On 17 September 2026 (Iklik.info) – Singapore Ambassador Teo Lay Cheng visited the Maria Auxiliadora Clinic in Venilale to observe first-hand the work of a dental mission from the National University of Singapore (NUS).
The week-long mission, which runs until 23 September, brings together 13 senior dental professionals from Singapore to deliver emergency extractions, preventive treatments and oral hygiene education to more than 1,500 underserved school-going children.
An NUS alumna herself, Ambassador Teo commended the dental team for volunteering their time and expertise to serve the community in Timor-Leste. “They have brought equipment and medical supplies that may not be easy to source locally. But more importantly, the team has also brought an extensive body of knowledge, skills and experience to share with the community,” she said.
Reflecting on Prime Minister Lawrence Wong’s visit to Timor-Leste in July, the first visit by a Singapore Prime Minister, Ambassador Teo highlighted the importance of strengthening people-to-people links alongside government-to-government relations.
She expressed the hope that the successful mission would inspire more Singaporeans to contribute to Timor-Leste in their own ways. “Every effort big or small can help bring Timor-Leste closer to the ASEAN family and strengthen the bonds between our people,” she said.
Ambassador Teo also thanked the Salesian Sisters for facilitating the work of the volunteers. She said “With your extensive global reach and trusted track record, the dental mission could not have asked for a better partner,” she said. “Thank you also for looking after the team so well.”
Mission Leader Dr Eugene Loh said the team was privileged to be supported by senior dental clinician-volunteers with many years of experience in missions around the world. He said “In this mission to Timor-Leste, we found meaning in the realisation that a dental mission is not just about the number of teeth we extracted or the fluoride applications we did.” Dr Loh added “The warmth of the Timorese people, the local community and our translators all worked together with us to care for the patients. This collaborative effort reminded us that healing is always a shared, two-way collaboration.”
Sister Carolina Maria Correia, FMA, Director of St Mary Mazzarello Community in Venilale, said the mission was particularly meaningful for the children who received treatment.
Sister Carolina also welcomed Ambassador Teo’s visit to the clinic, saying that it showed the children that they were cared for beyond their immediate community. “Your presence here makes this moment even more special. It shows your love, your support and your closeness to the people of Timor-Leste through the people of Venilale,” she said. “It reminds us that we are not alone, and that the spirit of compassion crosses all borders and all nations.”
The NUS dental mission is an example of the growing people-to-people links between Singapore and Timor-Leste, with Singaporeans sharing their time, expertise and resources to support communities in Timor-Leste.
