Kuala Lumpur and Malacca, Malaysia
Hosted by FACULTY OF DENTISTRY UNIVERSITY OF MALAYA
January 28–31, 2026
The International Dental Student Summer Camp was a four-day academic and cultural exchange program held from January 28 to 31, 2026, hosted by Universiti Malaya in collaboration with various partner institutions. The program brought together dental clinicians and students from different countries with the aim of fostering international collaboration, knowledge sharing, and cultural appreciation within the dental profession.A total of ten (10) dental clinicians represented our institution — five (5) from the Junior Clinician level and five (5) from the Senior Clinician level. They were:
1. Jhean Chelize C. Abordo
2. Juliana Cate I. Allaga
3. Kyle Andrei P. Antonio
4. Jordan C. Campo
5. Keana D. Fernandez
6. Theola Amprecia Q. Reago
7. Trishna Gwenevir A. Santos
8. Angela Louise E. Sunga
9. Ma. Francesca Nicole A. Valenzuela
10. Nina Charisma D. Veridiano
The program was divided between two iconic Malaysian cities: the first two days were held in Kuala Lumpur, followed by the final two days in the historic city of Malacca.
Program Proper
Day 1 — January 28, 2026 | Kuala Lumpur: Registration & Opening CeremonyThe program officially commenced on Day 1 at Universiti Malaya, one of Malaysia's premier research universities. Upon arrival, participants completed the formal registration process and were welcomed with a comprehensive kit provided by the host institution. The day's highlight was the welcoming ceremony, which featured a parade of flags representing all participating nations — a symbolic gesture that underscored the international character of the program. The ceremony set a vibrant and inclusive tone for the days to come.
Following the opening ceremonies, two informative lectures were delivered to the participants. The first tackled oral health education, emphasizing the importance of community-centered dental care and preventive dentistry. The second presentation focused on sustainability and village-based development, exploring how dental professionals can contribute meaningfully to rural and underserved communities. Both sessions reinforced the program's commitment to holistic, socially responsible dental practice.
Day 2 — January 29, 2026 | Kuala Lumpur: Academic Sessions, Competitions & University Tour
The second day was packed with both academic enrichment and spirited competition. The morning sessions opened with lectures centered on the latest advancements in the field of dentistry.The first lecture provided an Update on Dental Materials, offering participants a comprehensive review of newly developed biomaterials, restorative compounds, and their clinical implications.
The second lecture delivered an Overview of Digital Dentistry — covering CAD/CAM technology, intraoral scanning, digital impressions, and the growing role of artificial intelligence in dental diagnostics and treatment planning.
In the afternoon, participants took part in a series of competitive events that tested both technical skill and academic rigor:
● Research Presentation — Participants presented their research work before a panel of evaluators.
● Tooth Carving — A test of precision and anatomical accuracy in wax carving.
● Wire Bending — A technical event requiring dexterity and proficiency in orthodontic wire manipulation.
Our delegation delivered outstanding performances across all three events. We are proud to report the following results:
Wax Carving Competition - 1st Place
Wire Bending Competition - 3rd Place
Best in Runway Presentation - Winner
People's Choice Award - Winner
The day concluded with a University Tour of Universiti Malaya's dental facilities. The tour showcased the institution's state-of-the-art infrastructure, high-end dental equipment, simulation laboratories, and cutting-edge innovations in clinical dentistry — providing participants with a firsthand look at how a world-class dental institution operates.To cap off the second day on a lighter note, participants were treated to Traditional Malay Games — a cultural activity that fostered camaraderie, laughter, and cross-cultural bonding among all delegates.
Day 3 — January 30, 2026 | Malacca: Educational Tour & Cultural Night
On the third day, the program transitioned to the UNESCO World Heritage city of Malacca, marking a shift toward cultural immersion and community engagement.The day began with an Educational Tour of Beryl's Chocolate Factory, one of Malaysia's most celebrated confectionery brands. Participants were walked through the history and production process of Beryl's chocolates — from raw cacao processing to the finishing and packaging of their wide range of products. The tour offered a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at a Malaysian institution that has built its reputation on quality and craftsmanship.
The evening was reserved for the much-anticipated Cultural Night, a celebratory event where participating nations showcased their heritage through traditional attire and performance. Our delegation donned our official Filipino traditional attire and performed a cultural dance representing the rich and diverse folk traditions of the Philippines. The performance was warmly received by the audience.
Cultural Night also featured a Fashion Show segment, where delegates strutted their national costumes on the runway. Our team's presentation was recognized with two prestigious accolades:
● Best in Runway Presentation
● People's Choice Award
These recognitions were a testament to the pride and passion our delegation brought in representing Filipino culture on an international stage.
Day 4 — January 31, 2026 | Malacca: Community Outreach, Closing Ceremony & City Tour
The final day of the program was dedicated to community service and ceremonial closure — a fitting culmination to four days of learning, competition, and cultural exchange.
In the morning, participants were deployed to a local village in Malacca for a Community Rotation. This outreach activity gave dental clinicians the opportunity to interact directly with the local Malay population and apply their clinical knowledge in a community setting. Key activities during the rotation included:
● Intraoral examination of community members — assessing dental health status and identifying common oral conditions.
● Oral Health Information sessions — sharing evidence-based guidance on proper oral hygiene, nutrition, and preventive dental care.
The community rotation reinforced the program's underlying value of using dental education as a vehicle for meaningful public service, particularly in underserved and rural communities.
Following the outreach activities, participants gathered at the gymnasium for the Closing Ceremony, which marked the official conclusion of the International Dental Student Summer Camp. The ceremony featured acknowledgments, certificate presentations, and closing remarks from the organizing committee and faculty representatives.
The program wrapped up with a Malacca City tour, allowing participants to explore the city's rich historical landmarks. Among the notable sites visited was the Stadthuys, the iconic red-painted Dutch colonial building that stands as one of Malacca's most recognizable cultural landmarks and a symbol of the city's layered historical heritage.
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