SIBU: In the long flow of history, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has always adapted with the changing times, thanks to the efforts of experts and scholars from different eras conducting in-depth research.
Pointing out this, president of Sarawak Traditional Chinese Physicians Association (STCPA) Dr Tony Kong Choon Hing said he believed that, especially with the implementation of the Belt and Road initiative by China, the development of TCM culture has transformed into a modern medical discipline and has expanded its influence worldwide.
“The development of TCM globally is in line with the demands of people around the world,” he stated when speaking at the welcoming dinner for the 2nd World Chinese Medicine Forum 2023 hosted by STCPA in collaboration with Asia Skills College (ASC) held at a leading hotel here on Friday.
More than 600 participants including from China, Taiwan, Singapore, Brunei and Peninsular Malaysia are taking part in the three-day forum starting June 23.
Dr Kong, who is also the ASC’s founder cum president, quoted the renowned Tang Dynasty physician Sun Simiao that human life is of utmost importance and is worth more than a thousand pieces of gold, adding “ When one can provide a medical prescription to save a life, it is considered virtuous”.
He said these words from Sun who is also known as the “King of Medicine” are truly inspiring for those studying TCM in later generations.
According to him, Sun emphasised the paramount value of human life, which is more precious than any material wealth, and being able to provide a medical prescription to save someone’s life is an act of virtue.
“Based on my limited understanding of the “Qian Jin Yao Fang” (Thousand Ducat Formulas), what is truly commendable about it is that it emphasises that TCM should not be monopolised by the aristocracy, but rather should serve the spirit of ensuring that even the poor can afford medical treatment.
“Of course, when it comes to quoting ancient medical classics, l am merely stating the obvious in front of TCM experts and scholars. However, please allow me to quote this timeless saying from the annals of TCM as a welcoming gesture to the esteemed representatives from domestic and international TCM academic institutions, authoritative organisations, scholars, experts, and all those who are enthusiastic about TCM culture gathered here.
“Regardless of whether you have travelled from afar or nearby to Sibu to participate in the forum, we share the same goal of promoting TCM academia and culture.
“TCM originated from the ancient sages who explored the efficacy of various herbs, developing an ancient medical system based on herbs. It has progressed and evolved with the passage of time, spanning thousands of years, and has made significant contributions to humanity, which are widely acknowledged,” he said.
As the event organisers, Dr Kong said the STCPA and ASC received strong support from the local and international TCM community during the first World Chinese Medicine Forum held here in November 2019.
He expressed his gratitude to the Sarawak government’s Bureau of Conferences, the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Kuching and all participating organisations for their valuable support.
Honorary advisor of STCPA Datuk Lau Ngie Hua who was present as the guest of honour witnessed the signing of memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the ASC and Chung Hwa University of Medical Technology, Taiwan.
The signing of MoU represented by Dr Kong for ASC and the University by its Associate Professor/Director Department of Acupressure Technology Shih-Hau Fu was among others aimed to promote industry-university cooperation on academic exchanges, talent cultivation, research & development and application-related services and consultations.
