In the height of summer in Toronto, a new chapter in health industry has just begun. On the afternoon of July 12, at the John & Jenny Traditional Chinese Medicine College in Canada, a red curtain set the backdrop for the smiling guests as applause and well-wishes filled the air.
A grand unveiling ceremony was held to reveal the development of: TIENS North America TCM International Cooperation Center and Yuangchang Smart Healthy Life Experience Center.
This moment marked not only the official launch of these two platforms, but also paved the path for the integration of Traditional Chinese Medicine into North America.
Distinguished guests from the Canadian government and Traditional Chinese Medicine circles, as well as education and health industries, gathered to witness this significant occasion.
The North America International Cooperation Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine is inaugurated.
Bringing Eastern Wisdom to North America
The global expansion of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is not merely a geographical feat. It opens up opportunities for exploration of health philosophies, cultural exchange, and industrial integration.
In the recent years, as global perspectives on health have evolved, there has been growing interest in preventive care, health management, and lifestyle choices. That being said, the core merits of TCM — a holistic approach to health, the philosophy of balance, and belief of harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature, naturally draws the attention of those across the globe.
The establishment of the TIENS North America TCM International Cooperation Center in Canada marks a strategic move for the industry, representing far more than just a name or a plaque; it serves as a bridge connecting China’s health industry with the North American market.
At the ceremony, Ms. Jin Aiping, Chairwoman of Canada-Dubai Enterprises and Executive Dean for both John & Jenny TCM College and Hospital, delivered the opening remarks, outlining the background of the two centers’ establishment and their vision for future development.
She stated that the centers would be guided by the principles of “heritage, integration, and service.” They aim to preserve TCM culture while integrating modern health concepts, providing the Canadian public with health experiences, health education, and related professional services in a manner that closely aligns with community needs.
Diana Peng – A Bridge for TCM
The unveiling ceremony featured the special attendance of renowned Chinese actor Diana Peng, President of the Institute of International Economic Strategy and Co-Chair of the United Nations Global Filial Piety Committee. Prior to this event, she was appointed Honorary Chair of the US General Chamber of Commerce in Los Angeles before travelling to Canada to officiate the release of the two centers.
In recent years, Diana Peng has remained active in international spheres including politics, business, academia, culture, and philanthropy. Her works revolve around global economic trends, the internationalization of national enterprises, and cross-regional industrial cooperation, dedicating herself to leveraging cultural exchange and public diplomacy to connect businesses with the resources needed to enter international markets.
During her speech, President Diana Peng noted that despite the complex and volatile international landscape, global economic integration and cooperation remain topics of interest. Out of this, the health industry emerges as a key field that not only serves the general public, but links culture, education, technology, and international collaboration.
She explained that the Institute of International Economic Strategy has long focused on international economic trends, public diplomacy, and philanthropy. With branches established across Europe, the Americas, Middle East, Southeast Asia, Central Asia, and Africa, the institute connects enterprises with the policies, industries, and resources needed for international expansion.
For TIENS, an honorary governing member of the institute, its entry into the Canadian market marks a significant step in expanding its North American presence and advancing its global strategy. Diana Peng highlighted that Canada’s open, diverse society and its significant potential of its health industry create favourable conditions for integrating Traditional Chinese Medicine culture and smart health services with local needs.
“Opportunities belong to the pioneers. Globalization tests capability and vision; the true gap lies not in the market itself, but in mindset and execution.” She stated that the institute would join forces with partners such as TIENS and the John & Jenny TCM College to explore a development model characterized by “think-tank leadership, industry-driven growth, and global collaboration,” aiming to establish these centers as platforms that serve to exchange knowledge of the health industry between China and Canada.
Converging Perspectives: Discussing the Future Internationalization of TCM
The event was more than just an launching ceremony; it served as a forum for government, academia, industry, and the medical community to jointly explore the future of health.
Distinguished guests including Ontario Progressive Conservative MPP Peng Jinwei, President of the John & Jenny TCM College Dr. Liu Jinhong, European Director of TIENS Xiang Jinhui, and renowned Canadian TCM practitioner and “Overseas Master of Traditional Chinese Medicine” Zhao Xiaolan, each delivered speeches, sharing their varying insights on the development of the health sector and international involvement of TCM.
The government official brought fresh perspectives to the development of TCM within multicultural communities; academic representatives emphasized the importance of talent cultivation and knowledge transmission; industry leaders focused on global health trends and envisioned new opportunities for international collaboration; medical experts discussed how traditional medicine can revitalize itself within modern healthcare systems, based on clinical practice and professional heritage.
The collective wisdom from diverse fields clarified the significance of this collaborative platform. Not only does it bridge the heritage of TCM culture with modern health, but it also establishes a new medium for all these fields to jointly advance international health exchanges.
Dr. Liu Jinhong – “The Future of Medicine”: Shifting from Treating Illness to Disease Prevention
At the event, Dr. Liu Jinhong delivered a keynote speech titled “The Future of Medicine,” sharing his insights on the direction of medical development going forward.
He stated that the true essence of medicine lies not merely in treating existing diseases, but rather helping people avoid illness altogether; reducing the frequency of sickness, delaying the onset of disease, and preventing recurrence. From the concept of “treating disease before it arises” found in the Huangdi Neijing (The Yellow Emperor’s Inner World) to the advancements of modern medicine, humanity has continuously sought the ideal way of managing their health.
Dr. Liu Jinhong points out that, given the rising prevalence of chronic diseases and escalating healthcare costs, the future of medicine must shift from a “disease-treatment-centered” approach to one focused on prevention and overall lifelong health management.
He envisions physicians not merely as those who treat established illnesses, but as long-term partners in the health management of residents, helping people effectively prevent disease before it occurs through health assessments, personalized guidance, and lifestyle interventions.
Regarding the future development of TCM, he notes that TCM has long emphasized a holistic perspective and the concept of “preventive treatment of disease,” or zhi wei bing. It seeks to balance health through methods such as constitutional assessments, meridian regulation, dietary nutrition, and emotional well-being management.
Dr. Liu states that the newly established TIENS North America TCM International Cooperation Center will foster academic exchange, talent development, and international collaboration in the field of TCM. Meanwhile, the Yuangchang Smart Healthy Life Experience Center will explore the integration of TCM wisdom with modern technologies of AI and big data to make health management more precise, convenient, and personalized.
Red Curtain Rises: The Official Launch of the Two Major Platforms
The ceremony then reached the highly anticipated moment of reveal. Witnessed by the guests in attendance, the red curtain was slowly drawn back, officially revealing the TIENS North America TCM International Cooperation Center and Yuangchang Smart Healthy Life Experience Center. Amidst the applause, these two platforms, embodying health philosophies and a vision for international cooperation, officially launched, marking the beginning of a new journey to integrate the wisdom of TCM with modern health concepts in North America.
Moving forward, the Yuangchang Smart Healthy Life Experience Center will focus on health management, experiences, education, and the promotion of healthy lifestyles. By engaging closely with the local community, the hub aims to help residents understand health concepts, experience health services, and explore more scientific and proactive approaches to healthy living.
As a pivotal platform for fostering international exchange in TCM, the TIENS North America TCM International Cooperation Center will serve the purpose of promoting TCM culture, facilitating academic exchanges, cultivating talent, fostering research collaboration, and connecting industry resources with hopes of further strengthening communication and cooperation between Canada and the global TCM community.
Establishment of these two centers represents more than just the creation of new platforms; it acts as a bridge, connecting traditional medical practices with modern technology, international resources with community needs, thereby opening a new chapter for the development of TCM in North America.
Following the event, Diana Peng was interviewed by Qingsong Media and DMDAC. When asked about the integration of TCM in modern society, she noted that TCM is not merely a medical system; it embodies the Chinese culture’s unique understanding of the relationships between life, nature, and health.
She believes that for TCM to expand internationally, it must go beyond the mere export of products or technologies. It is essential to foster an understanding of its holistic philosophy among people from diverse cultural backgrounds. Moving forward, the two centers will facilitate recognition and acceptance of traditional medicinal practices within North American society through professional education, community-based experiences, and industry collaboration.
Dr. Liu Jinhong also accepted an interview from the former media companies who inquired him about the opportunities and challenges TCM faces in Canadian and modern healthcare. He stated that TCM in Canada is undergoing a significant transformation: shifting from primarily serving the Chinese community to reaching the broader, multicultural society. As residents of diverse ethnic backgrounds show increasing interest in traditional medicine, new opportunities for the development of TCM emerge.
However, to truly integrate into Canada’s mainstream healthcare system, TCM must continue to improve in areas such as educational quality, clinical standards, research capabilities, and industry credibility, earning public recognition through more standardized and professional practices.
He noted that the John & Jenny TCM College would work on building upon its foundation of professional education and talent development to further strengthen clinical practice, community service, and international exchange.
“The future of TCM lies not merely in preservation, but in innovation and integration.” Dr. Liu believes that only by continuously refining educational systems, professional standards, and service models can the wisdom of traditional medicine effectively address the health needs of modern society and play a more active role in the North American healthcare landscape.
Connecting Traditional Wisdom with Future Health
From the wisdom of Eastern traditional medicine to the diverse health needs of North America; from cultural heritage to industrial collaboration, Traditional Chinese Medicine is moving towards global reach.
TIENS’ expansion into North America marks not only a significant step in the company’s global strategy, but also a proactive effort by China’s health industry to engage internationally and advance the global development of TCM.
As the TIENS North America TCM International Cooperation Center and Yuangchang Smart Healthy Life Experience Center continue to evolve, these platforms will integrate resources across education, industry, medicine, and the community, fostering international relations through exchange of health concepts, and spreading TCM culture.
The development of TCM requires both safeguarding a heritage that spans millennia and embracing modern technology and the demands of the times.
In Toronto, a city where diverse cultures converge, a new chapter is unfolding in the exploration of the intersection between traditional wisdom and future health.