Healing Heritage: A Journey Through the Evolution of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Singapore

Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre (SCCC) presents Healing Heritage, an exhibition that traces the story of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in Singapore from its roots in the 19th century to its role in daily life today. 

Held from 1 October 2025 to 22 February 2026 at SCCC’s Creative Box (Level 6), the exhibition invites visitors to explore how TCM has evolved over the years in Singapore, blending tradition with innovation and staying relevant in today’s modern lifestyles.

Supported by Singapore Chinese Physicians’ Association and Singapore Chung Hwa Medical Institution, Healing Heritage highlights milestones in TCM’s development in Singapore, its community impact, and adaptations to modern society. Through interpretive displays, historical artefacts, interactive experiences, and stories of medical organisations and brands, visitors can discover how TCM has evolved while remaining true in its cultural heritage as a living tradition in Singapore.

The exhibition is organised into five zones, each designed for visitors to uncover different aspects of TCM and its rich history:

Tracing the Healing Journey – Follow TCM’s development in Singapore, from early 19th century medical halls to its recognition in today’s healthcare system. Milestones include the founding of Thong Chai Medical Institution in 1867 and the recent inclusion of acupuncture under MediSave.

Encountering the Neighbourhood Healer – Step into a recreated medical hall with classic wooden cabinets and drawers of herbs. Learn how family-run businesses adapted to changing times, and try an interactive herb-matching game to learn about remedies hands-on.

Building Benevolence through Community – Discover the role of charitable institutions and professional organisations in supporting healthcare during epidemics and raising standards through education and research. Exhibits include traditional acupuncture needles and early journals like Medical Monthly (Yiyao Yuekan).

Transforming Tradition through Innovation – See how TCM evolves with modern life, from halal-certified remedies, digital diagnostic tools and even vending machines. A canine acupuncture model in this zone shows how TCM can be adapted and applied in veterinary care.

Sustaining a Living Heritage – Experience how TCM continues to be part of everyday life, from medicinal cuisine and herbal products to social media outreach by young TCM physicians such as THE TCM FOLKS. A conversation kiosk further invites visitors to reflect on their own encounters with TCM.

According to Alvin Tan, CEO of SCCC: “With Healing Heritage, we hope to focus on traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) as a system of medicine and as a form of intangible cultural heritage, and to showcase TCM’s contributions to the Chinese community and to society. We also hope to highlight TCM’s impact and use beyond the Chinese community, and to raise public awareness of how TCM has endured, evolved and become part of Singaporeans’ everyday life.”

For more details on Healing Heritage please click here.

Images: Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre