Su Chiao-hui launches TCM support group, leveraging AI to drive digital transformation for historic shops

On the eve of the New Taipei City mayoral election, Su Chiao-hui formally established the "Traditional Chinese Medicine Merchants Support Association," marking the beginning of her initiative to upgrade the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) industry. At the launch event, she stated that her future agenda would center on registering TCM craftsmanship as intangible cultural heritage, while leveraging artificial intelligence to assist established shops in their digital transformation, aiming to inject new vitality into TCM culture. This move signifies not only a recognition of Taiwan’s traditional medical resources but also a dual call for local economic development and the cultural and creative industries.

The history of TCM in Taiwan dates back to the Qing Dynasty, evolving into a complete industrial chain encompassing medicinal herb collection, processing, manufacturing, and sales. In recent years, as consumers have placed greater emphasis on health management and global demand for natural therapies has risen, the TCM market faces new challenges characterized by a shift toward high-end products and brand building. However, most traditional TCM shops have relied on word-of-mouth operations, lacking systematic quality management and brand promotion, which has placed them at a disadvantage in international competition. Su noted that registering TCM craftsmanship as intangible cultural heritage would provide legal protection and cultural certification, thereby enhancing the industry's image and market trust.

The registration of "intangible cultural heritage" serves not only as a tool for cultural preservation but also as a critical resource for industrial upgrading. Under the framework of the Intangible Cultural Heritage Act, the Taiwan government has already listed several TCM-related skills, such as "medicinal herb processing techniques" and "medicinal cuisine cooking art." Su stated that through the efforts of the Support Association, she would assist local pharmacists and medicinal merchants in achieving technical standardization, brand development, and intellectual property applications, further opening up international markets. This initiative would also promote local employment, particularly by fostering interest and participation among young people in traditional industries.

Regarding digital transformation, Su proposed integrating artificial intelligence into the operations of established shops. Specific measures include using AI to analyze consumer needs and optimize product combinations; achieving transparency in the medicinal supply chain through online platforms; and utilizing virtual reality technology to allow customers to "experience" the medicinal processing process from home. These innovations would not only improve the operational efficiency of traditional shops but also introduce new business models to the TCM sector. More importantly, the application of AI could assist TCM practitioners in making more precise diagnostic and prescription recommendations, thereby enhancing the quality of medical care.

From a political perspective, Su has positioned the upgrading and digitization of the TCM industry as a key campaign issue in the New Taipei City mayoral election, demonstrating her emphasis on local regeneration and cultural heritage. As the most populous city in Taiwan, New Taipei City boasts abundant medicinal herb collection areas and traditional pharmacies. If these resources can be effectively integrated, the city could serve as a model zone for the TCM industry across the region. Should Su be elected, her policies would likely drive industrial upgrading at the local level and potentially provide a reference for the formulation of related policies at the central government level.

In summary, Su Chiao-hui’s TCM Merchants Support Association is more than a simple industry organization; it is a multi-faceted platform combining cultural preservation, technological innovation, and local economics. If the registration of intangible cultural heritage and AI-driven digital transformation are successfully implemented, they will bring new development opportunities to Taiwan’s TCM industry and showcase the unique value of traditional Chinese medicine on the international stage.

(Source: Central News Agency)