A health summit promoting the integration of Chinese and Western medicine concluded in Bangkok on Tuesday, with the launch of a global doctors’ coalition to enhance collaboration.

“I have always believed that true progress comes not from isolation, but from integration,” Adrian Cheng Chi-kong, founder of Almad Group and K11 by AC in Hong Kong, said at a closing gala dinner of the We are the World Global Health Innovation Summit.

We are the World (WATW) is a global health platform launched by Cheng and his partners in October. The aim is to address critical gaps in medical systems and build a multidisciplinary platform that promotes integration and cocreation.

ALSO READ: HK ‘perfectly positioned’ to boost global profile of TCM

“Let us continue to join hands, bringing together the wisdom of the East and the technology of the West, uniting the strength of the public sector with the innovation of the private sector, to create a healthier and more equitable future for all humanity,” Cheng said.

During the summit held from Nov 9-11, 25 experts from across the world, including a recipient of the United States Food and Drug Administration Lifetime Achievement Award, leading bioscientists, and artificial intelligence specialists, held discussions on key topics such as collaborative cancer treatment, chronic disease management, and public wellness.

Phinij Jarusombat, former deputy prime minister and president of the Thai-Chinese Cultural Relationship Council, said at the opening ceremony there is a need to build a new “Health Silk Road” to promote the exchange of knowledge and innovation.  

Yan Lijin, chairman of the China Silk Road Group and executive vice-chairman of the Traditional Chinese Medicine Culture Congress, announced the congress’ partnership with the WATW.

A doctors’ coalition – “Medic Warriors Alliance” was also launched.

READ MORE: 'We Are the World' launches global health platform in Bangkok

The closing gala dinner brought together about 300 delegations, including consuls from 20 countries. Mohamed Alabbar, founder of United Arab Emirates-based Emaar Properties, and representatives from different business associations also attended the event.

They jointly witnessed an award ceremony that recognized the contributions of 18 medical experts.

The next WATW summit is scheduled to be held in the UAE in 2027.

Contact the writer at kelly@chinadailyapac.com