The Nineteenth College Convocation
This years Convocation was held conjointly with the College of Dental Surgeons of Hong Kong, at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, overlooking the spectacular Victoria Harbour.
This year’s Opening Ceremony, held on Friday 30 May, was an extra special event with the Academic Procession being lead onto the stage by a Cadet Marching band. This included a traditional Lion Dance which involved the Presidents of both Colleges dotting the eyes of the Lion to represent the official Opening of the Ceremony. This was followed by the President’s Welcome and subsequently the Opening Address, which was delivered by Dr Alfred P. Y. Lam, Director of Health, Hong Kong.
In his Opening Address, Dr Lam highlighted the progress and development of the RACDS in the Asia region and in particular its close relationship with Hong Kong. Dr Lam also spoke of the Hong Kong SAR Government’s future policies for the Oral Health care of the population and of past successes it has had with initiatives such as territory wide water fluoridation.
Presenting a memorable Thirteenth Robert Harris Oration, Mr Anthony Wu, Chairman, Hospital Authority, had prepared an appropriate speech relating to dental health, however decided to put this aside and spoke openly and honestly about his experiences providing medical support for victims of the Szechwan earthquake which devastated Chengdu, the capital of Szechwan province in China on May 12th this year.
In keeping with the theme of “Bringing the World of Dentistry Together” this year’s Keynote Speakers were in the General Stream Professor Ian Meyers, Australia, for Periodontics Professor Magda Feres, Brazil and for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Professor Daniel Buchbinder, USA.
During the College Forum, held on the final day of the Convocation, the President reported on the achievements of the past 12 months, including the new Membership pathways and the new College premises, and the CEO provided an insight into the resources and strategy for member services with particular emphasis on continuing professional development.
The Fellowship Luncheon was the final social function of this year’s Convocation and was held after the College Forum on Monday. The location for the Luncheon was the impressive Hong Kong Football Club and those who attended were treated not only to a delicious 4 course meal, but also to a fantastic view of the Horse Racing track outside.
The 20th Convocation is being held in Perth from 11 – 14 March 2010 so keep your diaries clear for another unmissable College event.
Order Form 
18th Convocation
Photographs from Convocation Ceremony
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