Dent Chula Strengthens International Connections through BRIDGE 2026, Combining Dental Learning with Thai Cultural Experiences
From July 22–25, 2026, the Office of International Affairs, Faculty of Dentistry, Chulalongkorn University, organized the Building Relationships for International Development, Growth, and Exchange (BRIDGE) Program. The program aimed to provide dental students from international institutions with opportunities to broaden their academic and learning experiences while promoting cultural exchange among participants.
For this year, the BRIDGE Program has 38 participants from 11 institutions across 7 countries, as follows:
- Universitas Hasanuddin (Indonesia) 6 participants
- Universitas Airlangga (Indonesia) 6 participants
- Universitas Padjadjaran (Indonesia) 2 participants
- Universitas Gadjah Mada (Indonesia) 4 participants
- Universitas Indonesia (Indonesia) 1 participant
- Universiti Sains Malaysia (Malaysia) 2 participants
- Showa Medical University (Japan) 3 participants
- Yonsei University (South Korea) 2 participants
- University of the Philippines Manila (Philippines) 2 participants
- Central Asian University (Uzbekistan) 4 participants
- Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences (Nepal) 6 participants
On the first day of the program, the exchange students attended the Opening Ceremony at the Somdej Phra Nyanasamvara Auditorium, 19th Floor, Boromanath Srinagarindra Building. The ceremony was honored by the presence of Assoc. Prof. Rangsima Sakoolnamarka, Associate Dean for International Affairs, Corporate Communication, and Social Activities, who delivered the opening remarks and officially opened the program.
Following the opening ceremony, the exchange students took part in ice-breaking activities designed to help them become more familiar with one another and provide opportunities for students from different institutions to connect and build friendships.
Throughout the program, the exchange students attended 2 academic lectures covering the following topics:
- “Anterior Esthetics”, delivered by Assoc. Prof. Dusit Nantanapiboon from the Department of Operative Dentistry, and Dr. Sunporn Namano, Faculty Member of the Implant and Esthetic Dentistry Program.
- “Role of Endodontics in the Life Cycle of the Teeth”, delivered by Assoc. Prof. Sirawut Hiran-us from the Department of Operative Dentistry.
In addition, the exchange students participated in 2 hands-on workshops as follows:
- “Wire Bending Skills” Workshop
- “Anterior Crown Waxing” Workshop
In addition, the program organized 2 days of off-site activities, providing participants with opportunities to learn about and experience Thai culture firsthand. The activities included:
- Visiting several of Bangkok’s significant historical and cultural landmarks, including Wat Arun, Wat Pho, and Museum Siam. The visits provided them with an opportunity to learn more about Thailand’s rich history, cultural heritage, traditional architecture, and way of life.
- Hands-on Thai dessert-making activities at Baan Mai Chai Khlong, including making Luk Chup and 3 traditional Thai desserts (Phakakrong, Thong Ek, and Saneh Chan). The workshop provided participants with an opportunity to discover the unique characteristics and culinary wisdom of Thai cuisine through firsthand experience.
On the final day of the program, the Office of International Affairs hosted a Farewell Party for the international students at Asia Hotel, Bangkok. Assoc. Prof. Rangsima Sakoolnamarka delivered the closing remarks and presented certificates of participation and souvenirs to all participants, marking the official conclusion of the program.
BRIDGE 2026 represents another significant initiative of the Faculty of Dentistry, Chulalongkorn University, in strengthening and expanding its network of collaboration with dental institutions around the world. With participation from 11 international institutions, the program reflects the faculty’s role and capacity as a platform for international academic and cultural exchange, as well as its continued commitment to fostering academic collaboration with global partners in the years to come.