The new book contains information of about 500 commonly used CMM in Hong Kong, illustrated with photographs or microscopic images and detailed descriptions of origin, properties and efficacy of these Chinese herbs and natural medicines. This university-industry collaboration, led by Dr Zhao Zhongzhen, Associate Professor, SCM, HKBU, represents a two-year research effort to establish an industry platform on standardization and to advance modernization of the Traditional Chinese medicine sector.

Prof Ng Ching-fai, President and Vice-Chancellor, HKBU noted: "This is a major work to advance our Traditional Chinese medicine industry, which has been impeded by the lack of industry-wide standards and the existence of counterfeit products in the market. The confused usage of CMM names due to geographical, language and customary differences is also a key industry issue that needs to be coped with. HKBU has therefore taken the initiative to spearhead this testing task to guard the origin and authenticity of CMM. We are much encouraged by the support from the industry and Government in helping us realize this mission."

Ms Chiang Sau-chu, Acting Chief Pharmacist, Hospital Authority, HKSAR added that: "Safety is always our top priority in the use of medicine, whether it be in the Chinese or western stream. Our Department is committed to extending the stringent regulatory measures and manufacturing practices, such as GMP, to the area of Chinese medicine. Although the implementation of such regulatory control is still in its nascent stage, we are pleased to witness solid and positive progress of this centuries-old doctrine in this direction."

HKBU has enlisted the support of Eu Yan Sang in providing funding and Chinese herbs specimens, including some rare and superior herbs, and input of their expertise plus unique market knowledge to facilitate research and editorial work.

"This latest research collaboration with the Baptist University (BU) is to ensure the accuracy of herbs being used in our industry. The book also sets a standard to further educate and nurture more professional Chinese herbalists for the industry," remarked Mr Richard Eu, Group Chief Executive Officer, Eu Yan Sang International Ltd.

"An Illustrated Chinese Materia Medica in Hong Kong" is carried in all major bookstores and Eu Yan Sang shops in Hong Kong, at a retail price of HK$350.

About Hong Kong Baptist University
Hong Kong Baptist University was founded in 1956 with a mission to provide quality whole-person education. Presently the University has a full-time student population of 4,800. Through its seven schools/faculties of Arts, Business, Chinese Medicine, Communication, Science, Social Sciences and Continuing Education, the University offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. Please click HKBU homepage: www.hkbu.edu.hk for more information.

About Eu Yan Sang Group
Listed on the Main Board of the Singapore Exchange in July 2000, Eu Yan Sang International Ltd is a global healthcare group with its core focus in Traditional Chinese Medicine ("TCM"). A leading household name in Asia for over 120 years, the Group is principally engaged in the R&D, manufacture, retail and wholesale of TCM products under its "Eu Yan Sang" brand name. It also manufactures and sells prescription and over-the-counter drugs in Hong Kong, and operates a chain of 17 TCM clinics and "YourHealth" Integrative Medicine Centres ("IMC") in Australia, Singapore and Malaysia.

The Group offers over 150 quality Chinese Proprietary Medicines and Health Foods under its "Eu Yan Sang" brand name, and over 1,000 types of TCM herbs. Manufacturing activities are mainly carried out at its three Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)-certified factories in Hong Kong and Malaysia. The Group has an extensive distribution network of 80 retail outlets across Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia and USA, and available in over 5,000 major wholesalers, medical halls, hospitals, supermarkets, drugstores, bookstores, convenience stores, health clubs and spa worldwide, as well as several TCM clinics/IMCs in the region. In addition, its cybershop at www.euyansang.com offers its global customers the ease and convenience of buying its products online.

Issued by :
Eu Yan Sang (Hong Kong) Limited

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