The municipal traditional Chinese medicine conference

On behalf of GPHL, a leading traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) manufacturer in Guangzhou, the group's chairman Li Chuyuan attended the municipal traditional Chinese medicine conference and gave an address on GPHL's ideas and practices for the TCM innovation and transformation.

Here are the highlights of his speech:

1. Promote technological innovations. GPHL will rely on its 10 national research institutions and the national engineering research centre for the modernization of the extraction and separation of TCM ingredients. Now it works with well-known national research institutes to conduct 7 projects for studying classic TCM prescriptions and 18 projects for repurposing Chinese patent medicines. It has received 2 National Science and Technology Progress Awards and more than 30 Guangdong Province Science and Technology Awards.

2. Promote brand innovations. For example, GPHL's subsidiaries Baiyunshan Zhongyi and Qixing Pharmaceutical Company established the Baiyunshan Trendy TCM Institute for promoting the marketization of research results. Several subsidiaries tried to build deeper levels of engagement with consumers, especially young consumers. For example, Guangzhou Baiyunshan Chenliji Pharmaceutical Factory adopted an approach that combines offline cultural experiences and online marketing platform. Other approaches included streaming applications, such as Douyin and Kuaishou.

3. Promote business model innovations. Guangzhou Caizhilin Pharmaceutical Company Limited opened China's first medicine brewing centre, helping customers by brewing TCM and offering door-to-door delivery services after they place orders. During the pandemic, GPHL explored a new channel for 'Internet + Healthcare' by launching Suikang ('穗康') mini-program. GPHL also rode a wave of streaming popularity in China by inviting Dr. Zhong Nanshan to promote Ciningji (soft drink) in a live broadcasting.

4. Promote product innovations. GPHL has made use of TCM's preventative features to develop a variety of healthy products, such as Wanglaoji, Ciningji and Ganoderma Lucidum Spore Oil. It worked with the Guangdong Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine to develop two herbal remedies for flu. In addition, it produced herbal sachets and worked with a fashion company to design herbal masks and other products.

5. Promote internationalization innovations. Hua Tuo Restorative Pills produced by GPHL have been covered by the healthcare insurance schemes in Russia and many other foreign countries. It has been the country's largest therapeutic drug export for more than a decade. Wanglaoji sells its herbal tea products all over the world. GPHL has also entered into strategic cooperation agreements with the University of Hong Kong, University of Macau and GMTCM Park and established the group's international HQ, Guangzhou Pharmaceutical Group (Macau) International Development Co. in Macao.

6. Promote cultural innovations. GPHL founded the Shennong Caotang Museum, Wang Lao Ji Herbal Tea Museum, Museum of Chenliji Traditional Chinese Medicines and Caizhilin's TCM Cultural Museum and later opened Wang Lao Ji Herbal Tea Museums in overseas locations, such as New York and Tokyo. Its Shennong Caotang Museum was listed as one of the National Key Projects for Cultural Exports, and it was also the only TCM culture project from Guangdong to achieve this listing.

Authors: Monica & Michelle

Editors: Olivia & Jerry