On June 3, 2025, coordinated by the National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the Singapore Traditional Chinese Medicine Study Group visited the Xiyuan Hospital of the China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences for academic exchange and the TCM tour. The delegation included senior officials from the Traditional and Complementary Medicine Branch of the Singapore Ministry of Health, as well as senior executives from two major healthcare groups: SingHealth and the National Healthcare Group. Additionally, core management and clinical experts from two major medical institutions—Tan Tock Seng Hospital and Singapore General Hospital—and the National University of Singapore Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine were also part of the delegation. The visit was designed to gain an in-depth understanding of China's practices in integrating Traditional Chinese Medicine with Western medicine and the development of high-level TCM hospitals, providing valuable insights for the planning and development of TCM services within Singapore's healthcare system. The event was attended by the President of Xiyuan Hospital, Li Qiuyan, other hospital leaders, heads of functional departments, and representatives from relevant clinical departments. Fu Jianhua, Director of the Hospital Administration Office, presided over the meeting.

In her welcoming speech, Li Qiuyan said that since the visit of the Deputy Minister of Health of Singapore in 1992, Xiyuan Hospital has always maintained close relations with the medical community of Singapore. This exchange coincides with the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Singapore, and it is a new opportunity for the two countries to deepen cooperation in the field of traditional Chinese medicine.

The delegation leader, Professor Fong Kok Yong, expressed his gratitude to Xiyuan Hospital for its hospitality and knowledge sharing. He conveyed the desire to deepen the cooperation between Singapore and China in the field of Traditional Chinese Medicine. He hoped that through this exchange, the application of TCM within Singapore's healthcare system could be further enhanced, and that more people could benefit from innovative service models.

During the subsequent exchange, Jia Guanchun, Director of the International Exchange and Cooperation Office at Xiyuan Hospital, provided a detailed introduction to the hospital's development history, medical specialties, research achievements, and international cooperation. Dong Fei, Deputy Chief Physician of the Rheumatology Department, shared practical experiences in the collaborative diagnosis and treatment of rheumatic diseases by TCM and Western medicine, using specific case studies. This showcased the approach and methodology of integrated TCM and Western medicine in treating complex diseases. Zhang Lu, Deputy Director of the Acupuncture Department, presented the outcomes of the transformation of TCM scientific and technological achievements, highlighting the immense potential and broad prospects of TCM empowered by scientific and technological innovation. Additionally, both sides engaged in an in-depth discussion on topics of mutual interest, including the development of TCM, integration of TCM and Western medicine, and talent cultivation. This laid the foundation for further in-depth cooperation.

After the exchange meeting concluded, the delegation proceeded to tour the outpatient departments, intelligent pharmacy, and the integrated TCM and Western medicine diagnosis and treatment area for rheumatic diseases at Xiyuan Hospital. This visit marked the first stop of the Singapore Traditional Chinese Medicine Study Group's trip to China. Through its practices and achievements in multiple fields such as medical care, scientific research, and education, Xiyuan Hospital presented to the study group the developmental trajectory of TCM in inheriting its essence and innovating while maintaining its core values, showcasing the hospital's exemplary and leading role.

Source: International Exchange & Cooperation Office, Xiyuan Hospital

Chinese Editor: Jia Guanchun 

English Editor: Zhang Fangteng