Hong Kong hosts the 18th World Congress of Chinese Medicine

The 18th World Congress of Chinese Medicine (WCCM) was held for the first time at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, 4 December 2021. The hybrid event attracted more than 2,000 academics and experts, and generated over 3.8m 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 dialogue, covering Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practices, benefits, opportunities, challenges, and potential for development. Mr Ma Jianzhong, president of the World Federation of Chinese Medicine Societies (WFCMS), said: “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 Dane Cheng, executive director of the Hong Kong Tourism Board, added: “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 support from government and industry bodies. The National Administration of TCM and the Hong Kong Food and Health Bureau acted as advisors, while it was organised by the WFCMS. The Hong Kong Registered Chinese Medicine Practitioners Association and the WFCM (Hong Kong) Council Members Association were local hosts.