SPEECH BY PROFESSOR KENNETH MAK, DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF HEALTH, MINISTRY OF HEALTH, AT THE ACADEMY OF CHINESE MEDICINE, SINGAPORE’S CONFERMENT CEREMONY

Dr Goh Kia Seng, President of the Academy of Chinese Medicine, Singapore

Dr Teo Ho Pin, Chairman, Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners Board

Mrs Yu-Foo Yee Shoon, Incoming Patron of the Academy of Chinese Medicine, Singapore

Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

A good morning to all of you. It is my pleasure to join you today for the Academy of Chinese Medicine, Singapore’s (ACMS) Conferment Ceremony.

ACMS

2.             ACMS was established in October 2015 to be the leading academic organisation of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in Singapore. Since its inception, the academy has made noteworthy progress in achieving its mission and vision, especially in the areas of TCM training and research.

3.             To date, ACMS has given out 15 scholarships to eligible young outstanding TCM physicians to pursue postgraduate training in TCM, clinical research and other related domains, investing in the capabilities of the next generation of TCM practitioners. In the research domain, ACMS has concluded several studies with collaborators, including Kwong Wai Shiu Hospital and Changi General Hospital, enabling study members to present their research findings in various international and local conferences.

4.             I am also heartened to learn that ACMS has recently published an article “Managing Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus via the Regulation of Gut Microbiota: A Chinese Medicine Perspective” in peer reviewed Scientific Citation Index journal on 18 November 2024. This is a commendable achievement. Such participations and publications on the international stage are crucial for disseminating knowledge about TCM research and advancements to a broader international audience, thereby enhancing global recognition and understanding of TCM. More importantly, it provides young TCM physicians a platform and exposure to TCM research, which will in turn build the ecosystem for TCM research to take flight in Singapore.

5.             In 2023, I also had the privilege of signing a Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Health (MOH), ACMS, and the Singapore Traditional Chinese Medicine Organisations Coordinating Committee. This landmark collaboration underscores the commitment of all stakeholders to advance the progress of TCM in Singapore.

6.             Today, I am honoured to witness the conferment of the Academy’s Patron, Fellows, and Honorary Fellows. These recipients are prominent and well-respected individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the advancement of TCM education, research, and professional development. They include:

a)    The Patron: Mrs Yu-Foo Yee Shoon,

b)    The Fellows: Dr Ang Liang and Professor Teo Eng Kiat, and

c)    Honorary Fellows: Professor Lim Shih Hui, Professor Ng Han Seong, Professor Zhou Daihan and Professor Wang Shouchuan.

7.             I am pleased to see that ACMS and the TCM stakeholders have been working closely towards the progress of TCM in Singapore, such as co-hosting TCM conferences like this, providing expert input for the authorities, leading stakeholders in providing recommendations for the involvement of TCM in Healthier SG, and working with the Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners Board (TCMPB) to establish the framework for accreditation of TCM physicians, amongst others.

Significance of TCM in Singapore and Globally

8.             The roots of TCM in Singapore can be traced back to the early immigration days, where the Chinese immigrants brought with them their medicinal practices.      TCM has since gained widespread popularity and recognition over the years. The 2022 National Population Health Survey showed that one in five adult Singapore residents aged 40 and above sought TCM treatment in the past year.  

9.             This underscores the integral role TCM plays in our healthcare system and its immense potential to complement Western medicine in promoting holistic healthcare for our population.

MOH Support for TCM

10.          Minister for Health, Mr Ong Ye Kung, recently announced MOH’s plans to support TCM development in three key areas, namely (i) education and training, (ii) playing a role in preventive care and (iii) integration with mainstream healthcare system. MOH and TCMPB are working on revamping the Singapore TCM-physicians Registration Examination, to focus on clinical, communication, and analytical skills of our graduates. This shift in focus is a step in the right direction to enhance the competency and practice-readiness of newly registered TCM practitioners.

11.          MOH has also tasked TCMPB to work on an accreditation framework to better recognise TCM practitioners who can meet higher professional and competency standards, to deliver better quality care and partner with our primary care practitioners and providers to contribute more effectively to national initiatives like Healthier SG.

12.          Although TCM is widely practised in the community, MOH’s approach to integrating it with mainstream healthcare is by selective inclusion, supported by evidence. The process will be a delicate and challenging one as it involves harmonising two fundamentally different systems, with distinct philosophies and treatment principles. Hence, we hope that the synergies that can be created between evidence-based TCM and mainstream healthcare, whilst maintaining the integrity of each approach, will be something that we can do. 

Addressing Current Challenges

13.          MOH is committed to collaborating with the TCM sector to further enhance the professional standards of TCM practitioners. While significant progress has been made, there remains substantial work to be done in bridging the gap between TCM and Western medicine. Our efforts are focused on fostering integration, promoting evidence-based practices, and ensuring high-quality care across both systems. This approach aims to create a more holistic healthcare landscape that leverages the strengths of both TCM and Western medicine, ultimately benefiting patients and advancing Singapore's healthcare system as a whole.

14.          To do so, we would need to focus on the following:

a)    Maintaining high standards and ensuring safety in TCM practices: This is paramount as TCM becomes more accessible and integrated into our healthcare system. I am heartened to see the introduction of new CPE curricula in the areas of TCM ethics, professionalism, healthcare law and safe TCM practices.

Minister Ong recently announced that MOH is also developing the TCM services accreditation framework alongside the TCM practitioner accreditation framework that the TCMPB is working on. These initiatives reflect the TCM fraternity’s dedication to providing safe, ethical, and excellent healthcare services for Singaporeans, and this will significantly elevate the standards of both TCM practitioners and services.

b)    TCM-Western medicine dialogue: A key initiative in this endeavour is the establishment of regular dialogues between TCM and Western medicine practitioners. These dialogues serve as a platform for mutual learning, fostering understanding, and exploring potential synergies between the two systems by breaking down barriers, dispelling misconceptions, and identifying areas where TCM and Western medicine can complement each other effectively. This can take the form of TCM conferences delivered in English, attended by Western doctors and healthcare leaders. ACMS is well positioned to act as a bridge between the two fraternities as we pave the way for TCM’s inclusion into our national healthcare initiative.

c)    Importance of TCM research: TCM has amassed extensive empirical knowledge over centuries of practice. Countries and jurisdictions like China, Hong Kong and Taiwan, have further strengthened their TCM practices with evidence-based research. Through research, we can elevate TCM practice standards, ensure patient safety, and contribute to the global body of knowledge in TCM. This approach will not only improve patient outcomes but also enhance the credibility and recognition of TCM within our broader healthcare landscape.

Closing

15.          As we celebrate today’s conferment, let us reaffirm our commitment to the growth and advancement of TCM in Singapore. MOH is committed to working with ACMS and the TCM community to raise the professional standards of TCM practitioners and to facilitate exchanges and mutual understanding between TCM and Western medicine practitioners. With the support of the government and the TCM fraternity, I am confident that TCM will continue to grow as an essential pillar of holistic healthcare in Singapore.

16.          Thank you for your dedication and efforts, and congratulations to all the recipients.