2012, INTERNATIONAL ACUPUNCTURE AND TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE CONVENTION
The World Federation of Acupuncture-Moxibustion Society (WFAS) will be holding its 2nd World Academic Convention on Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in Sarawak, Malaysia from the 30th of April to 2nd May 2012. During this period, Pullman Hotel, Kuching, Sarawak will play host to various practitioners of acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine, as well as physicians from the world over to discuss topics relating to acupuncture, orthopaedic treatments, cancer and TCM education.
WFAS, founded in November 1987 in Beijing, has 135 member societies in 50 countries and regions, and is the main organiser of the 2nd WFAS International TCM Convention (Global Tour on Acupuncture Styles- Malaysia). This convention is jointly hosted by the Malaysian Chinese Medicine Organisation and Management Science University (MSU); the WFAS TCM Convention has attracted the support of both the Federal and Sarawak State Governments through the Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB) and Sarawak Convention Bureau (SCB) to further promote this event.
According to Prof. Liao Chunhua, Chairman of the Organising Committee, “Kuching, Sarawak was the ideal location for our convention to promote the prosperity and development of acupuncture academics in the country as well as enhance the pervasiveness of Chinese Medicine service in Malaysia”.
“Our convention provides a platform for scholars, experts and specialists to exchange ideas and meeting in Sarawak enables our delegates to experience the convergence of tradition and modernity,” she adds.
For over a decade, TCM has played an important role in the Malaysian healthcare industry. With over 28 ethnic groups in Malaysia, each of them has their own traditional medicine which is ready to be shared with people around the world. An estimated 70 per cent of the Malaysian population believes in and practices Chinese medication. At present, Malaysia is home to approximately 7,000 TCM practitioners. Five universities and nine government hospitals have established a dedicated department for Tradition & Complementary Medicine (T/ CM).
Mr. Zulkefli Hj Sharif, Chief Executive Officer of MyCEB comments, “The WFAS TCM Convention marks a wonderful opportunity for local TCM practitioners and healthcare providers to network and learn from an international audience. It also allows Malaysia to showcase local innovation and expertise in this area to the global TCM community, further building Malaysia’s profile as the regional centre of TCM and as Asia’s business events hub.
“In addition, the convention is expected to bring in RM2.5 million in economic impact to the nation based on international delegate expenditure,” he adds.
Mrs. Jill Henry, Chief Executive Officer of SCB added, “Kuching has become a popular city for conventions and seminars, and we are pleased to host the 2nd WFAS International TCM Convention to promote an exchange between International Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture with Malaysian Chinese Medicine. I am sure that the delegates will have a wonderful and memorable time in Sarawak.”
For more information regarding the 2nd WFAS International TCM Convention (Global Tour on Acupuncture Styles- Malaysia), please visit, http://wfas2012malaysia.com/