China-Malaysia Centre for TCM

UTAR and Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine (GXUCM) launched the China-Malaysia Centre for Traditional Chinese Medicine (CMCTCM) on 12 December 2017 at UTAR Sungai Long Campus.

From left: Dr Goh, Counsellor Liu, Datin Paduka Siti Hamisah, Prof Tang, Prof Chuah and  GXUCM Department of International Cooperation and Exchange Director Prof Jiang Jichang

Present at the launch were Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) Director General Datin Paduka Ir Dr Siti Hamisah binti Tapsir, Counsellor for Consular Affairs of the Embassy of People’s Republic of China in Malaysia Liu Dongyuan, Ministry of Health Division of Traditional and Complementary Medicine Director Dr Goh Cheng Soon, GXUCM President Prof Dr Tang Nong, UTAR President Ir Prof Academician Dato’ Dr Chuah Hean Teik, representatives and delegates from the Embassy of People’s Republic of China in Malaysia, Ministry of Higher Education, Ministry of Health, Tung Shin Hospital, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Bodies, GXUCM and UTAR.

Before the launch, Prof Chuah and Prof Tang renewed the memorandum of understanding (MoU) for collaboration between the two parties and signed the MoU for CMCTCM. The CMCTCM is an integrative platform combined with medicine, healthcare, education, scientific research, cultural exchange and industry of TCM established by UTAR and GXUCM.

Prof Chuah remarked, “UTAR’s collaboration with GXUCM started way back in 2011 when we signed an MoU on 1 November 2011 for collaborations in TCM education and research projects. Over the years, UTAR and GXUCM have been actively involved in visits, exchanges, joint teaching and research projects. Both parties have put in much effort to facilitate all the activities which were mutually beneficial. Recently, with the acceleration of the Belt and Road Initiative, China has gradually strengthened its support for the revitalisation and development of TCM, especially beyond China. Therefore, the setting up this CMCTCM is indeed one step closer for further collaborations between China and Malaysia.”

Prof Tang said, “Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region is closely related to the ASEAN countries in terms of geography and culture. Established in 1934, GXUCM has developed into a multi-disciplinary University, covering the fields of medicine, science, engineering and business management, possessing the distinctive feature of ethnic medicine, combining education, scientific research and production, and enjoying eminent advantages in international exchange and cooperation regarding TCM. As one of the leading forces in the education of traditional and regional medicines in the ASEAN region, GXUCM has a first-tier academic status, outstanding resources, and exceptional faculty and medical team. More importantly, it has been in a close relationship with the ASEAN countries in international cooperation and exchange for a long time.”

Datin Paduka Siti Hamisah congratulated UTAR and GXUCM for the success of setting up CMCTCM and said, “MOHE is encouraging Malaysian researchers to engage with the pioneer culture in order to create and innovate in their respective fields. The current establishment of the TCM should propel Malaysian Higher Learning Institutions to become global innovators in R&D. With the establishment of the Traditional and Complementary Medicine (T&CM) Council in the recent years, the authorities have sought to incorporate Malaysia's traditional medicine industry into the national healthcare system for the good of the people. It has sought for the increased regulation of TCM practitioners for better monitoring of its practices, services and herbs. The Traditional and Complementary Medicine Division (T&CMD) is working closely with the MOHE and Ministry of Human Resource (MOHR) in the development of standards for T&CM higher education and skill programmes.”

MoU signing ceremony

Prof Chuah (far right) presenting a token of appreciation to Prof Tang

Prof Tang (far left) presenting souvenir to Prof Chuah