TCM Fiesta

VIPs at the launch of the ceremony

The TCM Fiesta was once again organised by the Traditional Chinese Medicine Society of UTAR Sungai Long Campus from 14 to 16 March 2018.

Held at Sungai Long Campus, the event aimed to serve as an educational platform for the general public and students as well as to empower their healthcare choices by promoting awareness and practical application on TCM diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.

The theme of the Fiesta this year was “The Roving Practitioner（悬壶济世）”. The three-day event offered a wide range of educational activities to the participants, which included mini-games with TCM elements, academic exhibition, CPR demonstration, probiotic talk, health test and medical consultation such as acupuncture, Tui-Na, and internal medicine of TCM.

Present at the opening ceremony were UTAR President Ir Prof Academician Dato’ Dr Chuah Hean Teik, Centre for Research on Communicable Diseases Chairperson Prof Dr Ngeow Yun Fong, Centre for Research in Traditional Chinese Medicine Chairperson-cum-Department of Chinese Medicine Head Dr Te Kian Keong, Traditional and Complementary Division of the Ministry of Health’s (MoH) Policy and Development Section Principle Assistant Director Dr Chai Koh Meow, lecturers, students and staff.  

Prof Chuah delivering his opening speech

“TCM is a compilation of rich experiences and knowledge accumulated over thousands of years through medical practices. It has its merits,” said Prof Chuah at the opening ceremony. “I hope our students and graduates will not only promote TCM to the Chinese community, but also to other Malaysian community and ASEAN countries as well,” he added.

Prof Ngeow giving her speech

Also invited to present a speech for the ceremony was Prof Ngeow, the daughter of Dr Ngeow Sze Chan（饶师泉）who is also known as the father of modern TCM. In her speech, she mentioned that more people have come to accept TCM practices and recognise its therapeutic benefits. “Prevention is always better than cure. There are still a number of diseases that we have not find a cure for. I hope that TCM can play a more proactive role in building a healthy community,” said Prof Ngeow.

Ng thanking the sponsors and committees for the support

On the other hand, Organising Chairperson Ng Yi-An said, “We hope that people will gain more understanding on the characteristics and the ingenious treatment of Chinese medicine through this event. More importantly, they will be aware that the theory of TCM is always keeping pace with the time and is constantly improving with modern technology and sciences.”

Singing performance by students

Qigong performance by TCM students

Free medical consultation for the participants

Free health test for the participants

Participants looking at the display of the Chinese herbs

The ceremony also saw a series of performances by the students such as live band, singing, and Qigong performance. During the event, participants were given chances to explore the history and mystery of TCM, which helped to improve their understanding of TCM such as the founding theory for TCM, how it developed over the centuries, and how the modern science helped to elevate TCM to an international level. Besides, they were also exposed to the individual fields of TCM such as acupuncture, Tui-Na and Chinese Medicine herbs through mini-games and quizzes.

Prof Chuah (left) presenting a token of appreciation to representative from Hong Yang Hoo Pharma Sdn Bhd (centre), while Ng looks on

Prof Chuah (left) presenting a token of appreciation to the representative from Steaped Sdn Bhd

Prof Chuah (left) presenting a token of appreciation to the representative from Ekovest Berhad

The sponsors for this year’s Fiesta included Hong Yang Hoo Pharma Sdn Bhd, Ekovest Berhad, Steaped Sdn Bhd, Komugi Malaysia, Kedai Ubat dan Pasarmini Hing Onn Sdn Bhd, Yakult Malaysia Sdn Bhd, Julie’s Marketing Sdn Bhd, QL Food Sdn Bhd, Khee San Food Industries, and Penang Kek Lok Si.

VIPs with the participants

From left: Prof Chuah, Dr Chai and Dr Te during the exhibition tour