SEAADE : Short History of the Association

The idea of forming an association of dental educators in the South East Asian Region arose from the need to improve communication between the various dental institutions. During the IADR (South East Asian Division) meetings in the late eighties this idea was discussed and accepted. The delegates who attended these meetings then, proposed that an association be set up to further develop the close relationship of the member countries in the education field. This will provide a more formal platform in which problems of dental education and research could be discussed.

The South East Asia Association for Dental Education (SEAADE) was formed in 1990 at the Singapore meeting of the 78th FDI World Dental Congress. The early proponents of this organization included Stephen H Y Wei, Eli Schwarz, Teo Choo Soo, Loh Hong Sai, Prathip Phantumvanit, Reuben C Navia, Keng Siong Beng, Esmonde Corbett , Aurelio B Ramos, Herwati Djoharnas and Shau Yuh Yuan. The first council was formed in Singapore in 1990 with Prof Loh Hong Sai as the first President and Keng Siong Beng as the Hon Secretary. The Constitution was then set up the following year and with it the preparation of the First Edition of the Directory of Dental Schools and Research. The organization gathered strength with more members and dental schools in the region joining in. The Blue SEAADE logo with the ring surrounding the letters was designed by S B Keng and used to represent the association. Since its inception, its main sponsor Kavo Asia Pte Ltd has supported the association.