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The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between Thong Chai Institute of Medical Research and Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine

On 15th August 2021, Singapore Thong Chai Medical Institution (STCMI) and Thong Chai Institute of Medical Research (TCIMR) held the inauguration ceremony of the 118th and 10th term Board of Directors respectively. It was our privilege to have Minister for Health (MOH) Mr. Ong Ye Kung to grace the occasion as the Commissioner for Oaths. Upon arrival, Board Chairman Mr. Yeo Eng Koon, Honorary Secretary Mr. Low Theng Whee and Deputy Head of Library Committee Ms. Ong Si Yu hosted Minister Ong on a tour within the clinic premises and briefly introduced our longstanding history. Minister Ong was then invited to the auditorium hall, to witness the proceedings of the inauguration ceremony. Chairman Yeo led the directors in their oaths and signed the pledge book in the presence of Minister Ong. The new term boards with a total of 29 STCMI directors and 18 TCIMR directors were then officially inaugurated. We look forward to the new aspirations and achievements brought about by the new term boards, further pushing the organizations to greater heights.

During his address, Minister Ong mentioned the significant challenges MOH is expected to face in the upcoming years. With the nation’s disease profile evolving with time and socio-economical progression, people are increasingly more health-conscious and are taking active steps to engage in a healthy lifestyle. In this aspect, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has an advantageous edge over conventional medicine and is foreseen to play a vital role in public health. Minister Ong also touched on the local Covid-19 situation and vaccination progress, highlighting that Singapore is adopting a step-by-step approach towards reopening the economy. He urged Thong Chai physicians to persuade unvaccinated senior patients to step forward and receive the vaccination. After his speech, Minister Ong penned the words ‘Tong Zhou Gong Ji’ in Chinese calligraphy, which represents to overcome difficulties together and its meaning is exceptionally apt in face of this pendemic.

After the inauguration ceremony, Minister Ong was then ushered to witness the signing ceremony of the Memorandum of Understanding between Thong Chai Institute of Medical Research and Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine. This marked a significant milestone in the development of the Institute. During Chairman Yeo’s welcome speech, he revealed the Belt and Road Initiative emphasized the importance of bilateral exchanges on TCM to encourage further development. Thus, he believed the deepening collaboration between the Institute and Liaoning University will accelerate integrative healthcare approaches, attract young talents, and promote TCM clinical research. Lu Xiao Dong, Principal of Liaoning University, also expressed that TCM will continue to present new breakthroughs in disease prevention and management, and remain indispensable in the public healthcare today.

 

Minister Ong and Chairman Yeo after the proceedings of the inauguration ceremony

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Minister Ong penned the words “tong zhou gong ji”

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Minister Ong witnessed the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between Thong Chai Institute of Medical Research and Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

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Group photo.

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