Traditional Chinese medicine degree in accreditation process

NST: KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is considering the recognition of several universities in China so that Malaysian students can pursue degree programmes in traditional Chinese medicine.
MCA president Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting, who is also Housing and Local Government Minister, said a Malaysian delegation had recently visited the universities in Beijing, Shanghai and Nanking on a fact-finding mission.
The delegation comprised officials from the Higher Education and Health ministries, including the Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek.
"We will forward the proposals to the government for consideration and evaluation. This is part of MCA's efforts in promoting the life-long learning culture," said Ong at the launch of the "Small and Medium Enterprises 2007" seminar at the Putra World Trade Centre.
The seminar was organised by the ING Insurance Agency Force Association Malaysia.
Ong said traditional Chinese medicine was making waves, given the large number of pharmaceutical companies and medical halls being set up here.
The government is also permitting some hospitals to provide traditional treatment and medicine alongside conventional medicine to Malaysia's increasingly health-conscious populace.
Chinese traditional medicine comes in an assortment of herbs, wines, roots, birds' nests, cordyceps and ginseng supplements that are known to enhance stamina in men and prevent diseases in women.
Additionally, traditional Chinese medicine is compatible with herbal and dietary therapy, acupuncture and massage.
Last May, Malaysia expressed keen interest in China's traditional strength in alternative medicine, while attempting to promote the biotechnology industry.
The International Trade and Industry Ministry has already embarked on an aggressive move to catapult bilateral trade with China, realising the potent mix of the two industries.
Malaysian biotechnology companies are being urged to join hands with research centres in China that specialise in developing agricultural and herb-based medicines.