Traditional medicine Expo expects 7,181 local and foreign trade visitors

The event to facilitate further collaboration and knowledge sharing within regional TM sector.

Both local and regional consumers will have the chance to enhance their knowledge and understanding about Traditional Medicine with the launch of the second Traditional Medicine Expo (TMExpo) at Suntec International Convention and Exhibition Centre on Friday.

The opening was officiated by Mr. Lee Yi Shyan, Minister of State for Trade & Industry and Manpower, who marked the launch with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Jointly organized by the Singapore TCM Organisations Committee (STOC) and the TCM College (Singapore), TMExpo 2010 will ride on the success of last year’s show, which attracted close to 7,181 local and foreign trade visitors from Europe, USA, Middle East and Asia.

With the import of Complementary Medicine and Health Supplements into Singapore growing 45% from S$1.1billion in 2007 to hit S$1.6billion last year, TMExpo 2010 aims to not only be the region’s premier showcase of innovative Traditional Medicine (TM) products and services, but also to serve as a catalyst for accelerating knowledge exchange and deepening the public’s understanding of the various aspects and forms of TM.

Aside from an exciting showcase of patent medicines, raw herbs, herbal extracts, health supplements, health care and therapy, as well as equipment and related services from close to 100 exhibitors, TMExpo 2010 will also include fresh elements to up the experiential ante, according to a TMExpo 2010 report.

In addition to Traditional Chinese Medicine, this year’s event will see companies such as Jamu Borobudur and Jamu Nonya Meneer who are members of the Indonesian Herbs and Traditional Medicine Association (GP Jamu), showcasing unique Javanese herbal remedies as well as health and beauty products.

Visitors will be able to participate in free Innovation Seminars to be held on Saturday 16 October as well as Marketing Trends Workshops which will be held on Sunday 17 October. Conducted by industry experts, these sessions will offer a macro perspective on the latest trends and future developments in the Traditional Medicine sector. The Innovation Seminars will cover topics such as “The Effects of Nutrition on Health” and “The Jewel of Chinese Medicine – Tian Qi” while the Marketing Trends Workshops will give insights into thought-provoking subjects such as “Does Taking Health Supplements Make You Healthy” and “Unlocking the Secrets behind Black Garlic”. Visitors will also be privy to a special presentation by local Qigong master, Ding Mingcheng, who will speak about preventing cancer and enhancing wellbeing through Qigong during the Marketing Trends Workshop.

Those who are keen to explore TCM treatments can also take advantage of the free TCM Consultations being offered by physicians from the Singapore Chinese Union (SCMU), the Singapore Acupuncture Association and the Singapore Chinese Physicians Training College Alumni Association.

Incorporating their passion for food and knowledge of TM into easily prepared everyday recipes will be Professor Zhang Zhen Zhong, a renowned professor from the prestigious Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and local celebrity chef Irene Jansen who will demonstrate their culinary prowess during the Cooking Demonstrations. While Professor Zhang will show visitors how to maximise the benefits of TM herbs in the preparation of six medicinal foods, Irene Jensen will prepare two delicious and nutritious dishes featuring ayuvedic herbs and another two dishes featuring TCM herbs. Tea lovers will also be able to view a showcase of 16 different types of Chinese teas to alleviate various common ailments as part of the Traditional Medicine Heritage Showcase. Visitors will also be able to learn more about 52 types of medicinal foods as well as 13 types of commonly used nourishing TCM herbs at this showcase.

The popular Conference Programme will also be making a comeback this year with an esteemed panel of representatives from international associations such as the UK Health Food Manufacturers’ Association, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Ministry of Health Vietnam and the Asian Association for Nutritional and Medical Products, as well as prestigious local institutions including the National University of Singapore and the Health Sciences Authority. These speakers will not only be sharing insights into the regulatory environment for TM in the various markets, but will also discuss the latest developments in the TM arena.

Mr. Lee Tiong Sa, Chairman, TMExpo 2010 Organising Committee said, “The success of last year’s Expo was indicative of people’s growing interest in Traditional Medicine. This year, we not only have an even more extensive exhibitor showcase, but also a line-up of new and exciting programmes which are as fun as they are educational. I believe we have successfully planted the seed for Traditional Medicine to become the treatment of choice within the local community and TMExpo 2010 will be instrumental in stimulating further interest in this area.”

TMExpo 2010 is supported by IE Singapore, the Ministry of Health, SPRING Singapore and the Singapore Tourism Board.