Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) was in the spotlight at a recent Thai forum, highlighting its potential to tackle global health challenges through integration with modern technologies. The event, titled 'We Are The World' Bangkok 2025, brought together experts to explore the synergy between TCM, biotechnology, regenerative medicine, and AI-enabled solutions.
The forum's opening ceremony featured Hong Kong entrepreneur Adrian Cheng Chi-kong, who emphasized the growing global recognition of TCM. With its ancient wisdom spanning millennia, TCM is now being embraced as a valuable asset in the fight against global health issues. Cheng, also the founder of K11 brand and Almad Group, highlighted the urgent need to combine TCM with advanced technologies to address cancer and non-communicable diseases, which pose significant challenges worldwide.
According to World Health Organization statistics, in 2022, there were approximately 20 million new cancer cases and 9.7 million cancer-related deaths globally. Non-communicable diseases, including chronic conditions, claimed at least 43 million lives in 2021, with a staggering 73% of these deaths occurring in low and middle-income countries.
Phinij Jarusombat, former deputy prime minister and minister of public health of Thailand, emphasized the importance of integration in healthcare. He believes that true progress lies in combining Eastern and Western medicine, tradition and innovation, and public and private sectors. However, despite the rapid advancements in TCM, artificial intelligence, regenerative medicine, and genomics, there are still gaps between technology and patients suffering from cancer, chronic diseases, and neurodegenerative disorders.
Thailand's efforts to become a regional medical hub, as noted by Phinij, should be achieved through cooperation. For instance, Thailand's collaboration with China has already yielded positive results in digital health, medical training, and cross-border investment. Phinij envisioned a 'Health Silk Road' to facilitate the free flow of knowledge, innovation, and care.
Yan Lijin, chairman of the China Silk Road Group and executive vice-chairman of the Traditional Chinese Medicine Culture Congress, announced a significant collaboration between the congress and We Are The World (WATW). Yan believes that the deep integration of TCM with biotechnology, regenerative medicine, and AI will be the key to addressing health issues throughout the human life cycle.
In less developed regions, TCM's simplicity, convenience, affordability, and effectiveness make it a valuable addition to healthcare systems. In developed regions, TCM offers personalized alternatives for chronic disease management, rehabilitation, and integrative medicine. Michael Chin, a co-founder of WATW, shared a personal story of how TCM and acupuncture, along with regenerative medicine, helped manage his hypertension and his wife's severe tinnitus.
Sranyoo Chanate, a co-organizer of WATW in Thailand and CEO of Kluaynamthai Hospital, emphasized the hospital's use of traditional Thai and Chinese medicine for the elderly. He believes that the integration of modern and TCM will shape the future of medicine. Sorapoj Techakraisri, another co-organizer, hopes the summit will provide a platform for discussing and sharing the latest healthcare technology while offering solutions to improve people's health.
