Traditional medicine sector steps up momentum

Traditional Medicine Expo returns with fresh new elements from 7 neighbouring countries.

With the ASEAN common market taking shape, the Traditional Medicine community in the region will have the opportunity to synergise as Traditional Medicine Expo (TMExpo) returns to Singapore. Taking place at Suntec City International Convention Centre from October 15-17, 2010, the event will bring together key players in Traditional Medicine from across the region and around the world, according to a Singapore TCM Organisations Committee (STOC) announcement.

Jointly organised by the STOC and the Singapore TCM College, TMExpo 2010 will ride on the success of last year’s show, which featured 90 international exhibitors and attracted close to 7,181 local and foreign trade visitors from Europe, USA, Middle East and Asia. The three-day event will be open to trade as well as members of the public and is expected to attract visitors from China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam.

Aside from providing a platform for TM organisations from Singapore and the region to showcase the latest in patent medicine, raw herbs, herbal extracts, health supplements, health care and therapy, as well as equipment and related services, TMExpo 2010 will also offer business networking opportunities for trade visitors while educating consumers about Traditional Medicine.

To pique the interest of both trade and public visitors, this year’s show will feature fresh new elements including Marketing Trends Workshops, Innovation Seminars and Cooking Demonstrations. Last year’s Traditional Medicine Heritage Showcase will be back with a new theme “Medicinal Herbs and Food”.

In addition, the Conference Programme will feature representatives from esteemed international associations such as the UK Health Food Manufacturers’ Association 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 of Singapore, who will share insights on the regulatory environment for TM in the various markets as well as the latest developments in this arena.

Mr. Lee Tiong Sa, Chairman, TMExpo 2010 Organising Committee said, “The global demand for Traditional Medicine has been growing as it is increasingly perceived as a natural and holistic alternative to Western medicine. In fact, the global market for TCM is expected to exceed US$107 billion by 2011. Set against the backdrop of such a burgeoning industry, the second Traditional Medicine Expo will not only be the catalyst for growth in the regional TM sector, but will also play an instrumental role in strengthening regional cooperation.”

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