The TCM physician who modernises ancient remedies with technology

By Nur Isyana Isaman

As a teenager, Leong Weizhen (SBS/2010) witnessed her grandparents struggle with chronic conditions, including cancer and stroke. She wanted to alleviate their discomfort and began exploring holistic approaches to healthcare.

Leong Weizhen was motivated by her family to pursue TCM.

With a desire to care for her family members and a mother who always dreamt of having a doctor in the household, she enrolled in the Chinese Medicine undergraduate course at NTU Singapore’s School of Biological Sciences in 2005. The bright-eyed student continued to pursue a Master of Science at Beijing University of Chinese Medicine in China under a scholarship and underwent three years of clinical training.

“My education at NTU opened my eyes to the benefits of traditional Chinese medicine, which emphasises prevention and balance in the body, and also made me understand how the integration of Western and Chinese medicine can make tangible differences to patients,” said Weizhen.

With the vision to implement comprehensive patient care based on TCM, Weizhen established her first private clinic at Jurong East in November 2013, right after returning to Singapore following her postgraduate studies.

Early in her career, the 38-year-old faced doubts from her patients, who felt she was too young to be a physician. It was also difficult to get new patients as her clinic lacked a unique selling point to stand out from other healthcare providers. In 2016, she met a business partner who revitalised the company.

Today, Oriental Remedies Group has five branch clinics in Singapore with 60 employees. Weizhen leads nine therapists and 15 physicians as the Group’s Chief Medical Officer. 80% of the physicians hired are her juniors from NTU.

Weizhen gives back to her alma mater by serving as President of the NTU Chinese Medicine Alumni Association. She plans to roll out a mentorship programme for fellow alumni, where experienced practitioners guide younger graduates, fostering knowledge transfer and enabling professional development. 

“We advocate for better public awareness of TCM and its benefits. People need to know that TCM, with its emphasis on promoting balance, prevention and overall wellbeing, can play a significant role in supporting their health,” she said.

Leong Weizhen (third from right) with the current 7th executive committee members of the NTU Chinese Medicine Alumni Association.

Weizhen was particularly inspired by two NTU professors, Dr Zhao Yan and Prof James Tam, who conduct research on TCM, sparking her curiosity in innovating Chinese medicine therapy.

Assoc Prof Linda Zhong, Director of Biomedical Sciences and Chinese Medicine at NTU’s School of Biological Sciences said: "The integration of technology in TCM practice is complementary in nature. This combination can help diagnose patients more accurately and enhances the treatment process. All our students have some basic knowledge of these modern techniques."

Weizhen furthered her training in the US. She has introduced an electro-lymphatic therapy device in her therapy -- the device uses vibrational, light and electrical waves to stimulate proper flow and drainage of lymph fluids to provide relief for patients. She has also launched two other technology-enhanced therapies aimed at improving patients’ general wellbeing in her clinics.