Traditional Chinese medicine sector in Singapore experiences youthful boost
LOCAL LEGEND: THE SURGE OF TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE IN SINGAPORE
Growing up in Singapore, Justin Goh knew TCM as a familiar presence. His grandmother brewed herbal teas, and when two relatives faced cancer, they took TCM herbs alongside Western treatments. The comfort and relief found in TCM sparked Goh's interest, leading him to pursue a double degree in TCM and biomedical science at Nanyang Technological University (NTU).
In August 2024, NTU welcomed its maiden batch for the Bachelor of Chinese Medicine programme – the first locally conferred undergraduate programme accredited by the Ministry of Health's TCM board. This is part of a broader push to integrate TCM with modern medicine, as envisioned by the Healthier SG programme.
Health Minister Ong Ye Kung announced plans to incorporate TCM in public clinics and hospitals, with NTU's updated curriculum merging TCM education and contemporary medical science. The revamped programme admits 25-30 students each year, focusing more on clinical modules, training components, and health prevention with Chinese medicine.
In a multicultural city where East meets West, the interest in TCM isn't surprising. Freshman Kon Zi Ting shares the sentiment, noticing the abundance of TCM clinics in Singapore. Tat Fong Chinese Medical Hall, for instance, has noticed an increase in young patients since 2021, particularly those seeking alternatives to Western medicine for sports and spinal injuries.
While some Western doctors remain skeptical of TCM's efficacy, patients like Jeffrey Nursalim view it as essential for addressing certain medical issues. With TCM's deep cultural roots and practical benefits, it's crucial, in Nursalim's opinion, to preserve this traditional healing practice.
However, being a TCM practitioner in Singapore can be a challenging career path due to long working hours, low pay, and limited career advancement opportunities. Despite these obstacles, dedicated professionals like Ling Qiu Ru continue to uphold the practice, hoping to recruit more talent educated in TCM programs, such as NTU's.
With a renewed focus on TCM and ongoing efforts to integrate it into Singapore's healthcare system, traditional medicine plays a vital role in treating certain health issues and complementing modern medicine. As research progresses, the aim is to strengthen the evidence base supporting TCM practices and ultimately make them more widely accepted among both medical professionals and the public.
In pursuit of expanding healthcare options, Justin Goh chose to study TCM and biomedical science at Nanyang Technological University (NTU). Highlighting this shift, the university introduced the first locally-conferred TCM undergraduate program accredited by the Ministry of Health's TCM board. As part of the Healthier SG initiative, TCM integration into public clinics and hospitals is planned.
Besides health and wellness, this revamped program emphasizes the integration of TCM with the principles of fitness and exercise, mental health, nutrition, education, and personal growth. The renewed interest in TCM is evident among the younger generation, like freshman Kon Zi Ting, who finds TCM clinics abundant in Singapore.
While some advocate for the preservation of traditional TCM practices due to their deep cultural roots and practical benefits, like patient Jeffrey Nursalim, other Western doctors remain skeptical about TCM's efficacy. Recognizing this challenge, dedicated TCM professionals, such as Ling Qiu Ru, aim to recruit more talent educated in TCM programs to ensure the future of this traditional healing practice.
With ongoing research aimed at strengthening the evidence base supporting TCM practices, the goal is to make them more widely accepted among both medical professionals and the public, contributing to a more comprehensive approach in the realm of science, learning, and self-development.
