A delegation from the Weifang Municipal Government visited Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) on October 15. Both parties conducted in-depth discussions on the development of Chinese medicine and jointly planned a new blueprint for cooperation. Led by Ms. Lyu Shanshan, Member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Weifang Municipal Committee and Deputy Mayor, the delegation was warmly received by representatives from HKBU, including Professor Martin DF WONG, Provost; Professor Bian Zhaoxiang, Associate Vice-President (Clinical Chinese Medicine) and Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Chinese Medicine Hospital; Professor Li Min, Executive Associate Dean of the School of Chinese Medicine; and Ms. Jenny Li, Director of University Engagement Office of HKBU.

The visit aimed to promote high-quality hospital development, deepen research and teaching collaborations, and discuss opportunities for mutual exchanges. Leveraging the shared cultural heritage of Chinese medicine, both parties expressed a strong commitment to enhancing cooperation in this field. With Weifang’s abundant resources in Chinese medicine and HKBU’s internationally renowned School of Chinese Medicine, the collaboration is expected to inject new vitality into the advancement of Chinese medicine.

During the meeting, Professor Martin DF WONG highlighted HKBU’s achievements in Chinese medicine, emphasizing the potential for collaboration in research, education, and clinical practice. He elaborated on HKBU’s ongoing efforts in research innovation, talent cultivation, community service, and knowledge transfer, all aimed at revitalizing Chinese medicine and preserving its cultural legacy. Deputy Mayor Lyu Shanshan shared insights into Weifang’s economic achievements and expressed interest in collaborating on cultural and tourism projects, particularly the world-renowned annual Weifang International Kite Festival, which attracts participants from over 30 countries and regions. She proposed exploring potential cultural tourism initiatives with HKBU.

In 2021, HKBU was selected by the government to operate Hong Kong’s first Chinese Medicine Hospital under a service contract. Scheduled to open by the end of 2025, the hospital is set to become a flagship institution in Hong Kong’s Chinese medicine landscape. Professor Bian Zhaoxiang, Associate Vice-President (Clinical Chinese Medicine) and Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Chinese Medicine Hospital, introduced ongoing collaborations between HKBU researchers and leading pharmaceutical companies in Shandong Province to translate research findings into practical applications. Meanwhile, Dr. Zhang Zhenhai, Deputy Executive Director (Chinese Medicine) of the Hong Kong Chinese Medicine Hospital, shared the hospital’s development plans and emphasized its role in advancing Chinese medicine in Hong Kong, fostering research, and driving collaborations with universities and industry. Professor Li Min, Executive Associate Dean of the HKBU School of Chinese Medicine, elaborated on the educational and research achievements of the School of Chinese Medicine, noting that it is the first institution in Hong Kong to offer undergraduate Chinese medicine and pharmacy programs funded by the University Grants Committee. It remains the only university in Hong Kong offering a full-time Chinese pharmacy undergraduate program, making it a comprehensive institution excelling in education, research, and clinical practice in Chinese medicine.

During the subsequent exchange session, HKBU representatives provided a detailed introduction to the construction, planning, and innovative approaches of Hong Kong’s first Chinese Medicine Hospital. The Weifang delegation expressed keen interest in the specialized centers planned for the hospital, such as the Stroke Rehabilitation Center and Pain Management Center, and conveyed their willingness to collaborate on talent development initiatives.

This visit laid a solid foundation for future cooperation between the two parties. In the future, HKBU will work with more partners to strengthen academic exchanges, promote technology transfer, deepen industry-academia-research cooperation, and jointly explore the modernization and internationalization of Chinese medicine.