TheHEALTH July/August 2026 | Page 21

July-August. 2026 | The HEALTH
EVENT

21 the Southeast Asia region, allowing more outstanding practitioners to bring greater international attention to Malaysian TCM.

The federation would also strengthen cooperation with the government, universities, research institutions and industry to advance TCM education, scientific research, international exchanges and AI applications, he added.
Senator Tiew Wai Keng focused on another aspect of the profession ' s development, saying Malaysian TCM practitioners ' progress had been built over decades through the efforts of previous generations.
She said the profession was moving from a traditional master-apprentice model towards a more systematic, professional and academic structure, but this should not come at the expense of traditional knowledge and clinical experience.
Tiew also called for stronger support for legitimate practitioners through clearer regulation and more efficient registration and certification procedures.
She said patients needed to identify qualified practitioners with confidence, while those practising legally should receive appropriate protection under the law.
She explained: " At the same time, I feel that government agencies should provide fair, efficient and transparent administrative processes."
A CHANGING PROFESSION
Teratai assemblyman Yew Jia Haur highlighted the growing role of TCM within Malaysia ' s broader healthcare landscape, noting that its reach extended beyond the Chinese community.
He said practitioners who treated Malaysians regardless of race or religion, including those who provided free services to people in need, contributed to community wellbeing and helped ease healthcare costs for lowerincome groups.
Yew also urged greater cooperation between TCM practitioners and academic institutions so more systematic research and scientific data could support clinical experience.
For Prof Is Dr Lim Kien Seng, co-founder
PIONEERING A NEW PATH: Lim Kien Seng( Second from right), co-founder of Miracle Medicine, advocates for greater scientific recognition for TCM.
of Miracle Medicine, the profession ' s future was closely tied to its ability to strengthen scientific credibility.
" TCM had historically faced criticism because some products and practices were promoted without sufficient standards or scientific evidence," said Dr Lim.
" I believe that greater emphasis on research and validation could help address those concerns and allow Malaysia ' s TCM sector to gain wider recognition."
Datuk Seri Dr Chai Kee Kan, chairman of the Malaysia Chinese Assembly Hall, meanwhile said Malaysia had a strong foundation for further developing traditional medicine, given its existing regulatory structure and growing recognition of the sector.
He encouraged younger people to remain involved in TCM and urged practitioners to continue paying attention to safety, quality and professional standards.
With practitioners recognised for their contributions at the fourth edition of the awards, the gala night served not only as a
celebration of achievements but also as a reflection of how Malaysia ' s TCM profession is preparing for a more regulated, researchdriven and technologically connected future.- The HEALTH
AN ILLUMINATING END: The members of FCPAAM celebrating their success. ners.