Students from the School of Traditional Chinese Medicine (STCM), Xiamen University Malaysia (XMUM), won one Gold, one Silver, and one Bronze Award at the 11th China Undergraduate Medical Innovation Tournament & The Belt and Road International Competition Grand Finals, held from 16–18 August 2025 at Shandong University, Jinan, China.

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Xiamen University Malaysia alongside other universities' award-winning student representatives

This was the first time STCM participated in the international track of the competition. Three student teams, led by Prof. Dr. Chen Shaodong, Dean of STCM, and Asst. Prof. Dr. Chep Lee Lu Siang, Head of Undergraduate Programme, advanced to the grand finals. The event brought together more than 4,000 participants from over 200 universities across 10 countries.

The competition required teams to present their research to expert panels, engage in interdisciplinary exchanges, and respond to questions. A total of 99 teams competed in the international grand finals.

The Gold Award was awarded to the project "The Differences of Tongue Analysis Between the Adulthood of Three Major Ethnic Groups in Malaysia". Team leader Low Enxi said in an interview with China News Service:

"Xiamen University Malaysia has always encouraged students to engage in innovative research. With strong support from the university and guidance from our lecturers, our team spent six months studying the differences in tongue characteristics among Malaysia's three major ethnic groups from a TCM perspective. This research has led to valuable preliminary findings."

She added, "Winning on the international stage is not only an honor but also an opportunity to share Traditional Chinese Medicine with the world. This motivates us to continue our research and help more people understand the value of TCM."

Member of the National Distinguished TCM Physician (China), Vice President of the China Association of Chinese Medicine, and Deputy Chair of the National Chinese Medicine Teaching Advisory Board under the Ministry of Education, Prof. Li Candong from Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, commented:

"Xiamen University Malaysia has made significant contributions to the cultivation of international talent in traditional Chinese medicine and has played an active role in promoting the global dissemination of TCM culture."

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Xiamen University Malaysia's student teams and supervisors with Prof. Li Candong

Award Details Attached: