The 18th World Congress of Chinese Medicine (WCCM), one of the world’s largest academic events in the field of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), was successfully held in Hong Kong for the first time at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre on 4 December 2021.
Thanks to the bidding efforts of the Hong Kong Registered Chinese Medicine Practitioners Association, which is a member of the Hong Kong Convention Ambassador (HKCA) programme, initiated by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), in collaboration with the World Federation of Chinese Medicine Societies (WFCMS), the hybrid event attracted more than 2,000 TCM academics and experts, generated over 3.8 million views from over 60 countries and regions.
As physical gatherings resumed for the first time since the pandemic started, WCCM provided a platform for participants to engage in meaningful dialogue, covering TCM practices, benefits, opportunities and challenges, and the development potential of TCM.
Mr. Ma Jianzhong, President of WFCMS, said, “We are pleased to host this edition of WCCM in Hong Kong for the first time. Embracing Chinese philosophy and culture, Hong Kong is the ideal place for academic and cultural exchanges to explore the way forward for furthering the global development of TCM, and its role in combating the pandemic through collaboration between practitioners and public sectors.”
Mr. Sang Binsheng, Vice President and Secretary General of WFCMS added, “Hong Kong is renowned for being the ‘World’s Meeting Place’ thanks to its globally accessible and convenient transport network, large-scale world-class venues, facilities and professional services. We look forward to gathering again in Hong Kong and navigating the future of TCM development together.”
With its unrivalled fundamentals, Hong Kong is the core international city in the Greater Bay Area, a super-connector in the Belt and Road Initiative, and the ideal platform to promote TCM on the global stage.
HKTB Executive Director Mr Dane Cheng said, “Hong Kong enjoys unique geographical and cultural advantages, and is the ideal destination for international conventions. Many such events have taken place recently, demonstrating Hong Kong’s ability to host large-scale global events safely and efficiently. Apart from TCM, Hong Kong will continue to leverage the city’s advantages as an East-meets-West showcase to promote the very best of Chinese heritage.”
The congress received extensive support from government and industry bodies. The National Administration of TCM and the Hong Kong Food and Health Bureau acted as advisors, and it was organised by the WFCMS, along with the Hong Kong Registered Chinese Medicine Practitioners Association and the WFCM (Hong Kong) Council Members Association as local hosts.
