On 8 August 2025, the Australian Traditional Chinese Medicine Chamber of Commerce held its founding celebration, "Light of Heritage," in Sydney. Prominent guests from political, business and academic circles, as well as the TCM industry, gathered together to witness this significant milestone building on the past and opening the way for the future.

At this celebration, which brought together the strength of the industry and a shared cultural mission, we were especially honoured to welcome a number of distinguished guests from political, business and TCM circles, and other sectors, in both China and Australia. Their presence added lustre to the occasion and lent sincere good wishes and strong support to the development of TCM in Australia.

Their attendance not only symbolised the growing recognition of TCM within mainstream society, but also demonstrated the deep friendship and shared vision between China and Australia in healthcare, culture and broader cooperation.

Special guests invited to the event included:

Mr Jin Jianmin, Counsellor Consul of the Consulate-General of the People's Republic of China in Sydney

Mr Qin Kaihong, Counsellor Consul of the Consulate-General of the People's Republic of China in Sydney

The Hon Philip Ruddock, former federal Minister for Multicultural Affairs and Immigration

The event also received strong support from ACCIA. Chairman Su Xinfeng and Vice Chairmen Chen Weisheng and Zheng Maoqiang personally led a number of core members to attend in person, providing solid backing for the founding of the Australian Traditional Chinese Medicine Chamber of Commerce.

Behind the successful staging of the celebration also stood important support from mainland China. Shenzhen Rennan Group, as a key partner and supporting organisation for the event, brought a high level of professionalism and concrete action to its mission of "empowering traditional Chinese medicine through technology," injecting solid momentum into the modernisation and international development of TCM culture.

In his address, Chen Jianchao, President of the Australian Traditional Chinese Medicine Chamber of Commerce, said: "We share a common dream: to let traditional Chinese medicine shine in Australia. As the theme of this event, 'Light of Heritage,' suggests, we must stay true to our roots while embracing innovation, so that this light can illuminate the way ahead."

Themed "Light of Heritage," the event was not only a tribute to the traditional culture of Chinese medicine, but also a rallying call and declaration for the future — staying firmly true to our roots while embracing innovation, and using traditional Chinese medicine as a bridge connecting culture and health, tradition and modernity, China and the world.

Across five thousand years of Chinese civilisation, traditional Chinese medicine has burned like an unceasing light, carrying the wisdom of Eastern philosophies of life. Today, the Australian Traditional Chinese Medicine Chamber of Commerce has been established on this multicultural land, with the aim of bringing together the strength of industry peers and building a platform for professional mutual support. Guided by the mission of "integrating resources, promoting cooperation, protecting rights and interests, raising standards and spreading culture," it seeks to drive more stable and long-term development of traditional Chinese medicine in Australia and around the world.

At the founding of the Australian Traditional Chinese Medicine Chamber of Commerce, the members of its first Advisory Panel and Council were officially unveiled.

First Advisory Panel: Permanent Honorary President: Cai Mengshan. Honorary President: Su Xinfeng. Honorary Presidents: Chen Weisheng, Zeng Haichuan, Zheng Maoqiang, Yuan Qing, Chen Yinhai, Fu Zhenhui, Dr Michael Li. Honorary Advisor: Wang Miaofan. Legal Advisor: Hong Wanqi. Financial Advisor: Fang Xiaowen. Special Advisor: Zhong Weikang. Advisor: Xu Qianxiang.

First Council: Founding President: Chen Jianchao. Executive President: Chen Qizhuang. Vice Presidents: Ma Keyan, Xiang Xia, Wu Honglin, Wang Zuosheng, Wu Haojie, Meng Ligui. Director of the Guangdong Investment Promotion Office: Huang Youzhi. Director of the Guangxi Investment Promotion Office: Huang Huaizeng. Deputy Director of the Guangdong Investment Promotion Office: Huang Qingfang. Deputy Secretary-General: Chen Xiaojie. Council Members: Cai Sufang, Yu Yu, Lin Xiaojing.

The successful staging of the "Light of Heritage" founding celebration of the Australian Traditional Chinese Medicine Chamber of Commerce marks not only an important milestone in the development of TCM in Australia, but also a heartfelt contribution to the global spread of traditional Chinese culture. The event brought together the wisdom and strength of people from all walks of life, and reflected the firm commitment of the TCM community to both heritage and innovation.