News

Strengthening Cross-Strait TCM Collaboration: Our Management Committee's Visit to Taiwan

From June 3–6, 2026, members of the RCMI Management Committee, led by Director Prof. Wong Man-sau, embarked on a strategic visit to Taiwan to deepen our academic and research partnerships in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and natural products. This productive trip was dedicated to fostering in-depth dialogue and exploring future opportunities with leading institutions across the island. Our key engagements included: Chang Gung University & Chang Gung University of Science and Technology: Engaged in detailed dialogues with the Institute of Natural Products to explore joint research avenues and academic exchanges. China Medical University (Taichung): Held a symposium between RCMI and CMU, toured the renowned Li-Fu Museum of Chinese Medicine and the Department of Chinese Medicine, and met with Prof. Yen and the university president to discuss strategic collaboration. Academia Sinica: Visited the Agricultural Biotechnology Research Center to meet Prof. Shyur and discuss advancements in biotech applications for herbal medicine. Ministry of Health and Welfare: Met with representatives at the National Research Institute of Chinese Medicine (NRICM) to align on national health strategies and the future development of TCM in Taiwan. The trip proved incredibly fruitful, allowing us to connect with top TCM experts, gain valuable insights into Taiwan's advancements in the field, and lay a solid groundwork for significant future collaborations. We look forward to turning these discussions into tangible projects that will ultimately benefit the global TCM community. Online coverage: Central News Agency - https://polyu.me/3SuVwVT 台灣新新聞報 - https://polyu.me/4utSm1X PC home - https://polyu.me/4fuSEC5 MSN - https://polyu.me/4vxJF7L   #TCM #TraditionalChineseMedicine #AcademicCollaboration #Research #Taiwan #ProfWongMansau #NaturalProducts #HigherEducation #HealthcareInnovation

Strengthening Global Partnerships for Traditional Medicine Innovation

On May 27, 2026, the Director of the Research Centre for Chinese Medicine and Innovation (RCMI) will visit the Center for Chinese Herbal Medicine Drug Development Limited. This strategic visit serves as a pivotal step in the collaborative network that has been developing between CEVR, RCMI, and the Center for Chinese Herbal Medicine Drug Development Limited. The core focus of these ongoing discussions is to develop TCM-based solutions for eye diseases. During the visit, the delegation will be joined by key representatives from the University of Waterloo. Together, the partners will convene to expand their research network and advance the following initiative: 🔬 The Mission: Developing novel, TCM-based solutions specifically for Eye Diseases. By uniting the expertise of CEVR, RCMI, and the Center, the collaboration aims to bridge traditional wisdom with modern drug development to improve global eye health outcomes. Updates on the progress of this vital research will be shared as the project moves forward.

PolyU Researchers Pioneer Protein-Based Data Storage to Tackle AI Data Explosion

 An interdisciplinary team at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has achieved a major breakthrough in molecular data storage, demonstrating a sustainable, high-capacity alternative to traditional digital media. Their findings, published in Nature Communications, detail a method for storing and retrieving digital data using de novo designed unnatural proteins. The Challenge: The AI Data Surge With AI driving exponential data growth, current storage solutions face limits. DNA storage, while promising, suffers from low capacity (4 nucleotides) and degradation. Peptide-based methods offer higher capacity (20+ amino acids) but are costly to synthesize and limited in sequence length. The Solution: Engineered Proteins Led by Prof. Yao Zhongping (Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology) and Prof. Francis Lau (Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering), the team developed a protein-based framework that overcomes these hurdles: Unmatched Efficiency: The new method achieves 30 times the storage density of peptide-based systems at just 10% of the cost, leveraging biological expression in E. coli for scalable production. Superior Stability: Unlike DNA, which degrades in solution or acid, the engineered proteins remain readable for extended periods. Advanced Functionality: The team introduced random access (retrieving specific data without decoding the whole set) and encryption (securing data via affinity tags), adding layers of security previously unavailable in molecular storage. How It Works Inspired by the stability of collagen, the team designed a protein "backbone" to host data-bearing amino acid sequences. Using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry and proprietary algorithms, they successfully reconstructed full sequences from digested fragments, converting them back into accurate bit strings with error correction. This research, supported by the Hong Kong Research Grants Council, builds on PolyU's previous success in peptide storage for space exploration, marking a significant step toward a sustainable, secure, and high-capacity future for global data management.    Read the full study: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-026-70061-7 Press release: https://polyu.me/4daJaKD Online coverage: Mirage - https://polyu.me/4wMwzoX Hong Kong Economic Journal - https://polyu.me/42w9YPv (subscription required) Wen Wei Po - https://polyu.me/4doi6GJ Bastille Post - https://polyu.me/4do8rA2  

Bridging Ancient Wisdom with Modern Science: A Recap of Our Seminar on CHM Clinical Trials

Bridging Ancient Wisdom with Modern Science: A Recap of Our Seminar on CHM Clinical Trials On May 13th, we were honored to host Prof. Lao Lixing from the Virginia University of Integrative Medicine for an insightful session titled "Clinical Trials on Chinese Herbal Medicine: Methodology and Challenges." While Chinese Herbal Medicine (CHM) has been a cornerstone of healthcare in Asia for millennia, integrating it into the Western evidence-based paradigm presents unique hurdles. Prof. Lao provided a masterclass on how to navigate these complexities to generate high-level evidence. Key takeaways from the session included: The Evidence Gap: Why Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) remain the gold standard, yet high-quality evidence for CHM is still scarce due to formula complexity. From Farm to FDA: A deep dive into the rigorous research methodology, covering herbal formula identification, raw material authentication, extraction methods, and quality control. Navigating Challenges: An honest discussion on the specific difficulties of conducting Phase I and II clinical trials under FDA guidelines. Prof. Lao shared valuable insights from his team's collaborative work with the University of Maryland and the University of Hong Kong, highlighting the path forward for integrative medicine. A huge thank you to Prof. Lao for expanding our understanding of how to scientifically validate traditional remedies for a global audience. #IntegrativeMedicine #TCM #ClinicalTrials #EvidenceBasedMedicine #ChineseHerbalMedicine #Research #FDA #May13Seminar

🚀 From Diagnosis to Prevention: Prof. MA Cong on the Future of AI in Healthcare

At the recent 6th Asia Healthcare Summit, Prof. MA Cong of PolyU shared his vision for a smarter healthcare future. As an Associate Professor and RCMI member, he joined a panel to explore how digital innovations and AI are reshaping the industry. Prof. Ma identified four key pillars giving Hong Kong a competitive edge: world-class scientific research, proactive government support, a mature healthcare network, and rigorous IP protection. He also pointed to the newly established Hong Kong Centre for Medical Products Regulation as a catalyst for bringing new local drugs to market faster. According to Prof. Ma, the journey of medical AI in Hong Kong has evolved rapidly. Starting with lung imaging in 2021, the technology has expanded to cover stroke and ophthalmic screenings. Today, the focus is on predicting genetic risks and preventing diseases before they occur. This shift represents a fundamental move away from reactive treatment toward proactive prevention. Beyond diagnostics, Prof. Ma noted that AI is crucial for optimizing hospital workflows, enabling personalized care plans, and guiding public health decisions. On the research front, Prof. Ma's team is making waves by combining generative AI with structural biology to tackle antibiotic resistance. They have successfully pinpointed active molecules for five difficult-to-treat infections, with two potential drugs already entering preclinical safety evaluations. These efforts highlight Hong Kong's commitment to building a dynamic ecosystem for health technology innovation.   Online coverage: Wen Wei Po - https://polyu.me/42r4lC8 Hong Kong China News Agency - https://polyu.me/4uFLbV5 Chinese Daily - https://polyu.me/4dEsLye    

🌿 Leading the Way in Sustainable Chinese Medicine: Prof. Wong Delivers Plenary at HKU Conference

We are proud to announce that Prof. Wong recently delivered a prestigious plenary speech at the 4th Conference for Wildlife Protection in Chinese Medicine 2026, organized by The University of Hong Kong (HKU) School of Chinese Medicine. In his address, titled "Exploration of the Substitution Applications of Chinese Herbal Medicines and Nutrients for Endangered Wildlife Products," Prof. Wong highlighted critical strategies for preserving biodiversity while maintaining the efficacy of traditional therapies. Key takeaways from his presentation included: 🔹 The scientific validation of herbal and nutrient-based alternatives. 🔹 Ethical frameworks for sourcing sustainable ingredients. 🔹 The future roadmap for reducing reliance on endangered wildlife in TCM. Congratulations to Prof. Wong on sharing vital insights with the global community! 🌏🐾 #WildlifeProtection #SustainableTCM #HKU #ChineseMedicine #Conservation #ProfWong #EndangeredSpecies #GreenMedicine

Strengthening Medical Collaboration: RCMI Delegation Visits Zhongshan Chen Xihai Hospital

On May 11, a distinguished delegation of scholars from the Research Center for Medical Innovation (RCMI), led by Director Prof. Wong, paid an official visit to Zhongshan Chen Xihai Hospital. This visit marks a pivotal step in fostering cross-institutional collaboration and accelerating knowledge exchange within the medical community. During the visit, the RCMI team engaged in strategic discussions and presented on four critical pillars of holistic patient care: Ophthalmology: Examining cutting-edge advancements in ocular health and vision care. Endocrinology: Sharing research insights on metabolic disorders and hormonal health. Nursing: Exploring modern nursing practices and patient-centered care models. Rehabilitation: Presenting innovative strategies for physical recovery and functional restoration. The exchange was met with great enthusiasm, laying a strong foundation for future joint research initiatives and clinical partnerships. RCMI extends its gratitude to the leadership and staff at Zhongshan Chen Xihai Hospital for their warm hospitality and commitment to open dialogue. Together, we are building a stronger future for medical innovation and patient well-being.

Martial arts Workshop

🌿 當陳式太極遇上國際中醫智慧：5/9 養生功法坊精彩回顧 5 月 9 日，我們有幸邀請到兩位重量級大師，為學員帶來了一場前所未有的身心靈深度洗禮！🧘‍♂️✨ 本次活動不僅是技藝的傳承，更是傳統武術智慧與現代科學醫學的完美對話。 👤 大師陣容：跨界對話，匯聚精華 本次課程由兩位在各自領域登峰造極的專家聯袂指導： 🔹 陳二虎大師(陳氏太極拳第 12 代嫡傳宗師、陳家溝「八大天王」之一) 特色： 將正統的「站樁」心法帶入現代生活，傳承數十年內功精髓，指導學員如何在動靜之間找回身體的平衡。 🔹 勞力行教授 (美國維吉尼亞整合醫學大學校長、前港大中醫藥學院院長) 特色： 擁有 40 年臨床經驗及發表 330+ SCI 論文。勞教授以嚴謹的科學視角，為中醫養生理論注入現代醫學的解釋與驗證。 🌟 課程亮點：從「外靜內動」到「自然免疫」 這次工作坊打破了理論與實踐的界線，讓學員在體驗中親證中醫的自癒力量： ✅ 太極站樁：百練不如一站 陳二虎大師親自指導，透過「外靜內動」的修煉方式，不僅有效改善駝背、增強下肢力量，更能提升學員的「精氣神」。許多學員反饋，練習後睡眠品質顯著改善，身體循環更為順暢。 ✅ 八段錦工作坊：科學解構，親手傳承 勞力行教授親授 90 分鐘「手把手」教學。課程專為初學者設計，無需深奧的理論基礎。透過精準的拉伸動作與呼吸調節，幫助學員調節自主神經系統，從內在打造強大的自然免疫屏障。 🌱 結語：讓傳統智慧融入現代生活 這次活動成功結合了傳統武術的深厚傳承與現代醫學的實證研究。我們看到，當古老的智慧遇上科學的視角，中醫的自癒力量便能更有效地守護現代人的身心健康。未來，我們將繼續致力於推廣這類融合性課程，邀請大家一同將傳統智慧融入日常生活，守護身心健康。 Online coverage: Bastille Post - https://polyu.me/4nDYVgH etnet - https://polyu.me/4umhLvx (English); https://polyu.me/4nJzbje (Chinese) Sina HK - https://polyu.me/4drt5k5 (English); https://polyu.me/4dPuiBz (Chinese) Yahoo US - https://polyu.me/4dRTSpy Taiwan News - https://polyu.me/4nCiRAv The Manila Times - https://polyu.me/4nyvCMq Thailand Business News - https://polyu.me/49PMRDh Vulcan Post - https://polyu.me/3PKgfnM PR Newswire - https://polyu.me/4nAW7B3 A-Performers - https://polyu.me/3Rj7Ub5 am730 - https://polyu.me/4fdi6Mr Business Times - https://polyu.me/43cqMLA Quamnet - https://polyu.me/4wwGTkx The Hub - https://polyu.me/4uZF91S Right Media - https://polyu.me/3RcuFxv E-Creative Media - https://polyu.me/4v1Er4d Life News - https://polyu.me/499IZNr Big Times - https://polyu.me/4uWpb8A Stars HK - https://polyu.me/3RNzoFT 捷報 - https://polyu.me/4wyLwKY 鉅聞天下 - https://polyu.me/4ePyt1p

Bridging Ancient Wisdom with Modern Science: A Landmark Symposium on Tai Chi & Qigong in Healthcare

Bridging Ancient Wisdom with Modern Science: A Landmark Symposium on Tai Chi & Qigong in Healthcare   On May 8, 2026, the Hong Kong Polytechnic University Research Centre for Chinese Medicine Innovation (PolyU RCMI) successfully convened a pivotal gathering: "The International Symposium on Martial Arts: Bridging Art and Science." This landmark event brought together global thought leaders to explore the transformative potential of integrating traditional movement practices into modern healthcare systems. We were honored to host distinguished guests, including Dr. Vincent Chung (Health Bureau), Prof. David Shum (PolyU), and Prof. Man-Sau Wong (PolyU RCMI). Together, they charted a course for the future of integrative medicine, emphasizing the critical need for evidence-based approaches to holistic wellness. Key Highlights of the Symposium: 🌍 Global Expertise: The event featured inspiring keynotes from Prof. Gloria Yeh (Harvard University) and Prof. Chenchen Wang (Tufts University), who presented groundbreaking research on managing chronic diseases and alleviating pain through movement therapy. 🔬 Clinical Evidence: Sessions delved deep into specific applications of traditional arts, including the role of Tai Chi in enhancing cardiac and brain health, Baduanjin in rehabilitation protocols, and Qigong in improving the quality of life for the frail elderly. 🚀 The Future of Care: The consensus was clear: there is a strong, unified commitment to rigorously validating and integrating these traditional practices into standard modern healthcare frameworks. In her closing remarks, Prof. Man-Sau Wong reaffirmed the Centre's mission: "This symposium underscores our dedication to supporting whole-person health through interdisciplinary collaboration." We extend our deepest gratitude to the researchers, clinicians, and attendees who joined us in advancing this vital field. Together, we are building a bridge between centuries of wisdom and the cutting edge of medical science.

Bridging Traditions: A Productive Visit to the TCM Hospital 🌿🏥

On May 6th, RCMI Director Prof. Man-sau Wong, alongside Prof. Lixing Lao, had the privilege of visiting The Chinese Medicine Hospital of Hong Kong. It was an inspiring day dedicated to exploring the future of integrative healthcare. The highlight of our visit was an in-depth discussion with Prof. Bian regarding our upcoming collaboration. We explored how to seamlessly combine modern medical advancements with time-honored Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) principles to achieve superior patient outcomes. 🤝📚 We are thrilled about the potential of this partnership and look forward to turning these shared visions into reality. Stay tuned for more updates!