The major Traditional Chinese Medicine conference had an in-person component at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. Photo Credit: WCCM
The 18th World Congress of Chinese Medicine (WCCM) concluded recently
in Hong Kong on 4 December, where the hybrid meet gathered more than
2,000 attendees and 3.8 million views from 60 destinations.
WCCM also marked the first time the Traditional Chinese Medicine
focused event is held in Hong Kong, where in-person attendees checked in
at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC).
The event was made possible by the bidding efforts of the Hong Kong
Registered Chinese Medicine Practitioners Association, a member of the
Hong Kong Convention Ambassador programme (HKCA), in collaboration with
the World Federation of Chinese Medicine Societies (WFCMS).
Sang
Binsheng, VP and Secretary General of the World Federation of Chinese
Medicine Societies, said, "Hong Kong is renowned for being the 'World's
Meeting Place' thanks to its globally accessible and convenient
transport network, large-scale world-class venues, facilities and
professional services. We look forward to gathering again in Hong Kong
and navigating the future of TCM development together."
As physical gatherings resume, HKCEC has in place strict protocols in
accordance to local guidelines, such as temperature checks, mandatory
wearing of face masks, and checking in on the 'LeaveHomeSafe' app.
A Covid-19 polymerase chain reaction-based nucleic acid test is also
compulsory for all staff members, organisers, contractors and exhibitors
once every 14 days before the last show day, and presenting negative
results before being admitted to the event venues.
On the venue front, anti-virus disinfection coating is applied to all
high-touch spots, air handling units are equipped with ultraviolet
lamps, increased disinfection works daily, special rubbish bins for
disposal of used face masks, and two isolation rooms dedicated in the
event sick people are discovered on site.
At the moment, food items served in the concession stands are
individually packaged and special serving protocol options are available
at banqueting events.
The HKCEC — which recently won Best Convention Centre (North Asia) at
the M&C Asia Stella Awards 2021 — has been seeing steady local
events returning, announcing a total of 25 physical exhibitions in the
period of 14 July 2021 to 31 August which saw more than 1.29 million in
attendance.
As
a further testament to the success of the HKCA, initiated by the Hong
Kong Tourism Board, other key medical conventions for the rest of this
year under the HKCA programme include the International Annual Congress
of the Endoscopic and Laparoscopic Surgeons of Asia (ELSA) 2021, and the
Hong Kong International Dental Expo and Symposium (HKIDEAS) 2021.