Singapore Chung Hwa Medical Institute
Singapore Chun Hwa Medical Institute was founded in 1952. Its purpose is: to provide subsidised Traditional Chinese Medical treatment for the sick regardless of race and religion in Singapore; to aid the poor and the sickly, and thereby contribute to the cause of promoting hygiene and healthcare in Singapore; to upgrade therapeutic skills in medical treatment; and to promote and advance the application of Chinese medicine through academic research. Our vision is: to build a regional centre for Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) treatment, scientific research, rehabilitation care and clinical teaching.
Website link: https://www.zhonghuayiyuan.com
Singapore College of Traditional Chinese Medicine
The Singapore College of Traditional Chinese Medicine (SCTCM), located within the beautiful precinct of Toa Payoh, in Central Singapore, was established as the Singapore Chinese Physician Training School (renamed in 1975) by Singapore Chinese Physicians’ Association in January 1953.
After 71 years of hard work, SCTCM has now become one of the most established and leading TCM institutions in the region. SCTCM is not only gazetted as a TCM training institution by the Singapore TCM Practitioners Board under the Ministry of Health (TCMPB), but has also obtained CPE statutory registration (fourth consecutive four years) and EDUTRUST four-year (third consecutive four years) validation. She is also an ISO 9001 certified TCM educational institution. All these recognitions, in addition to the comprehensive TCM education, have won the College her good reputation locally and internationally.
SCTCM has 5007 graduates since establishment. These TCM professionals play a significant role in helping to manage and promote the overall health care needs of Singapore as well as countries in the region, making valuable contribution to the society.
Vision
To be a Premier TCM educational institution in the region
Mission
(1) To provide comprehensive and professional TCM education
(2) To nurture competent TCM professionals with high ethicality to provide better health care
Values
Fairness, Diligence, Integrity, Collaboration and Harmony
Culture
Pursue excellence through collaboration and harmonious working relationships
Website link: http://www.singaporetcm.edu.sg
The Chung Hwa Medical Research Institute
The Chung Hwa Medical Research Institute was established in January 1960, and has spent the past few decades committed to the promotion of TCM education and TCM academic exchanges, and organised TCM-related activities. Through the use of the local media and publications, the Institute has actively promoted TCM knowledge to the general public and encouraged the continued growth of TCM in SIngapore and raised the status of TCM through its unending efforts and contributions. The first Dean of the Institute was Physician Lee Chun Ting and Vice-Dean was Physician You Xing Nan(Yew Hen Nam).
Encouraging TCM Academic Research and Exchanges
In 2003, the Chung Hwa Medical Research Institute organised a number of seminars, including: “Uses of Traditional Chinese Medicine in the Prevention of Coronary Artery Disease and Cardiac Arrhythmia” and the invited speaker was Physician Lian Qi Zhou, “Eastern and Western Medicine’s Understanding of Atypical Pneumonia” lectured by Physician Wang Lian Sheng and Physician Swee Yong Peng, “Traditional Chinese Medicine and Male and Female Infertility in Couples”, lectured by Physician Chen Jian Sheng, “A Comparison of the Physical Aspects of TCM and Western Medicine”, lectured by Physician Cheng Sim Kim, “Treatment and Prognosis of Gastrointestinal Cancer”, lectured by Dr Zheng Chiong and Dr Teo Eng Kiat.
In 2004, the Chung Hwa Medical Research Institute organised a number of seminars, including: “Fujian influenza A virus: knowledge and prevention” and invited Dr. Li Yuankun as the speaker and “Thirteen different varieties of Sweet Basil”, and invited Professor Ng Whay Teck as the speaker. In November, the Chung Hwa Medical Research Institute group, led by Professor Ng Whay Teck, went to Lim Chu Kang to visit the botanical gardens and organic wheat grass garden. The event was participated by 44 members.
In 2005, the Chung Hwa Medical Research Institute organised a number of seminars, including: “The Proper Use of Chinese Herbs”, lectured by Professor Ng Whay Teck, “How to Prevent Sports Injuries”, given by Dr Luo Zhi Guang and Physician Cao Guang Yu, “The Value and Significance of Modern Psychology in TCM Clinical and Academic Research”, and the invited speaker was Psychologist Dr Yu Zhan Fei.
Between 2006 and 2007, the Chung Hwa Medical Research Institute Dean Professor Huang Huai De hosted a series of lectures entitled “155 Herbs from the Golden Chamber and their uses”.
In May 2007, a group of 42 physician members, led by the Chung Hwa Medical Research Institute Dean Professor Huang Huai De, visited the Johor College of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Malaysia and later visited the herbal garden at the Xing Lou De church.
In January 2008, the Chung Hwa Medical Research Institute organised the “Men’s Medical Conditions and Treatments”, lectured by the Chung Hwa Medical Research Institute Vice-Dean Dr Chang Chen Jian. In July, the Institute organised a lecture series entitled “Typhoid Disease Research”, starting from the research found in the classic text “Exogenous Warm Illnesses Text” by Ye Tian, and the speaker was Dean Ng Whay Teck. In November, to increase the understandign and knowledge of the local herbs, the Institute organised a outdoor activity called “A Tour of the Zoo and Herbs”, an event that was attended by nearly 100 physician members.
In June 2009, the Chung Hwa Medical Research Institute organised the lecture series titled “Seven Chapters from Bi Sheng Bai Warm Disease Lectures” and the speaker was Dean Ng Whay Teck. “Bi Sheng Bai Warm Disease Lectures” originated from the famous Qing dynasty scholar Bi Xue (birth name Sheng Bai), and has been referenced in many TCM textbooks. Seven chapters from his classic text were selected to discuss the Warm Diseases. In November, , the Institute organised a seminar titled “Edible Mushroom Varieties and the Functional Food Ling Zhi”, and the special speaker was the Head of the Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority of Singapore, Dr Liang Qing Zhao.
In August 2010, in order to expand research activities and raise the standards of the Institute’s member physicians, the Chung Hwa Medical Research Institute invited Dean Ng Whay Teck to give a series of lectures on “A Discussion of the combined use of drugs and Chinese prescription mixtures”, which lasted until December 2011.
On 23rd October 2011, the the Chung Hwa Medical Research Institute, in conjunction with the Singapore Chinese Physicians’ Association and the Toa Payoh grassroots organisations, held the “Chinese Herbs Exhibition and Quiz” at the Toa Payoh Library Square.
In January 2013, the Singapore Chinese Physicians Association was officially approved by the Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners Board as a certified Continuing Education provider. The Chinese Medical Research Institute subsequently launched a series of continuing education courses in Traditional Chinese Medicine.
In addition, the Association actively engaged with specialists in modern medicine to enhance members’ understanding through lectures. On November 3, Dr. Xu Baokun, Senior Consultant Surgeon at the Fortis Colorectal Cancer Hospital’s Colorectal Surgery Centre, was invited to deliver a talk on “Colorectal Cancer: Diagnosis and Treatment.” On December 8, a regulatory officer from the Health Sciences Authority’s Adverse Drug Reaction Monitoring Unit conducted a seminar to educate members about “Adverse Drug Reaction Monitoring.”
From January to December 2014, the Association organized a series of seminars on “Classical Formulas from the Treatise on Febrile Diseases” led by the Shanghan Research Group. Additionally, a continuing education course series titled “An Overview of Herbal Medicines and Formula Compatibility” was conducted by Professor Ng Whay Teck.
In 2015, the Chung Hwa Medical Research Institute continued its efforts to further enhance members’ proficiency in Traditional Chinese Medicine theory and clinical practice by initiating and organising the “Discussion and Exchange Sessions on Treatise on Febrile Diseases.” It also established a platform known as the “TCM Forum,” issuing open invitations to members to use this platform for delivering academic presentations or lectures. Additionally, scholars from both Chinese and Western medicine fields were invited to give talks on relevant medical topics.
Seminar Series
◆ Special Lecture Series: Invited senior local physicians to share their clinical experience.
On May 22, 2016, Dr. So Seng Kit delivered a lecture on “Diagnosis and Treatment of Sacroiliac Joint Injuries.”
On December 10 and 17, 2017, Dr. Thoi Seng Chye presented on “A Preliminary Study on the Application of the Bagua Jiugong Method Combined with Strong Moxibustion Theory in Stroke Prevention” and “An Effective Exploration of Jingjin Combined with Scalp Acupuncture and Five-Organ Acupoints in Stroke Treatment.”
◆ Inheritance of Medical Knowledge Series:
Invited renowned senior local Chinese medicine practitioners to share their personal learning experiences and family medical traditions. Physicians Chia Cheng Yan, Loo Geuang Fiyau, Lim Kong Beng, Neo Tiau Keng, Guo Junxiang, and Ngoh Lian Kwee were among the distinguished speakers.
◆ “Journey of Three Physicians” Series:
Each session was hosted by Physician Goh Tong Hwee and featured two additional physicians or doctors who jointly discussed topics bridging Chinese and Western medicine. Three sessions were held:
- The first featured Physicians Lak Seng and Yeong Weng Onn, discussing “Yin-Yang and the Five Elements.”
- The second featured Physicians Ho Wah Song and Cheng Sim Kim, discussing “Clinical Thinking in Chinese Medicine.”
- The third featured Physicians Lim Sor San and Lin Xiujuan, discussing “The Harmony of Chinese and Western Medicine: Mutual Enhancement.”
In 2019, guided by the mission to enhance members’ professional skills and promote academic exchange, regular academic discussions were conducted, including activities by the Shanghan Study Group and Treatise on Febrile Diseases Study and Exchange Sessions. The Association also organized periodic academic lectures, overseas advanced training programs, and local research on medicinal herbs.
In September 2019, marking the 60th anniversary of the Chung Hwa Medical Research Institute, a special visit to the Kota Tinggi Medicinal Herb Garden was hosted on September 24. The event attracted 41 participants, with physician Tan Chye Yiow providing a voluntary lecture introducing the applications of various medicinal herbs.
The Chung Hwa Acupuncture Research Institute
Acupuncture is one of the three treasures of Traditional Chinese Medicine and originated from China, possessing thousands of years of rich history. In the developmental process, it absorbed the best of the natural sciences and social sciences, and accumulated thousands of years of bedside experience. It is a holistic form of medicine, combining man, nature and society. In 1971, when the Chinese government announced the results of the acupuncture anaesthesia research, a lot of interest was generated. In 1972, after U.S. President Nixon visited China, the “Acupuncture Craze” was started. In order to promote TCM research and progress in Singapore, the Singapore Chinese Physicians’ Association set up the Chung Hwa Acupuncture Research Institute in December 1978, actively promoting the research of acupuncture. The first Dean was physician Lee Yong Sheng and Vice-Deans were Hong Chiong Bin and Xie Chai Pei.
In Singapore, like TCM, acupuncture has been well-received and supported by the general public. Following the government legislation for all acupuncturists to be registered in 2001, public confidence in acupuncture, as well as the public status of acupuncture were raised. From 2007, the Singapore Ministry of Health gave its approval to the Singapore College of Traditional Chinese Medicine to organise the Graduate Diploma in Acupuncture (only applicable to Singapore Registered Medical or Dental Practitioners), a significant achievement for the college and a milestone for the progress of acupuncture in Singapore.
Academic Exchanges and Publications
In 2000, organised the “Vision of the Future of Acupuncture in Singapore” forum, which was chaired by Professor Liang Shihai, the forum moderator was Physician Wong Chin Nai, and the speakers were Physician Chen Bi Lian, Li Jin Long, Chen Shui Xing, Zhong Bing Sheng.
In March 2003, the Chung Hwa Acupuncture Research Institute and Singapore College of Traditional Chinese Medicine jointly organized the joint lectures on Chinese and Western medicine understanding of SARS , to understand the members’ understanding of the disease and raise awareness, at the same time, to urge their members to take appropriate preventive measures in their individual clinics.
In May 2007, the Chung Hwa Acupuncture Research Institute sent five resident physicians to participate in the free charity event held at the meditation hall of the Tzu Chi Foundation, Pasir Ris branch.
In May 2009, in order to jointly plan the ASEAN Forum of acupuncture, the Chung Hwa Acupuncture Research Institute, China Acupuncture Society, Taiwan Chung Hwa Acupuncture Association and other representatives of acupuncture organisations, held a Preparation Forum in Singapore, at the Singapore Chinese Physicians’ Association. The main topics were: discussing Forum objectives and tasks, rotating organising responsibilities and topics, and setting the direction of the forum’s academic development.
In May 2009, the Chung Hwa Acupuncture Research Institute and Toa Payoh Community Club Management Committee Liaison Office organised three public forums titled “Taiwan Acupuncture Experts Seminar”. The first forum’s speaker was Professor Wang Ling Ling on “Acupuncture treatments of different types of chronic functional constipation and research on the efficacy of acupuncture treatment”; the second forum’s speaker was Professor Xu Bin on “The characteristics of successful weight loss using acupuncture and the research on the determining factors”, and the third forum’s speaker was Professor Lin Zhaogeng on “The historical application and effectiveness of acupuncture.”
In November 2009, the Chung Hwa Acupuncture Research Institute won three awards given by the World Manipulative Medicine Association (WMMA) for Best Organisation, Special Contribution and Best Individual Results based on Dr. Su Chengji’s excellent talk on “Soft tissue injury and spine-related diseases.” Another seminar entitled “Common eye conditions seen in TCM and their prevention” was held in December.
In December 2009, the first Asian and International Acupuncture Academic Conference was organised by the Taiwan Chung Hwa Acupuncture Association and was held in Taichung, Taiwan. The SCPA sent a team of representatives who gave a lecture entitled “Acupuncture in Asia: The academic status and development trend”. To promote international academic exchange and cooperation, a group of 25 physician members, led by the Chung Hwa Medical Research Institute Dean Professor Wong Chin Nai and Vice-Dean Kuo Tung Ho attended the meeting.
In December 2010, the “2010 Nanjing International Forum of Traditional Chinese Medicine Acupuncture– 2nd Asian Forum” was held in Nanjing, China. The Singapore Chinese Physicians’ Association resolved to send three representatives as speakers: SCPA Secretary-General Dr Teng Seok Chu, Dr Cui Shu Li from Singapore General Hospital, and Chung Hwa Medical Institution Volunteer Physician Dr Tang Yue.
In 2011, the Chung Hwa Acupuncture Research Institute, along with the Toa Payoh Community Club and Yuhua Community Club Liaison Office, organised the annual “Acupuncture and Health” lecture series in March and April respectively, to be given by the Vice-Dean Chong Peng Siam at the Toa Payoh and Yuhua Community Clubs. The main topics were “Acupuncture treatment for the after-effects of stroke, facial paralysis and other diseases of the head.” In June, Deputy Dean Pysician Leong Kwai Yin gave a talk on “TCM and the kidney”at the Yuhua Community Club.
On April 22, 2011, 2011, the first stop of the World Federation of Acupuncture-Moxibustion Societies (WFAS) “Global Tour of Acupuncture Excellence” was held in Singapore. Organized by WFAS, co-hosted by the SCPA and Chung Hwa Acupuncture Research Institute, and supported by the World Journal of Acupuncture-Moxibustion, the “Seminar on the Promotion of Practical Acupuncture Techniques” took place in the third-floor conference hall of the Cairnhill Hotel.
Distinguished guests included Professor Deng Liang Yue, President of WFAS; Physician Xie Zhai Pei, Consultant of the Acupuncture and Tuina Group of the Chinese Hospital; Professor Wang Lingling, expert in moxibustion; Professor Jia Chun Sheng, specialist in auricular acupuncture; Professor Sun Jieguang, expert in tongue acupuncture; President He Lin, expert in fire needling; and Dr. Shi Xian, specialist in acupoint catgut embedding. Each presented a keynote report on their respective specialties.
The event was met with an enthusiastic response and was attended by 400 participants.
In January 2013, the Chung Hwa Acupuncture Research Institute established the Pain Research Study Group at Chung Hwa Medical Institution. In support of the Association’s efforts to promote the development of Traditional Chinese Medicine and strengthen international collaboration, the Association facilitated the signing of a Sister Association Agreement with the Taiwan National Federation on March 9, 2013.
In 2015, in view of the increasing recognition of the clinical applications of Dong’s Acupuncture, which demonstrated remarkable and rapid therapeutic effects, the Chung Hwa Acupuncture Research Institute established the Dong’s Acupuncture Study Group.
On June 18, 2017, Physician Li Zhongqi, a renowned practitioner of Dong’s Acupuncture from Taiwan, was invited to deliver a lecture to members of the SCPA on the “Clinical Application and Demonstration of Dong’s Extraordinary Points.” During the session, Physician Li provided multiple live demonstrations of Dong’s Acupuncture techniques, including on-site clinical treatment demonstrations, offering participants invaluable practical insights.
Overseas Advanced Clinical Continuing Education Acupuncture Training Courses
From February 20 to 22, 2014, the Chung Hwa Acupuncture Research Institute, in collaboration with Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, organized the 1st Advanced Clinical Continuing Education Acupuncture Training Course in Singapore. By 2016, a total of four editions had been successfully conducted. The 1st and 4th editions were jointly organized with Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, while the 2nd edition was held in collaboration with the Continuing Education Center of China Medical University, Taiwan, and the 3rd edition with the School of Professional and Continuing Education at the University of Hong Kong.
From 2014 to 2016, the Chung Hwa Acupuncture Research Institute continued to collaborate with the Continuing Education Center of China Medical University, Taiwan, the School of Professional and Continuing Education at the University of Hong Kong, and the School of Basic Medical Sciences at Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine to jointly organize the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Advanced Clinical Continuing Education Acupuncture Training Courses.
From April 13 to 16, 2017, the 5th Advanced Clinical Continuing Education Acupuncture Training Course was jointly organized with the Beijing World Federation of Acupuncture-Moxibustion Societies Traditional Medicine Training Center. The course was conducted at the China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences in Beijing, offering a rich curriculum that included acupuncture cosmetology, acupuncture treatment for stroke, gynecological conditions, and more. Following the lectures, participants were arranged to undertake clinical observation at the Acupuncture Department of Beijing Xuanwu Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine. More than 50 members attended the program.
From April 11 to 14, 2018, the 6th Advanced Clinical Acupuncture Training Course was jointly organized in Guangzhou with Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, with a total of 51 physicians participating. The curriculum encompassed topics such as acupuncture anatomy, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) treatment of diabetes, acupuncture cosmetology, Jin’s Three-Needle Therapy, acupoint application therapy, and flying needle therapy.
From August 22 to 25, 2018, in collaboration with the Beijing World Acupuncture and Traditional Medicine Training Center, the 7th Advanced Clinical Acupuncture Training Course was successfully conducted. A total of 24 physicians participated in the program. The curriculum covered a range of topics, including the clinical treatment of diabetic neuropathy; the clinical application and techniques of abdominal acupuncture; approaches and clinical diagnosis and treatment of cerebrovascular diseases with acupuncture; acupuncture techniques for cervical spondylosis and lumbar disc herniation; clinical application and techniques of fire needling; acupuncture treatment for allergic rhinitis; and the clinical diagnosis and treatment of digestive system and spine-related disorders using acupuncture.
From April 17 to April 20, 2019, a cooperation agreement was signed with Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine to jointly organize the 8th Advanced Clinical Continuing Education Acupuncture Training Course in Singapore. A total of 31 physicians participated in the program.
From May 12 to 14, 2025, a total of 23 physicians participated in the “Advanced Acupuncture Training Course of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine,” organized by the Chung Hwa Acupuncture Research Institute. The program focused on specialized areas including acupuncture cosmetology, acupuncture treatment for pain syndromes, manipulation and therapeutic techniques of the Zhu needle, the role of acupuncture in assisted reproduction, pediatric Tuina, and preventive medicine (Zhi Wei Bing).
Research Activities
The Chung Hwa Acupuncture Research Institute actively carries out research activities, and has set up study groups to observe the clinical efficacy of a number of acupoints.
In April 2003, the Chung Hwa Acupuncture Research Institute started a survey on the commonly seen medical conditions and started to collect the relevant information from over a thousand patient cases, preliminary results have been published in Jakarta, Indonesia at Seventh Asean Congress of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
In 2004, the Chung Hwa Acupuncture Research Institute started research on the “Zusanli acupressure treatment of functional dyspepsia” which was an in-depth study, that was published at the Sixth World Conference on Acupuncture which was held in Gold Coast, Australia in October the same year.
Research Direction
The Chung Hwa Acupuncture Research Institute will focus on theoretical and clinical issues to explore and promote the development of local TCM research.