Silk Road Champion Proposal: TCM Clinic "Tech Innovation Goes Global" in ASEAN

Author: Lawrence ZENG, Form 5 Student, Fung Kai Liu Man Shek Tong Secondary School

Advised by Dr. Wilson CHAN

What does the "Silk Road of Innovation"—one of the "Eight Major Initiatives" under “My Interfaces with Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)” ? These words together form the name of the competition: "My Interfaces with BRI." Last year, I stood on the competition stage with this very question. Today, as we hold the champion trophy and see our presented proposal recognized by the judges, the answer is as clear as the ringing of camel bells in the desert—this millennia-old wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is being revitalized by technology, and we young people are the key innovation drivers of this new Silk Road.

Enlightenment: From Competition Awareness to Strategic Insight

First, I would like to thank the "Belt and Road Pioneer" (BRP) team led by President Bernard CHAN, Mr. Nicholas HO, Commissioner for Belt and Road, and other experts. They analyzed the Belt and Road from multiple perspectives (Professor Herman HU), uncovered the blue ocean of Southeast Asia's digital economy with an annual growth rate of 20% (Professor Thomas CHAN and Dr. Wilson CHAN), interpreted the tech cluster of the Greater Bay Area with a total GDP of 13.2 trillion RMB (Professor Terence CHONG), verified technological feasibility through AI application cases (Professor Raymond CHAN), and laid the groundwork for sustainable medical solutions (Professor Simon HO and Dr. MA Jun). These insights, beyond what textbooks offer, made me realize: TCM going global is not merely cultural export, but a practical solution—powered by technology—to address the scarcity of medical resources in tropical regions.

The Proposal: Infusing New Technology into TCM Clinics

Within a preparation time of only about 30 minutes, our final presentation successfully showcased the concept of "AI Tongue Diagnosis + Drone Herb Collection + Cross-border Diagnosis Platform." Under the guidance of Ms. Wendy CHEUNG, we designed a skit titled "Smart TCM Expands the Silk Road"—integrating traditional TCM practices of "observation, listening, inquiry, and palpation" with modern technology by using an AI system to analyze massive Southeast Asian medical cases: identifying body constitutions (such as damp-heat or qi deficiency) through tongue coating images to generate personalized prescriptions; developing an app with AI acupoint analysis to quickly mark acupuncture points, improving diagnosis efficiency.

Scenario: Digital Transformation of Traditional Diagnosis

Diagnosis can be intelligent: Building an interconnected network, we created a language-barrier-free online diagnosis platform using translation software, making "doctors accessible everywhere" a reality. Southeast Asian island fishermen can consult remotely via voice translation; the system automatically converts symptoms into TCM patterns, assisting doctors (including locally trained personnel) in diagnosis and pushing herbal formulas based on the patient's location. This model has already been promoted in Southeast Asian Chinese communities.

Supply chains can go low-altitude: Developing low-altitude economy, we use drones to transport medicines, breaking geographical barriers to achieve 4-hour emergency drug delivery in Lao islands and mountainous areas. We also build green planting bases, using technology to purify TCM ingredients, reducing carbon footprints while enhancing efficacy—deepening integration of green development and technology.

Ideal: From Competitor to Silk Road Builder

Today, having won the role of "Belt and Road Pioneer Ambassador," I look to the future: a world where AI interprets Compendium of Materia Medica, drones carry medicines across mountains and seas, and Southeast Asian farmers use AI to diagnose tropical diseases—this will soon be a reality.

We are aware of the challenges: regulatory barriers, cultural recognition, and sustainable models. However, the essence of the Belt and Road lies in "joint consultation, co-construction, and shared benefits." Our proposal uses technology to activate traditional wisdom, not only solving regional problems but also building bridges for in-depth cooperation in people-to-people bonds, pharmaceutical research, and talent cultivation. The question of the "Silk Road of Innovation" has now become my practical goal—as a youth, I should spread the seeds of "smart TCM" globally, contributing to national development and human health.