Prof. Chen Shaodong, Dean of the School of Traditional Chinese Medicine (STCM) at Xiamen University Malaysia (XMUM), attended the Global Standards Symposium for Undergraduate TCM Education as Malaysia's representative.

The event was host by the China National Center for Development of Traditional Chinese Medicine Education on 10 August 2025.

Together with experts from Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, and other institutions worldwide, they reviewed and drafted the initial Discussion Draft of the Global Standards for Undergraduate TCM Education.

The Discussion Draft, focusing on "pre-licensure TCM education, aims to provide globally applicable guidelines for institutions that train TCM physicians capable of practicing Chinese medicine.

Acknowledging the diversity in national positioning, recognition, and legislation of TCM education, the symposium defined requirements and standards across curriculum design, faculty structure, clinical training, quality assessment, and continuous improvement.

During the symposium, Prof. Chen presented XMUM's decade-long experience, highlighting its trinity model of bilingual (Chinese-English) teaching, overseas clinical bases, and professional accreditation.

His proposal to "leverage standards for mutual recognition, and mutual recognition for development" received unanimous endorsement. This participation signifies XMUM's entry into the global "top-level design" of TCM education and offers a unique solution for standardizing TCM programmes in Malaysia and across ASEAN.