International cooperation with leading Chinese university to establish research & learning foundations for dissemination of best Chinese medicine practices in Arab world
UAE, April 17, 2016 – The Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University (HBMSU) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Shanghai International Cooperation Center of Traditional Medicine (SICCTM) to establish strong research and learning foundations for Chinese medicine at the local and regional levels.
The MOU was inked at HBMSU’s premises in the presence of a delegation from the Consulate of the People’s Republic of China in Dubai headed by Ms. Li Lingbing Consul-General, and Dr. Mansoor Al Awar, Chancellor of HBMSU and Chairman of the UNESCO Institute for Information Technologies in Education (IITE) Governing Board. The signatories were Prof. Mustafa Hassan, HBMSU’s Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, and Prof. Dr. Li Shang, Director, SICCTM.
Under the terms of the MOU, HBMSU and SICCTM will collaborate on strengthening international academic and professional communication, scientific research and development, and education and training on Chinese medicine. Their joint efforts will initially focus on Dubai and eventually expand to the entire UAE and wider Middle East region.
Dr. Mansoor Al Awar, said: “As a pioneer in various forms, areas and manner of learning, HBMSU has forged a partnership with Shanghai International Cooperation Center of Traditional Medicine to equip learners and practitioners with knowledge and skills culled from respected Chinese and Arabian experts in Chinese medicine.”
He pointed out that the bilateral cooperation with a leading Chinese university in Chinese medicine advances HBMSU’s new direction towards spreading knowledge about methodologies and practices that provide wider choices for enjoying a healthy and sound life, in line with the aspirations of the wise leadership to bring happiness to the people and ensure the well-being of the community.
“The partnership falls within the framework of HBMSU’s tireless endeavors to promote channels of knowledge transfer and export. We are confident that the move will be a quantum leap for us to establish the university as a pioneering Knowledge Center of Chinese Medicine, which is an old science that has proven exceptionally efficient in healing the sick by addressing their physical, spiritual, psychological and social aspects,” added Al Awar.
Prof. Dr. Li Shang, Director of the Shanghai International Cooperation Center of Traditional Medicine, said: “In recent years traditional Chinese medicine has gained more and more understanding worldwide, including in the Middle East, with its market share gradually expanding. The United Arab Emirates is the biggest and most open market among the Gulf countries. The MoU with HBMSU comes as a qualitative step in meeting the growing demand for supplying the regional market with qualified staff in accordance with the highest international standards to provide treatments based on reliable and integrated methodologies. Bilateral cooperation is important as it paves the way for us to spread the culture of Chinese medicine in the Arab world, as well as establish a solid foundation for integrating academic and research resources and professional and social aspects on the way to an innovative model that combines the best practices of Chinese medicine.”
We are honored to cooperate with Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University which has a strong presence and modern educational resources and advanced technological innovations. We have strong faith and confidence that together with HBMSU the new innovated traditional Chinese medicine will benefit more people in UAE and across the Arab World,” Prof. Dr. Li Shang concluded.
Chinese medicine is an ancient science dating back to thousands of years. It is characterized by diversity and includes herbal medicine and acupuncture, massage therapy, nutrition and others. Traditional Arabic medicine, an integral part of the cultural heritage of Arab and Islamic countries, combines herbal medicine and food practices and physical, mental and spiritual treatments and applied therapy, all of which have had a positive impact on the lives of people throughout the ages.