UM has reached another significant international milestone with the formal approval of the ASEAN University Network – Geriatric Dentistry Thematic Network (AUN-GDENT) by the ASEAN University Network (AUN) Board of Trustees. Hosted by the UM Faculty of Dentistry, AUN-GDENT is the first ASEAN-level academic network dedicated to geriatric dentistry and healthy ageing.
The proposal, led by UM in collaboration with its founding partners—the National University of Singapore, Universitas Indonesia), and Khon Kaen University—was endorsed during the 17th ASEAN University Network Rectors' Meeting, reflecting the region's shared commitment to addressing the challenges of rapidly ageing populations.
Recognising the strategic importance of this regional initiative, the Universiti Malaya Management Committee (JKPU)has also approved the allocation of a RM100,000 seed fund to support the establishment of the AUN-GDENT Secretariat at the Faculty of Dentistry. This catalytic investment underscores the University's strong institutional commitment to providing leadership in geriatric dentistry and will facilitate the Network's initial activities, including governance, collaborative programmes, digital platforms, research planning and regional engagement.Image CaptionAUN-GDENT will serve as a regional platform to strengthen education, research, capacity building, policy engagement and community outreach in geriatric dentistry. Through collaboration among ASEAN universities and strategic partners, the Network aims to harmonise geriatric dentistry curricula, promote collaborative research, facilitate faculty and student mobility, support evidence-informed policymaking and develop a competent workforce capable of improving the oral health and quality of life of older adults across ASEAN.
Prof. Dr. Firdaus Hariri, Dean Faculty of Dentistry, UM (2nd from left) and Prof. Dr. Jacob John (AUN-GDENT proposal coordinator) together with fellow members of the founding partners, Prof Dr Lindawati S. Kusdhany from U (2nd from right)I and Assoc. Prof. Dr Wong Mun Loke from NUS (extreme right)AUN-GDENT will serve as a regional platform to strengthen education, research, capacity building, policy engagement and community outreach in geriatric dentistry. Through collaboration among ASEAN universities and strategic partners, the Network aims to harmonise geriatric dentistry curricula, promote collaborative research, facilitate faculty and student mobility, support evidence-informed policymaking and develop a competent workforce capable of improving the oral health and quality of life of older adults across ASEAN.
As the Secretariat, UM will provide academic leadership in coordinating regional initiatives, fostering partnerships and advancing innovative solutions that support healthy ageing. The establishment of AUN-GDENT further reinforces UM's commitment to internationalisation, interdisciplinary collaboration and impactful research that addresses emerging regional and global healthcare priorities.
This achievement also strengthens UM's position as a leading institution within the ASEAN University Network and reflects the University's continued dedication to contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly In the areas of Good Health and Well-being, Quality Education, Reduced Inequalities and Partnerships for the Goals.
Together with its ASEAN partners, UM looks forward to building a collaborative network that will shape the future of geriatric dentistry education, research and healthy ageing throughout the region.