On November 16-17, 2024, the 6th World Traditional Medicine Forum and World TCM Trade Service were successfully held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. More than 400 experts and scholars from over 30 countries across Asia, America, Europe, Africa, and Oceania participated in the event. The forum’s theme was Inheritance and Innovation of Traditional Medicine.
Over the two-day forum, more than 40 domestic and international experts delivered insightful presentations on topics such as the theoretical research and clinical practice of traditional medicine, including Chinese medicine and Malay medicine. Discussions also covered the inheritance of Chinese medicine overseas, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) education, wildlife conservation in TCM, internationalization of TCM, and innovation in digital herbal medicine business models. Participants, including scholars, guests, and herbal medicine traders, explored industry trends and innovations to guide the future development of traditional medicine.
The opening ceremony was jointly conducted by the distinguished guests. From left to right: Cheong Juan Hai, Liu Zhongliang, Dong Zhilin, Ng Po Kok, Robert Lin, and Chi Haixia.
Opening Remarks
In his opening speech, Dong Zhilin, Chairman of the World Traditional Medicine Forum, emphasized that traditional medicine from countries worldwide—such as Chinese, Indian, and Arabic medicine—is a treasure of human wisdom, bearing profound historical and cultural heritage. These traditional medical systems are not only integral to national and regional cultures but also serve as valuable resources for health care and disease treatment. Traditional medicine plays an indispensable role in the development of modern medicine.
Prof. Dr. Ng Po Kok, President of the Federation of Chinese Physicians and Acupuncturists Associations of Malaysia (FCPAAM), expressed in his welcoming remarks that the professionalization and regulation of traditional medicine in Malaysia are still in their early stages. Strengthening exchanges with global experts in traditional medicine is essential for sustainable development and to prevent being overshadowed by rapid advancements. He highlighted Malaysia’s multiculturalism, which encompasses diverse traditional medical practices, including Chinese medicine, Malay medicine, Indian medicine, homeopathy, Islamic medicine, and chiropractic care. These practices have been formally regulated under the Traditional and Complementary Medicine Act 2016, effective August 1, 2016. Government Hospitals now have departments for traditional and complementary medicine, and universities offer courses in Chinese medicine.
Awards and Recognitions
During the opening ceremony, the first Li Wenzhong Overseas Chinese Medicine Contribution Award was officially presented. The three awardees were Wu Binjiang from Canada, Ramon Maria Calduch from Spain, and Yu Funian from Hungary.
The Outstanding Contribution Award for Overseas Promotion of Chinese Medicine was presented to Yu Funian from Hungary (left), Ramon Maria Calduch ( from Spain）, and Wu Binjiang from Canada.
Organizers and Notable Attendees
The forum was jointly organized by the World Traditional Medicine Forum and the World Chinese Medicine Trade Service , with the Federation of Chinese Physicians and Acupuncturists Associations of Malaysia (FCPAAM)and the Malaysian Spinal Health Association serving as co-hosts. Notable attendees included Liu Zhongliang, Executive Chairman of the World Chinese Medicine Trade Service ; Gao Yuankun, Executive Vice President of the China Medical Materials Association and Chairman of Shandong Hongjitang Pharmaceutical Group; Prof. Dr. Ng Po Kok, President Of Federation of Chinese Physicians and Acupuncturists Association of Malaysia; Dato’ Sri Robert Lin, President of Associated Zong Xiang And Chinese Chamber of Malaysia; Chi Haixia, representative of the Malaysia Qinzhou Industrial Park Investment Center; and Prof Dr Cheong Juan Hai, Chairperson of the Organizing Committee.
The opening ceremony of the 6th World Traditional Medicine Forum and World TCM Trade Service was successfully held on November 16 at Berjaya Times Square, Kuala Lumpur.
It was announced that the 7th World Traditional Medicine Forum and World Chinese Medicine Trade Service will be held on October 25-26, 2025, in Melbourne, Australia. The organizers warmly invite traditional medicine practitioners and professionals from around the world to participate enthusiastically.