding 3 out of 17 executive positions. In addition, Taiwan successfully secured the right to host the APDC's 50th-anniversary conference in 2029.
"Taiwan plays a leading role in global dental development and academic research, especially in dental artificial intelligence (AI) technology, which is Taiwan's strong suit."
He stated that "Taiwan Night" is not only a social dinner to welcome international friends but also an important platform for Taiwan's dental community to showcase its international connections and soft power. "This year's breakthrough is that the current and former presidents of the World Dental Federation, as well as important executives of the Asia-Pacific Dental Federation, all attended."
Taiwan's dental community has deeply cultivated governance in Asia-Pacific dentistry. Moving forward, it hopes to further advance its participation in international organizations, aspiring to join the World Dental Federation Committee. "We believe this will make a greater contribution to Taiwan's public health visibility, international affairs promotion, and long-term global oral health education."
Luo Wen-liang, who was just elected as Vice President of APDF/APRO at this conference, stated that Taiwan's dental development is top-tier globally, and it is a member of the World Dental Federation and a founding member of the Asia-Pacific Dental Federation/Asia-Pacific Regional Organization. "Taiwan strives to make its voice heard in the federation, gaining visibility and equal participation rights, so that Taiwan does not miss out on much information."
Kao Chia-tse, also newly elected as the Editor-in-Chief of the APDF/APRO academic journal, is personally involved in the organization's New Southbound Policy, actively promoting Taiwanese-made medical materials, clinical techniques, and dental care concepts to Southeast Asia. "Introducing Taiwan's good things to Southeast Asia, Taiwan's dental standards are among the world's best."
Tsai Pei-lung, President of the Taipei City Dental Association, told reporters that the association has signed MOUs with dental associations in Vietnam and other Southeast Asian countries, maintaining frequent exchanges. This participation aims to discuss Asia-Pacific dental governance and policies, contributing Taiwan's energy to international public health. (Edited by Chen Hui-ping) 1150512
Choose to stand with facts. Every sponsorship is a force to protect press freedom.
Download the CNA "First-hand News" app to stay updated with the latest news.
The text, images, and videos on this website may not be reproduced, publicly broadcast, or publicly transmitted and used without authorization.
The Chinese Taipei Association for Dental Sciences delegation traveled to Hanoi, Vietnam, to attend the 47th Asia-Pacific Dental Federation Conference (APDC) and hosted "Taiwan Night" on May 11. Over 80 distinguished guests attended, showcasing Taiwan's active involvement in international affairs and the deepening of professional diplomacy.
The lineup of distinguished guests at "Taiwan Night" included Dr. Nikolai Sharkov, President of the World Dental Federation (FDI), and Enzo Bondioni, Executive Director; the outgoing President of the Asia-Pacific Dental Federation/Asia-Pacific Regional Organization (APDF/APRO), Arleen Reyes, and Secretary-General Fernando Fernandez, among other important executives.
Dental leaders and representatives from the International College of Continuing Dental Education (ICCDE) and countries such as Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Singapore, Vietnam, the Philippines, Nepal, and Thailand also attended "Taiwan Night." Lin Yi-min, Minister of the Representative Office in Vietnam, also attended to convey greetings. Participants enjoyed bubble tea from a Taiwanese beverage store, creating a lively atmosphere.
The World Dental Federation, headquartered in Switzerland, is the most authoritative professional organization for oral health globally. Established in 1900, it represents over 1 million dentists worldwide and maintains official relations with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations. Last year, it successfully advocated for oral health to be included in the UN's "Declaration on Non-Communicable Diseases."
Dr. Sharkov met with Vietnam's Minister of Health, Đào Hồng Lan, yesterday. In an interview with CNA, he expressed regret that Taiwan could not participate in the upcoming World Health Assembly, stating that public health should not exclude anyone.
He said that although he has not yet visited Taiwan, he has felt the "leadership style" from his Taiwanese dental colleagues. This leadership has also made the Chinese Taipei Association for Dental Sciences one of the most efficient among the 139 countries and over 200 dental associations in the World Dental Federation. "I hope all members, including Taiwan, can participate more actively and contribute more in the future."
Yu Chien-hung, President of the Chinese Taipei Association for Dental Sciences, who led the delegation, stated that Taiwan actively participates in the Asia-Pacific Dental Federation, with Taiwan holding 3 out of 17 executive positions. In addition, Taiwan successfully secured the right to host the APDC's 50th-anniversary conference in 2029.
"Taiwan plays a leading role in global dental development and academic research, especially in dental artificial intelligence (AI) technology, which is Taiwan's strong suit."
He stated that "Taiwan Night" is not only a social dinner to welcome international friends but also an important platform for Taiwan's dental community to showcase its international connections and soft power. "This year's breakthrough is that the current and former presidents of the World Dental Federation, as well as important executives of the Asia-Pacific Dental Federation, all attended."
Taiwan's dental community has deeply cultivated governance in Asia-Pacific dentistry. Moving forward, it hopes to further advance its participation in international organizations, aspiring to join the World Dental Federation Committee. "We believe this will make a greater contribution to Taiwan's public health visibility, international affairs promotion, and long-term global oral health education."
Luo Wen-liang, who was just elected as Vice President of APDF/APRO at this conference, stated that Taiwan's dental development is top-tier globally, and it is a member of the World Dental Federation and a founding member of the Asia-Pacific Dental Federation/Asia-Pacific Regional Organization. "Taiwan strives to make its voice heard in the federation, gaining visibility and equal participation rights, so that Taiwan does not miss out on much information."
Kao Chia-tse, also newly elected as the Editor-in-Chief of the APDF/APRO academic journal, is personally involved in the organization's New Southbound Policy, actively promoting Taiwanese-made medical materials, clinical techniques, and dental care concepts to Southeast Asia. "Introducing Taiwan's good things to Southeast Asia, Taiwan's dental standards are among the world's best."
Tsai Pei-lung, President of the Taipei City Dental Association, told reporters that the association has signed MOUs with dental associations in Vietnam and other Southeast Asian countries, maintaining frequent exchanges. This participation aims to discuss Asia-Pacific dental governance and policies, contributing Taiwan's energy to international public health. (Edited by Chen Hui-ping) 1150512
Choose to stand with facts. Every sponsorship is a force to protect press freedom.
Download the CNA "First-hand News" app to stay updated with the latest news.
The text, images, and videos on this website may not be reproduced, publicly broadcast, or publicly transmitted and used without authorization.