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FROM 3 to 14 June 2025, four students from IMU University’s Chinese Medicine programme – Chan Qi, Cheong Jia Jing, Hue Wai Kay, and Low Tze Ti – had the unique opportunity to participate in the 2025 Shanghai Summer School programme organised by the Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (SHUTCM).

This immersive educational experience brought together students from different countries, including Malaysia, Singapore, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Czech Republic, Mexico, and more, to explore the rich heritage and contemporary applications of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

This programme offered a comprehensive overview of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), providing not only insightful lectures but also hands-on practical sessions. 

As a group of four we were introduced to fundamental concepts in TCM, including the Yin-Yang theory, the Five Elements, diagnostic methodologies such as pulse and tongue analysis, as well as therapeutic practices like tuina and acupuncture.

In addition to theoretical lectures, we also had the opportunity to learn the Wu Qin Xi (Five Animal Play), one of a traditional Chinese exercise that imitates the movement of five animals – tiger, deer, bear, monkey and crane. 

The aims of practising Wu Qin Xi are to promote Qi and blood circulation, strengthen bones and muscles, and improve physical and mental well-being.

Through various interactive discussions and practical demonstrations, we gained a deeper understanding of the holistic principles of TCM.

Our summer school also embarked on an enlightening exploration of Shanghai’s integrated TCM ecosystem, visiting three sites where ancient wisdom interfaces with modern technology. 

At Shanghai Seventh People’s Hospital, an affiliated hospital of SHUTCM, we witnessed the seamless fusion of clinical diagnosis, TCM therapies, and herbal dispensary operations. 

The hospital’s TCM departments—from nephrology (a national key specialty) to acupuncture rehabilitation—demonstrated evidence-based integration of herbal protocols with Western medicine, underscoring its leading role in holistic medicine.

We were fortunate to observe real-time consultations and herbal prescriptions, gaining insight from diagnosis to therapy.

We had the opportunity to visit Yi Da Herbal Garden which offered a vivid, sensory immersion into the botanical essence of TCM. Spanning 350 acres in Kangqiao, this cultural landscape combined medicinal herb cultivation, research, public education, and wellness services. 

Surrounded by more than 500 species of medicinal herbs, we explored the garden and stepped inside a museum that reconstructed historical practices of herbal processing. 

From mortar-and-pestle grinding to traditional nine-steam-nine-bask techniques for DiHuang, each exhibit emphasised TCM’s focus on detail and moderation.

Moreover, we also visited Shanghai Kangqiao Chinese Medicine Tablet Co., Ltd., where the modern infrastructure supporting TCM accessibility was revealed. 

The factory featured semi-mechanised systems and intelligent equipment that streamlined the decoction process, allowing the preparation of thousands of personalised herbal prescriptions daily.

 The visit demonstrated how technology is being thoughtfully integrated into tradition to improve both convenience and patient experience.

Through this programme, we were honoured to immerse ourselves in the rich heritage of Chinese culture through hands-on experiences that were both educational and deeply memorable.

One of the highlights in the programme was joining a Xiang Pai workshop, which directly translates to “incense tag.” The combination of scent, symbolism, and traditional attire made this workshop especially memorable and meaningful.

Another unforgettable and educational experience was learning the art of Chinese tea from a skilled Chinese tea expert. 

This session not only enhanced our existing understanding in tea preparation but also offered insights into how something as simple as tea making can reflect deep-rooted values in the Chinese society.

Finally, we also tried Chinese paper cutting, a folk art that symbolizes good luck and celebration. This activity helped us further understand the significance of symbolism and craftsmanship in everyday Chinese traditions, specifically during festivals.

As part of the summer school programme in China, we also had the opportunity to explore several remarkable places beyond Shanghai. 

This travel experience was not only enjoyable but also added a meaningful layer to our overall learning journey. 

Participating in the 2025 Shanghai Summer School was an eye-opening and enriching experience for the four of us—one that went far beyond textbooks and lectures.

 It allowed us to immerse ourselves in the deep-rooted traditions of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Chinese culture in a way that were educational, cultural and deeply personal.

The friendships we formed, the cultural values we gained, and the knowledge we learned throughout this programme have left a lasting impact on our perspectives as future TCM practitioners.

IMU offers a 5-year Bachelor of Chinese Medicine (Honours).

It also has partnerships with Shanghai University of TCM, China and Western Sydney University, Australia for students to transfer after the initial years of study in the IMU Chinese Medicine programme. Students will then be awarded the Bachelor degrees in Chinese Medicine of the respective partner universities upon completion of their studies.

The IMU Chinese Medicine programme is delivered in an integrative manner, where students will acquire knowledge from both Chinese Medicine and western medicine. 

Delivered in English, students will equip themselves with evidence-based medical knowledge to deal with future challenges locally or internationally as a healthcare provider.

Calling all STPM, Foundation, Matriculation, Diploma, A-level students or any other students with pre-university qualifications! Make an online application today at application.imu.edu.my. to join our Chinese Medicine programme. 

For more information, please refer to www.imu.edu.my or email: start@imu.edu.my or call IMU at 03 - 2731 7272.