Gu Sheng Tang's $1M Pact with NTU to Modernize Chinese Medicine

SINGAPORE – January 26, 2026 – Leading Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) group Gu Sheng Tang has committed S$1.06 million to Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore), launching a landmark programme designed to anchor ancient healing practices in modern scientific evidence. The donation formally establishes the Gu Sheng Tang Traditional Chinese Medicine Education and Research Programme, a major initiative aimed at advancing TCM talent and research in the nation.

The launch, officiated by Senior Minister of State Mr Tan Kiat How at a ceremony today, signals a significant investment in Singapore's healthcare ecosystem. It marks a pivotal step in Gu Sheng Tang's strategy to build an international framework that integrates academia with its rapidly expanding clinical network, positioning Singapore as a key hub for its global ambitions.

"This partnership represents our long-term investment in the future of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Singapore," stated Mr Tu Zhiliang, Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Gu Sheng Tang TCM. "By working closely with NTU, we aim to establish a stronger foundation for TCM through rigorous research and high-quality talent development, enabling TCM to play a more meaningful role within modern healthcare systems."

Bolstering TCM with Science and Talent

The collaboration is structured around two core pillars: developing a new generation of internationally-oriented TCM practitioners and reinforcing the scientific foundations of the discipline. This dual focus aims to enhance TCM's credibility and integration within Singapore's mainstream healthcare framework, which is increasingly demanding evidence-based approaches.

On the talent development front, the programme will facilitate a direct transfer of knowledge by inviting leading TCM experts from China to serve as visiting professors, providing lectures and clinical mentorship. This is complemented by doctorate scholarships and support for overseas academic exchanges, creating a robust international talent pipeline.

The research component seeks to bridge the gap between academic theory and clinical practice. By leveraging NTU's formidable research capabilities and Gu Sheng Tang's growing network of clinics, the partnership will support rigorous, data-driven studies and applied research in real-world settings. This synergy is expected to not only enhance the scientific validation of TCM but also to inform practitioner development.

This initiative builds upon a solid foundation at NTU, which already operates a Chinese Medicine Clinic and provides students with a dual education in biomedical sciences and TCM. The university has also established a partnership with Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH) that will see final-year Chinese Medicine students undertake clinical rotations within the hospital starting in 2027, a clear move towards greater integration.

"NTU's partnership with Gu Sheng Tang TCM significantly strengthens the ecosystem for Chinese Medicine education and research in Singapore," said Associate Professor Linda Zhong, Director of the NTU Chinese Medicine Clinic. "Through deeper collaboration, visiting experts and enhanced clinical exposure, we can further raise the quality of training for our students and advance more rigorous, evidence-based TCM practice that will benefit patients and the wider community."

A Strategic Play for a Booming Market

For Gu Sheng Tang, this S$1.06 million donation is more than philanthropy; it is a strategic investment in a core market. The Hong Kong-listed group began its Singapore operations in 2024 with the acquisition of Bao Zhong Tang, a local provider with its own history of collaboration with public healthcare group SingHealth. Since rebranding and expanding, Gu Sheng Tang has grown to 16 clinics as of December 2025 and has announced aggressive plans to operate 50 nationwide by the end of 2026.

This rapid expansion underscores Singapore's role as a benchmark for the company's international strategy and a hub for innovation. The company's model, which it describes as a "combination of light and heavy" involving flagship stores and strategic collaborations, appears to be paying off, with reported revenue growth of 119% year-on-year by mid-2025. The company is also leveraging technology to overcome market challenges, planning to launch "national physician AI avatars" to supplement the limited pool of experienced TCM talent overseas.

This tech-forward approach is matched by a focus on product development. In 2025, three of the company's TCM formulations received approval from Singapore's Health Sciences Authority (HSA), including a proprietary hair care granule. The research insights gained from the new NTU partnership are expected to accelerate the registration of additional clinically validated and quality-controlled TCM products.

Aligning with National Healthcare Priorities

The Gu Sheng Tang-NTU programme arrives at a crucial time for Singapore's healthcare system. The nation is grappling with a rapidly ageing population and a corresponding rise in chronic diseases, prompting a strategic shift towards preventive health and integrated care. The government's flagship "Healthier SG" initiative is actively exploring ways to synergise TCM with mainstream healthcare.

This partnership directly supports that vision. One in five adult Singaporeans already uses TCM services annually, with nearly 40% of them combining it with Western medicine, according to recent national surveys. This growing public acceptance has prompted the Ministry of Health (MOH) to formalize TCM's role. The MOH is currently evaluating 18 evidence-based TCM treatments—for conditions ranging from post-stroke rehabilitation to chronic pain—under a "TCM sandbox initiative." Successful treatments could become eligible for government subsidies and MediSave coverage, a significant step towards full integration.

To ensure quality, the MOH is also set to launch a voluntary accreditation framework for TCM practitioners by 2026, creating a standard for higher competency. This push for professionalization is further supported by government funding like the Traditional Chinese Medicine Research Grant (TCMRG), which encourages precisely the kind of academic-industry partnerships that Gu Sheng Tang and NTU have just launched.

By providing a framework for rigorous research and advanced training, the new programme will not only help practitioners meet these rising standards but also generate the clinical evidence needed to build public trust and secure TCM's place in the national healthcare landscape. This collaboration serves as a powerful example of how ancient wisdom can be systematically evaluated and integrated to meet the complex health challenges of the 21st century, ultimately contributing to better public health outcomes for all Singaporeans.