The ITI operates through a global network of Sections that bring professional development opportunities to members in their local regions. Each Section is guided by a dedicated Leadership Team responsible for implementing the ITI’s educational initiatives, fostering community engagement, and promoting excellence in implant dentistry.
In this new feature, the ITI Blog takes a 360° look at both the personal and professional lives of the dedicated leadership teams who drive the ITI’s mission in their respective regions. We’ll explore their professional journeys, their motivations for joining the ITI, and gain insights into the people behind the titles.
The South East Asia (SEA) Section has distinguished itself as one of the ITI’s most dynamic communities, being recognized as the most empowered Section across all ITI regions in 2024 with an impressive 111% growth in membership. Let’s meet the team behind this achievement.
Leadership Insights: Q&A with the SEA Section Team
In this issue, we interview Dr. Jeanette Chua (Chair), Dr. Wah Ching Tan (Education Delegate), Dr. Bambang Agustono (Study Club Coordinator), Dr. Marlene Teo (Communications Officer), and Vida Lau (Section Manager).
What inspired you to join the Section Leadership Team?
Dr. Jeanette Chua (Chair): What is most inspiring is the purpose of the ITI – which I identify deeply with – inspiring global excellence in implant dentistry and most importantly, for the benefit of the patient.
Dr. Jeanette Chua, Section Chair
Educational Background: Bachelor of Dental Science degree from The University of Melbourne. Master in Applied Commerce and preceptorship program in Implant Dentistry at Loma Linda University School of Dentistry (LLUSD). Specialty training in Advanced Periodontology and Implant Surgery with a Master in Advanced Periodontology.
Current Position: Runs Artius Dental group in Kuala Lumpur since 2015. Founder of Alfonso dental laboratory and Ancora Imparo, a dental continuing education platform.
Professional Experience: Nearly 27 years as a dentist and 20 years as a periodontist. Lectures on periodontal therapy and implant therapy both locally and internationally.
Professional Affiliations: Member of the American Academy of Periodontology and Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology. Serves on the global program development committee and credentialing board committee for Academy of Osseointegration. Immediate past president of the Asia Pacific Society of Osseointegration.
ITI Involvement: Section Chair for over three years.
Dr. Wah Ching Tan (Education Delegate): I am in the spirit of giving back to the ITI that has given me many opportunities, and I hope to shape the ITI in my region.
Dr. Bambang Agustono (Study Club Coordinator): It’s a big prestige and opportunity as a professional to join the Leadership Team, and I’m very happy to actively contribute to the ITI.
Dr. Marlene Teo (Communications Officer): Dr. Charlotte Stilwell and Alexander Ochsner came for an ITI SEA meeting under the leadership of Dr. Jeanette Chua. When they asked me to apply to join the team, of course I said yes to this all-star team! I wanted to help spread information about the ITI’s vision and mission.
Vida Lau (Section Manager): My involvement with the ITI initially began as a part-time commitment, but the passion and dedication of fellow SEA ITI leaders created a strong sense of unity and support. That collective spirit led us to be recognized as the most empowered Section across all ITI regions in 2023.
What project or initiative with the ITI are you most proud of?
Jeanette: Helping to run the ITI Curriculum Foundation and Intermediate program to ensure members stay engaged with the ITI.
Wah Ching: I was awarded an ITI research grant in 2009 for a randomized controlled trial on implant therapy. In 2015, with this study, I was awarded the prestigious André Schroeder Research Prize.
Dr. Wah Ching Tan, Education Delegate
Educational Background: BDS from Singapore, MDS in Periodontology, MRD RCSEd from Edinburgh, dr. med. dent. from Berne, FAMS in Periodontology, and FRACDS from Australia.
Current Position: Specialist Periodontist in private practice at The Dental Studio in Singapore.
Professional Experience: 27 years of professional experience in periodontology.
Professional Affiliations: Member of the Dental Specialist Accreditation Committee (Periodontology) in Singapore since 2014.
ITI Involvement: ITI Study Club Director of the Singapore One Study Club (2011-2020). Currently in the second term as Education Delegate. Additional active roles include ITI Board of Mentors, ITI Academy Editor and Chairperson of the ITI APDSA Campus. Winner of the André Schroeder Research Prize 2015, awarded an ITI research grant in 2009, and an ITI Clinical Scholarship (2006-2007).
Bambang: All about the implant education: the ITI Academy.
Marlene: The fact that I could deliver a lecture at the ITI World Symposium 2024 with 5,000 people watching. It’s a personal feat for me to stand amongst giants and not die from stage fright. I’m proud of myself.
Vida: One of the initiatives I’m most proud of is driving incremental memberships across Southeast Asia. Recognizing that the strength of the ITI lies in its community, we focused on expanding our network by making the value of an ITI membership more visible and relevant to practicing clinicians.
What advice would you give to professionals considering involvement with the ITI?
Marlene: “The ITI builds professional camaraderie. And if you like intellectual stimulation and conversation in a very real and honest setting, the ITI is for you. How nice it is to sit with a glass of wine and flit from personal family topics to very challenging implant cases that we can solve together.”
Dr. Marlene Teo, Communications Officer
Educational Background: BDS honors from the National University of Singapore (2000). Masters in Periodontology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Current Position: Clinical Director of An Dental and Le by An Dental.
Professional Experience: 25 years of professional experience in implant dentistry.
ITI Involvement: Communications Officer for the SEA Section since 2022. Main stage speaker at the ITI World Symposium 2024 with 5,000 people in attendance.
Bambang: “Joining the ITI is compulsory…. The ITI provides anything you need to enhance your knowledge or skill in implant dentistry.”
Vida: “Just do it, even if you’re unsure at first. Getting involved with the ITI might feel unfamiliar especially if you’re coming from a clinical or commercial background, but it’s an incredible platform for personal growth, professional collaboration, and meaningful impact.”
Share something interesting about yourself outside your professional life.
Jeanette: I love music, broadway and swimming; will travel around the world to watch concerts or shows.
Wah Ching: I was trained as a somatic life coach and totally believe in identity-oriented psychotrauma therapy.
Bambang: Have a new ITI family from around the world… it’s awesome.
Dr. Bambang Agustono, Study Club Coordinator
Educational Background: Graduate of Airlangga University (1986).
Current Position: Full-time lecturer at Airlangga University with a private practice specializing in prosthodontics and implant dentistry.
Professional Experience: Former Manager of Clinic Specialistic, Manager of Dental Laboratorium, and Director of the Dental Hospital at Airlangga University.
Professional Affiliations: Vice Chairman of the central board of the Indonesia Prosthodontic Society and Member of the Newsletter Editorial Team for the Asian Academy of Prosthodontics (AAP).
ITI Involvement: Study Club Director in Surabaya since 2011. Served as Communications Officer from 2016-2019. Currently serving as Study Club Coordinator since 2022.
Marlene: I love exploring metaphysics and exploring how spirituality influences our paths and our lives.
Vida: When I’m not charting the future of commercial strategies, I find balance through fitness routines, family time, and caring for my furkids. That’s my testament to my belief that a happy life fuels success at work.
Which ITI core values do you most strongly identify with and why?
Marlene: Champions of care. This value helps guide and shape our treatment plan. No treatment plan is the same. Patients have different medical histories, wants, and budget. When we put our patients first and have treatment plans that are patient-centric yet evidence-based… This is how we come up with our best work!
Wah Ching: I strongly believe in pursuing the highest standards in evidence-based implant dentistry and providing this standard of care to my patients. I uphold this in my clinical practice.
Jeanette: What is most inspiring is the purpose of the ITI – which I identify deeply with – inspiring global excellence in implant dentistry and, most importantly, for the benefit of the patient.
Bambang: While not specifically identifying a core value, Bambang emphasizes that “all about implant education” offered by the ITI Academy is what he’s most proud of, highlighting his alignment with the ITI’s educational mission.
Vida: Through my involvement with the ITI, I learned to appreciate the deeper value of peer-driven education, scientific integrity, and community-building elements that don’t always deliver immediate results but are essential for long-term impact. This mindset shift has enhanced how I lead strategic marketing today, making it more collaborative, credible, and rooted in purpose.
Vida Lau, Section Manager
Educational Background: Bachelor of Business Administration and Masters of Business Administration with Merit. Executive programs at INSEAD, Singapore. Competency in Generative AI.
Current Position: South East Asia Head of Vertical Marketing at Straumann.
Professional Experience: Over 20 years of leadership experience in implantology marketing strategies, positioning Straumann as a thought leader in oral and maxillofacial implantology. Previous roles include APAC Product Marketing Manager and Medical Marketing Manager, with expertise in product strategy, digital transformation, and engaging global key opinion leaders (KOLs).
Professional Affiliations: Member of the Industry Advisory Board for Undergraduate and Postgraduate Dentistry Programmes at International Medical University, Malaysia.
ITI Involvement: Section Manager of the ITI SEA Section since 2022.
The South East Asia Section leadership team exemplifies the ITI’s commitment to excellence in implant dentistry through education, research, and community building. Their diverse backgrounds and shared passion for advancement in the field continue to drive the Section’s growth and impact across the region.
Stay tuned for our next Section Spotlight, where we’ll introduce you to more of the remarkable professionals who make the ITI the world’s largest academic organization in implant dentistry.
