The TCM master's program offered by BUCM and the University of Barcelona medical school since September 2016 is the first such program officially accredited by the European Union. Meanwhile, in collaboration with Canada's Kwantlen Polytechnic University, BUCM runs the first joint undergraduate degree program in North America.

In cooperation with foreign universities and institutions, it has also set up TCM centers in Russia, Australia, the US and elsewhere, creating integrated platforms for medical services, education and research.

BUCM president Xu Anlong says that although TCM is popular in many Western countries, more strategies are needed to put it into the international medicine system.

TCM centers have effectively cultivated practitioners around the world, Xu says. "But more importantly, the effectiveness of TCM has won recognition among local people. The center in Russia is very popular and I know some patients drive more than 10 hours to be treated there."

BUCM arranges up to 1,044 hours of clinical practice for undergraduate students, with a variety of experiences woven throughout the learning period.

Moy interned at The Third Affiliated Hospital of BUCM and the China-Japan Friendship Hospital during her undergraduate studies.

When Moy graduates, she plans to open an acupuncture clinic in Malaysia.

"I want more Malaysians to know the wonders of TCM and receive sound TCM medical services," she says.