Latest news with #TongRenTang


The Star
25-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
China now offers instant tax refund to tourists in bid to boost consumption. Here's how it works
BEIJING: Visitors to China might soon find it easier to claim tax rebates at store checkouts – and that could mean a little extra cash to spend during their trip and fewer queues at the airport. Experts say this could boost the economy, but the key will be getting more retailers on board with the programme. China recently revised its tax rebate policy to allow foreign tourists to receive their tax refunds instantly at eligible stores, rather than only at the airport, and lowered the minimum spending required for such claims. Since April 27, tourists who spend at least 200 yuan (S$36) at the same store on the same day are eligible for the instant tax refund, down from the previous 500 yuan. The maximum cash refund amount has also been raised from 10,000 yuan to 20,000 yuan. Refunds can be received instantly through mobile payments such as WeChat and Alipay's digital wallets, credit cards and in cash. Previously, tourists had to get paper forms and receipts in order, and could receive the refunds only at the tax refund counter at the airport right before leaving the country. The catch? Not all shops offer this service, but Chinese authorities said they are working to broaden the list of such tax-refund stores in major shopping areas, pedestrian streets, tourist sites, resorts, cultural venues, airports, passenger ports and hotels. Goods eligible for refunds include luxury items, those from time-honoured Chinese brands such as traditional Chinese medicine pharmacy Tong Ren Tang and silk store Rui Fu Xiang, craft, cultural and heritage items, renowned Chinese consumer goods and sports products. Food and beverage stores are not included in the list. Chinese state media China Daily noted that a tourist who buys a Huawei Mate XT smartphone with an original price of 23,999 yuan, or $4,300, including tax, can receive an in-store refund of about $462 – enough for a high-speed train ride from Beijing to Shanghai and one-night luxury hotel stay. The policy tweak aims to boost inbound tourist consumption in the world's second-largest economy by getting visitors to spend more and sooner, as Beijing attempts to cushion some damage from the ongoing US-China trade war. The revised model was piloted in several cities, such as Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou, before being rolled out nationwide in April. Auratic, a Chinese porcelain tableware brand, was the sole store in Beijing's Silk Street mall offering in-store tax rebates to tourists. - Photo: ST Shan Guo, a partner at business consultancy Hutong Research, said the departure tax refund, according to China's current value-added tax rate, is around 11 per cent. 'The revised policy means tourists have 11 per cent more cash to spend in China, instead of bringing it home after getting it upon departure,' she said. Assuming that tourists spend all the cash refunded, Guo estimated that it could translate to another 0.05 per cent support to China's gross domestic product (GDP) – a modest figure, but a boost nonetheless. 'The upside could be higher – if tourists spend more than what they were refunded and if the policy attracts more visitors. Cities such as Shanghai could benefit as it is usually tourists' first and last stop in China, as well as the go-to place for luxury shopping,' she said. In 2024, China's inbound tourist spending accounted for about 0.5 per cent of China's GDP, compared with 1 per cent to 3 per cent in major economies. Chinese Vice-Minister of Commerce Sheng Qiuping highlighted it as an area with significant growth potential on April 27 when announcing the measures. A total of 132 million tourists spent more than US$94.2 billion in China in 2024, an increase of 77.8 per cent from 2023, according to the National Bureau of Statistics. With the policy in place, Guo noted that it was now a matter of getting more shops on board the instant tax rebate programme, as some retailers may not feel that offering this service benefits them. A sign near the entrance of luxury shopping mall SKP in Beijing indicating that the mall offers tax rebates to foreign tourists. - Photo: ST A check by The Straits Times in Beijing found that high-end shopping centres, SKP and China World Mall, have an instant tax refund counter, which is marked with a large blue sign. At Taikoo Li Sanlitun, a trendy shopping area popular with the young, most luxury international boutiques such as Gucci and Moncler offer the service. But a number of local Chinese brands, such as popular perfume brand To Summer, do not. The roll-out of the programme appears uneven, as smaller malls have not yet come on board. At Silk Street, a tourist-centric shopping mall in Beijing selling silk garments, leather goods and traditional handicraft, only one store selling porcelain tableware offered the service. Some sales assistants were perplexed when asked if their shop offered in-store tax rebates for foreign tourists, saying they had not heard of this new policy. But three sales assistants told ST that they have been informed there will be a mall-wide push to implement the in-store tax refund, although the timeline was unclear. A sales assistant selling Chinese brocade jewellery boxes, who wanted to be known only as Ms Wang, said: 'It'll be good for business because only tourists buy these items as souvenirs. But whether our in-store tax rebate system will be ready in two weeks or two months, I cannot say for sure.' How to get the in-store tax refund Spend at least 200 yuan at the same store on the same day. Present your passport at the store's checkout. The store will fill in a digital tax refund application form, which takes in your credit card number or e-wallet details, and does the tax refund on the spot or may direct you to a centralised refund counter within the mall or shopping area. At the refund counter, receive your funds via WeChat and Alipay e-wallets, credit cards or in cash. At the airport, before departure, present the digital form and receipts at the e-tax refund kiosk to validate your purchases. If you do not do this, your refund might be reversed and charged back to your credit card or e-wallets. - The Straits Times/ANN

Straits Times
24-05-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
China eases tax refund rules for tourists
Since April 27, tourists who spend at least 200 yuan (S$36) on the same day at the same store are eligible for the instant tax refund. ST PHOTO: MICHELLE NG China now offers instant tax refunds to tourists in bid to boost consumption. Here's how it works – Visitors to China might soon find it easier to claim tax rebates at the store's checkout – and that could mean a little extra cash to spend during the trip and fewer queues at the airport. Experts say this might boost the economy, but the key is getting more retailers on board the programme. China recently revised its tax rebate policy to allow foreign tourists to receive their tax refunds instantly at eligible stores, rather than doing so only at the airport, a nd also lowered the minimum spending for such claims. Since April 27, tourists who spend at least 200 yuan (S$36) on the same day at the same store are eligible for the instant tax refund, down from the previous 500 yuan. The maximum rebate amount for a cash refund has also been raised from 10,000 yuan to 20,000 yuan. Refunds can be instantly received through mobile payments such as WeChat and Alipay's digital wallets, credit cards and in cash. Previously, tourists had to get their paper forms and receipts in order, and could get the refunds only at the tax refund counter at the airport right before they left the country. The catch? Not all shops offer this service, but the Chinese authorities said they are working to broaden the list of such tax-refund stores in major shopping areas, pedestrian streets, tourist sites, resorts, cultural venues, airports, passenger ports and hotels. Goods eligible for refunds include luxury items, time-honoured Chinese brands such as traditional Chinese medicine pharmacy Tong Ren Tang and silk store Ruifuxiang, craft, cultural and heritage items, renowned Chinese consumer goods and sports products. Food and beverage stores are not included in the list. Chinese state media China Daily noted that a tourist who buys a Huawei Mate XT smartphone with an original price of 23,999 yuan (US$3,299) including tax, can receive an in-store refund of about US$360, which is enough for a high-speed train ride from Beijing to Shanghai and one-night luxury hotel stay. The policy tweak aims to boost inbound tourist consumption in the world's second-largest economy by getting visitors to spend more and sooner, as Beijing attempts to cushion some of the damage from the ongoing US-China trade war. The revised model was piloted in several cities such as Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou, before being rolled out nationwide in April. Ms Shan Guo, a partner at business consultancy Hutong Research, said the departure tax refund, according to China's current value-added tax rate (VAT), is around 11 per cent. 'The revised policy means tourists have 11 per cent more cash to spend in China, instead of bringing it home after getting it upon departure,' she said. Assuming that tourists spend all the cash refunded, Ms Guo estimated that it could translate to another 0.05 per cent support to China's gross domestic product (GDP) – a modest figure but a boost nonetheless. 'The upside could be higher if tourists spend more than what they were refunded and if the policy attracts more visitors. Cities such as Shanghai could benefit as it is usually tourists' first and last stop in China, as well as the go-to place for luxury shopping,' she said. A sign near the entrance of luxury shopping mall SKP in Beijing indicating that the mall offers tax rebates to foreign tourists. ST PHOTO: MICHELLE NG In 2024, China's inbound tourist spending accounted for about 0.5 per cent of China's GDP, compared with 1 to 3 per cent in major economies. Chinese Vice Minister of Commerce Sheng Qiuping highlighted it as an area with significant growth potential on April 27 when announcing the measures. A total of 132 million tourists spent more than US$94.2 billion in China in 2024, an increase of 77.8 per cent from 2023, according to the National Bureau of Statistics. With the policy in place, Ms Guo noted it is now a matter of getting more shops on board the instant tax rebate programme as some retailers may not feel that its benefits justify them offering this service. A check by The Straits Times in Beijing found that high-end shopping centres, SKP and China World Mall, have an instant tax refund counter, marked with a large blue sign, where tourists can get their refunds. At Sanlitun Taikoo Li, a trendy shopping area popular with the young, most luxury international boutiques such as Gucci and Moncler offer the service. But most local Chinese brands, such as popular perfume brand To Summer, do not. The rollout of the programme appears uneven, as smaller malls have not yet come on board. At Silk Street, a tourist-centric shopping mall in Beijing selling silk garments, leather goods and traditional handicrafts, only one store selling porcelain tableware offered the service. Auratic, a Chinese porcelain tableware brand, was the sole store in Silk Street mall in Beijing that currently offers in-store tax rebates to tourists. ST PHOTO: MICHELLE NG Some sales assistants were perplexed when asked if their shop offered in-store tax rebates for foreign tourists, saying they had never heard of this new policy. But three sales assistants told ST that they have been informed that there will be a mall-wide push to implement the in-store tax refund, although the timeline is unclear. A sales assistant selling Chinese brocade jewellery boxes, who wanted to be known only as Ms Wang, said: 'It'll be good for business because only tourists buy these items as souvenirs. But whether our in-store tax rebate system will be ready in two weeks or two months, I cannot say for sure.' How to get the in-store tax refund Spend at least 200 yuan (S$36) on the same day at the same store. Present your passport at the checkout. The store fills in a digital tax refund application form, which takes in your credit card number or e-wallet details, and does the tax refund on the spot or may direct you to a centralised refund counter within the mall or shopping area. At the refund counter, receive your funds via WeChat and Alipay e-wallets , credit cards or in cash. At the airport before departure, present the digital form and receipts at the e-tax refund kiosk to validate your purchases. If you do not do this, your refund might be reversed and charged back to your credit card or e-wallets. Michelle Ng is China Correspondent at The Straits Times. She is interested in Chinese foreign policies, property trends, demographics, education and rural issues. Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.


Zawya
25-03-2025
- Health
- Zawya
Beijing Tong Ren Tang Joins Hands with CMHK Education Platform - Edubile to Launch Inaugural "Hong Kong Student Ambassador Programme for Chinese Medicine and Health Care
'Inheriting Traditional Chinese Medicine, Inspiring a Smarter Future' HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 25 March 2025 - Beijing Tong Ren Tang has a brand history spanning over 350 years. Beijing Tong Ren Tang Chinese Medicine Company Limited ("Beijing Tong Ren Tang") ( in Hong Kong is committed to promoting the legacy of traditional Chinese medicine culture and supporting the industry's long-term development. Recently, the company held a Plaque Cleansing (Complimenting) Ceremony at its Research and Development Production Plant at Tai Po Industrial Estate to celebrate the annual global "Tong Ren Tang Day," reaffirming its commitment to uphold virtues, nurture culture, and sustain traditional craftsmanship. Today, Beijing Tong Ren Tang officially announced its series of activities for 2025, highlighting the inaugural "Hong Kong Student Ambassador Programme for Chinese Medicine and Health Care." The "Hong Kong Student Ambassador Programme for Chinese Medicine and Health Care" is organized by Beijing Tong Ren Tang and supported by China Mobile Hong Kong Company Limited ("CMHK") through its education platform "Edubile". The programme combines Tong Ren Tang's over 350 years of traditional Chinese medicine wisdom with Edubile's 5G+AIoT technologies, providing participating schools with a specially designed course named "Tong Ren Smart Green Chinese Herbal Medicine Cultivation Course" that integrates STEAM education elements. The course aims to fuel Hong Kong students' interest in traditional Chinese medicine culture and modern technology. It also seeks to enhance their awareness of career planning, nurture a new generation of student ambassadors promoting traditional Chinese medicine culture, and actively contribute to the development of community health. Today, Beijing Tong Ren Tang held a launch ceremony for the inaugural "Hong Kong Student Ambassador Programme for Chinese Medicine and Health Care" at its Research and Development Production Plant at Tai Po Industrial Estate. Distinguished officiating guests included Mr. Chen Fei, Executive Director of Beijing Tong Ren Tang Chinese Medicine Company Limited; Mr. Liu Gang, Factory Manager of Beijing Tong Ren Tang Chinese Medicine Company Limited; Mr. Chen Ning Jie, Assistant General Manager, Product Centre, China Mobile Hong Kong Company Limited, and Mr. Wong Wai Lung, Senior Product Manager (Education Product), China Mobile Hong Kong Company Limited. Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Chen Fei, Executive Director of Beijing Tong Ren Tang Chinese Medicine Company Limited, said, "With a brand history of over 350 years, Beijing Tong Ren Tang is dedicated to passing on the essence and wisdom of traditional Chinese medicine to benefit society and the world. We are thrilled to be supported by China Mobile Hong Kong's education platform Edubile. By integrating the knowledge of traditional Chinese medicine with smart and innovative technologies, we bring a wealth of diverse experiences to campus for teachers and students. Our goal is to deepen public understanding, preserve this rich cultural heritage, and promote healthier lifestyles." Mr. Chen Ning Jie, Assistant General Manager, Product Centre at China Mobile Hong Kong Company Limited, stated that CMHK was honored to collaborate with Beijing Tong Ren Tang through Edubile, jointly promoting the convergence of culture, education, and technology while proactively nurturing the next generation of talent. He mentioned that by leveraging CMHK Edubile's proprietary 5G+AIoT technologies, they provided students with immersive and interactive learning experiences, which included cultivating and observing the growth cycles of Chinese medical herbs. Such an approach would inspire students' research spirit and creative thinking. Mr. Chen expressed that China Mobile Hong Kong looked forward to working closely with Beijing Tong Ren Tang to create a new landscape in education. The inaugural "Hong Kong Student Ambassador Programme for Chinese Medicine and Health Care" offers the "Tong Ren Smart Green Chinese Herbal Medicine Cultivation Course," covering four major areas: theoretical knowledge, practical experiments, expert interactive learning, and community engagement. The course provides in-depth knowledge of Chinese medical herb cultivation techniques, medicinal herb knowledge, and modern developments in Chinese medicine. It also includes practical components, such as making Chinese medicine herbal sachets, to enhance enjoyment and stimulate student participation. Through the "Tong Ren Smart Green Chinese Herbal Medicine Cultivation Course" students will learn to cultivate various types of Chinese medicinal herbs, utilizing CMHK Edubile's 5G+AIoT technologies to observe, record, and analyze plant growth data. Participants will also have the unique opportunity to visit Beijing Tong Ren Tang's Research and Development Production Plant and Cultural Museum at Tai Po Industrial Estate, as well as CMHK 5G Lab, interacting and exchanging insights with traditional Chinese medicine experts and technology specialists. This experience enhances students' understanding of the Chinese medicine industry and its technological applications. The comprehensive program fosters awareness of traditional Chinese medicine culture, inspires interest in its practices, and encourages creative thinking through practical experiences, achieving interdisciplinary educational innovation. The "Hong Kong Student Ambassador Programme for Chinese Medicine and Health Care" is now open for enrolment for local primary and secondary school students. Upon completion of the course and community activities, participants will be awarded the "Tong Ren Smart Green Chinese Herbal Medicine Cultivation Course" Certificate and become "Hong Kong Student Ambassador for Chinese Medicine and Health Care". For more details and enrolment information, please contact the programme coordinator via email at btrtapplication@ on or before 30 March #BeijingTongRenTang #Edubile #ChineseMedicine #StudentAmbassador #Education #SmartGreen The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. About Tong Ren Tang Day On the 18 th day of the second lunar month in the year 1723 (during the reign of Emperor Yongzheng), the Imperial Medical Bureau official, Liu Shengfang, submitted the memorial to the throne. Emperor Yongzheng approved the supply of medicinal materials from the Tong Ren Tang pharmacy for use in the Imperial Palace. This marked the beginning of a unique 188-year tradition of providing medicinal supplies to the Qing dynasty palace. As a result, the 18 th day of the second lunar month was designated as 'Tong Ren Tang Day'. About Beijing Tong Ren Tang Tong Ren Tang was founded in 1669, and has a history of 356 years. The company has always adhered to its corporate motto of "No compromise on cost and labour despite the complexity of processing herbal medicine. No compromise on quality and standard despite the scarcity of medicine ingredients." This commitment has led Beijing Tong Ren Tang to steady development, lasting through every generation, achieving excellence, and becoming a national treasure while expanding globally. At the same time, Beijing Tong Ren Tang has taken on the mission of promoting traditional Chinese medicine culture, actively participating in domestic and international traditional Chinese medicine promotion activities, facilitating cultural exchanges around the world, and striving to expand the international influence of traditional Chinese medicine. To date, it has been operating over 160 retail branches in 26 countries and regions overseas, making it one of the most recognized traditional Chinese medicine brands internationally. About Beijing Tong Ren Tang Chinese Medicine Company Limited In 2004, Tong Ren Tang expanded its operations overseas by establishing Beijing Tong Ren Tong Chinese Medicine Company Limited in Hong Kong. Ahering to the corporate belief of "Nurturing kindness and virture, Preserving tranquility and wellness", and with the mission of "Healthy Life, Globally Choice", the company is based in Hong Kong while strategically positioning itself worldwide. It carries the mission of promoting traditional Chinese medicine culture outside mainland China. By employing a model that integrates medical services with medicine and emphasizes cultural outreach, the company is driving forward the internationalization of traditional Chinese medicine. (Beijing Tong Ren Tong Chinese Medicine Company Limited website: About New Product Research and Development Beijing Tong Ren Tang Chinese Medicine Company Limited actively develops a variety of registered Traditional Chinese patent medicines and health products, embodying the philosophy of "Health Life, Globally Choice." This year, the company has introduced a registered Chinese medicine specifically designed for the prevention and treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) – Lingzhi Jianghuang Fufang Huoxue Anshen Capsules, which includes Ganoderma and turmeric compound for invigorating qi and tranquilizing the mind.. This product features a unique formula containing ingredients such as Ganoderma, turmeric, magnolia berry, and , and kudzu root. It offers a range of benefits, including promoting blood circulation and energy flow, quenching thirst, replenishing energy, and calming the mind. With its "cleanse, regulate, and nourish" three-in-one functionality, the product can reduce visceral fat, harmonize the body, and ultimately repair and protect the liver. Last year, the company's research and development team collaborated with one of the local well-known universities on the "Pharmacodynamic and mechanism study of Lingzhi-Jianghuang Formula (LJF) extract on NAFLD in mice" was funded by Hong Kong Research Grants Council under Research Matching Grant Scheme. It is a strongly supportive study for the product's efficacy. Furthermore, the company has created awide range of high-quality health products to comprehensively care for public health. About Edubile In support of the Hong Kong SAR Government's strategic direction in nurturing technological talent, China Mobile Hong Kong (CMHK) has launched its education platflorm "Edubile". Drawing on its strengths in 5G and AI technologies, Edubile aims to drive digital transformation across campuses, fostering a new generation of innovation and technology leaders. Guided by its vision of "Bringing 5G+AI Technology into Campuses", Edubile has developed speciialised educational content and e-learning platforms for educational purposes. By integrating advanced 5G networks with smart campus applications, the initiative significantly enhances school management efficiency and teaching quality, facilitating comprehensive improvements in both teaching methodologies and administrative processes. Additionally, Edubile has introduced Hong Kong's first-ever "5G+Green Technology" course, entitled "Smart Green Campus". This pioneering programme combines 5G technology, the Internet of Things (IoT), and artificial intelligence to assist teachers and students in collaboratively designing campus-based Chinese medicinal gardens and environmentally friendly gardens. The curriculum not only deepens students' appreciation of traditional Chinese medicine culture but also cultivates their environmental awareness and innovative thinking through practical technological applications, achieving interdisciplinary educational innovation. Looking forward, China Mobile Hong Kong will continue to deepen the integration of 5G+AI technologies with innovation and technology education. Through organising diverse educational activities and developing advanced smart educational solutions, CMHK is committed to supporting the creation of a sustainable technology education ecosystem in Hong Kong, nurturing digitally competitive talent for the society of tomorrow. About China Mobile Hong Kong Limited China Mobile Hong Kong Company Limited ("CMHK") is the wholly-owned subsidiary of China Mobile Limited (HKEx: 941), which is listed on the Fortune Global 500. CMHK was incepted in January 1997 and was the first mobile network operator to launch PCS services in Hong Kong. As the world's leading mobile network brand with the largest customer base*, The Company offers innovative and comprehensive communications services, including voice, data, IDD and international roaming through 5G, 4G LTE and 3GHSPA and other technologies. The Company is committed to the development of 5G with new technologies such as artificial intelligence, internet of things, cloud computing and big data, integrating 5G applications in different industries, promoting the construction and development of smart city groups in Greater Bay Area. *China Mobile (Hong Kong) Limited is a wholly-owned subsidiary of China Mobile Limited. As of 31 December 2023, China Mobile Limited had the largest number of mobile network subscribers in the world. Beijing Tong Ren Tang

Associated Press
25-03-2025
- Health
- Associated Press
Beijing Tong Ren Tang Joins Hands with CMHK Education Platform - Edubile to Launch Inaugural 'Hong Kong Student Ambassador Programme for Chinese Medicine and Health Care
'Inheriting Traditional Chinese Medicine, Inspiring a Smarter Future' HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 25 March 2025 - Beijing Tong Ren Tang has a brand history spanning over 350 years. Beijing Tong Ren Tang Chinese Medicine Company Limited ('Beijing Tong Ren Tang') ( in Hong Kong is committed to promoting the legacy of traditional Chinese medicine culture and supporting the industry's long-term development. Recently, the company held a Plaque Cleansing (Complimenting) Ceremony at its Research and Development Production Plant at Tai Po Industrial Estate to celebrate the annual global 'Tong Ren Tang Day,' reaffirming its commitment to uphold virtues, nurture culture, and sustain traditional craftsmanship. Today, Beijing Tong Ren Tang officially announced its series of activities for 2025, highlighting the inaugural 'Hong Kong Student Ambassador Programme for Chinese Medicine and Health Care.' (Photo 1) With a prestigious royal medicine brand history of over 300 years, Beijing Tong Ren Tang Chinese Medicine Company Limited recently held a Plaque Cleansing (Complimenting) Ceremony at its Research and Development Production Plant and Cultural Museum at Tai Po Industrial Estate to celebrate the annual global 'Tong Ren Tang Day.' The 'Hong Kong Student Ambassador Programme for Chinese Medicine and Health Care' is organized by Beijing Tong Ren Tang and supported by China Mobile Hong Kong Company Limited ('CMHK') through its education platform 'Edubile'. The programme combines Tong Ren Tang's over 350 years of traditional Chinese medicine wisdom with Edubile's 5G+AIoT technologies, providing participating schools with a specially designed course named 'Tong Ren Smart Green Chinese Herbal Medicine Cultivation Course' that integrates STEAM education elements. The course aims to fuel Hong Kong students' interest in traditional Chinese medicine culture and modern technology. It also seeks to enhance their awareness of career planning, nurture a new generation of student ambassadors promoting traditional Chinese medicine culture, and actively contribute to the development of community health. Today, Beijing Tong Ren Tang held a launch ceremony for the inaugural 'Hong Kong Student Ambassador Programme for Chinese Medicine and Health Care' at its Research and Development Production Plant at Tai Po Industrial Estate. Distinguished officiating guests included Mr. Chen Fei, Executive Director of Beijing Tong Ren Tang Chinese Medicine Company Limited; Mr. Liu Gang, Factory Manager of Beijing Tong Ren Tang Chinese Medicine Company Limited; Mr. Chen Ning Jie, Assistant General Manager, Product Centre, China Mobile Hong Kong Company Limited, and Mr. Wong Wai Lung, Senior Product Manager (Education Product), China Mobile Hong Kong Company Limited. (Photo 2) Beijing Tong Ren Tang collaborates with China Mobile Hong Kong's Education Platform 'Edubile' to launch the inaugural 'Hong Kong Student Ambassador Programme for Chinese Medicine and Health Care' and activate the 'Tong Ren Smart Green Chinese Herbal Medicine Cultivation Course.' Mr. Chen Fei, Executive Director of Beijing Tong Ren Tang Chinese Medicine Company Limited (Left) and Mr. Chen Ning Jie, Assistant General Manager, Product Centre, China Mobile Hong Kong Company Limited (Right) hosted the launching ceremony that marks the integration of traditional Chinese medicine wisdom with innovative technologies. Inheriting Traditional Chinese Medicine, Inspiring a Smarter Future. Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Chen Fei, Executive Director of Beijing Tong Ren Tang Chinese Medicine Company Limited, said, 'With a brand history of over 350 years, Beijing Tong Ren Tang is dedicated to passing on the essence and wisdom of traditional Chinese medicine to benefit society and the world. We are thrilled to be supported by China Mobile Hong Kong's education platform Edubile. By integrating the knowledge of traditional Chinese medicine with smart and innovative technologies, we bring a wealth of diverse experiences to campus for teachers and students. Our goal is to deepen public understanding, preserve this rich cultural heritage, and promote healthier lifestyles.' Mr. Chen Ning Jie, Assistant General Manager, Product Centre at China Mobile Hong Kong Company Limited, stated that CMHK was honored to collaborate with Beijing Tong Ren Tang through Edubile, jointly promoting the convergence of culture, education, and technology while proactively nurturing the next generation of talent. He mentioned that by leveraging CMHK Edubile's proprietary 5G+AIoT technologies, they provided students with immersive and interactive learning experiences, which included cultivating and observing the growth cycles of Chinese medical herbs. Such an approach would inspire students' research spirit and creative thinking. Mr. Chen expressed that China Mobile Hong Kong looked forward to working closely with Beijing Tong Ren Tang to create a new landscape in education. (Photo 3) Guests attending the launch ceremony of the inaugural 'Hong Kong Student Ambassador Programme for Chinese Medicine and Health Care' (from Left to Right) : Mr. Liu Gang, Factory Manager of Beijing Tong Ren Tang Chinese Medicine Company Limited; Mr. Chen Fei, Executive Director of Beijing Tong Ren Tang Chinese Medicine Company Limited; Mr. Chen Ning Jie, Assistant General Manager, Product Centre, China Mobile Hong Kong Company Limited and Mr. Wong Wai Lung, Senior Product Manager (Education Product), China Mobile Hong Kong Company Limited. The inaugural 'Hong Kong Student Ambassador Programme for Chinese Medicine and Health Care' offers the 'Tong Ren Smart Green Chinese Herbal Medicine Cultivation Course,' covering four major areas: theoretical knowledge, practical experiments, expert interactive learning, and community engagement. The course provides in-depth knowledge of Chinese medical herb cultivation techniques, medicinal herb knowledge, and modern developments in Chinese medicine. It also includes practical components, such as making Chinese medicine herbal sachets, to enhance enjoyment and stimulate student participation. Through the 'Tong Ren Smart Green Chinese Herbal Medicine Cultivation Course' students will learn to cultivate various types of Chinese medicinal herbs, utilizing CMHK Edubile's 5G+AIoT technologies to observe, record, and analyze plant growth data. Participants will also have the unique opportunity to visit Beijing Tong Ren Tang's Research and Development Production Plant and Cultural Museum at Tai Po Industrial Estate, as well as CMHK 5G Lab, interacting and exchanging insights with traditional Chinese medicine experts and technology specialists. This experience enhances students' understanding of the Chinese medicine industry and its technological applications. The comprehensive program fosters awareness of traditional Chinese medicine culture, inspires interest in its practices, and encourages creative thinking through practical experiences, achieving interdisciplinary educational innovation. The 'Hong Kong Student Ambassador Programme for Chinese Medicine and Health Care' is now open for enrolment for local primary and secondary school students. Upon completion of the course and community activities, participants will be awarded the 'Tong Ren Smart Green Chinese Herbal Medicine Cultivation Course' Certificate and become 'Hong Kong Student Ambassador for Chinese Medicine and Health Care'. For more details and enrolment information, please contact the programme coordinator via email at [email protected] on or before 30 March #BeijingTongRenTang #Edubile #ChineseMedicine #StudentAmbassador #Education #SmartGreen The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. About Tong Ren Tang Day On the 18th day of the second lunar month in the year 1723 (during the reign of Emperor Yongzheng), the Imperial Medical Bureau official, Liu Shengfang, submitted the memorial to the throne. Emperor Yongzheng approved the supply of medicinal materials from the Tong Ren Tang pharmacy for use in the Imperial Palace. This marked the beginning of a unique 188-year tradition of providing medicinal supplies to the Qing dynasty palace. As a result, the 18th day of the second lunar month was designated as 'Tong Ren Tang Day'. About Beijing Tong Ren Tang Tong Ren Tang was founded in 1669, and has a history of 356 years. The company has always adhered to its corporate motto of 'No compromise on cost and labour despite the complexity of processing herbal medicine. No compromise on quality and standard despite the scarcity of medicine ingredients.' This commitment has led Beijing Tong Ren Tang to steady development, lasting through every generation, achieving excellence, and becoming a national treasure while expanding globally. At the same time, Beijing Tong Ren Tang has taken on the mission of promoting traditional Chinese medicine culture, actively participating in domestic and international traditional Chinese medicine promotion activities, facilitating cultural exchanges around the world, and striving to expand the international influence of traditional Chinese medicine. To date, it has been operating over 160 retail branches in 26 countries and regions overseas, making it one of the most recognized traditional Chinese medicine brands internationally. About Beijing Tong Ren Tang Chinese Medicine Company Limited In 2004, Tong Ren Tang expanded its operations overseas by establishing Beijing Tong Ren Tong Chinese Medicine Company Limited in Hong Kong. Ahering to the corporate belief of 'Nurturing kindness and virture, Preserving tranquility and wellness', and with the mission of 'Healthy Life, Globally Choice', the company is based in Hong Kong while strategically positioning itself worldwide. It carries the mission of promoting traditional Chinese medicine culture outside mainland China. By employing a model that integrates medical services with medicine and emphasizes cultural outreach, the company is driving forward the internationalization of traditional Chinese medicine. (Beijing Tong Ren Tong Chinese Medicine Company Limited website: About New Product Research and Development Beijing Tong Ren Tang Chinese Medicine Company Limited actively develops a variety of registered Traditional Chinese patent medicines and health products, embodying the philosophy of 'Health Life, Globally Choice.' This year, the company has introduced a registered Chinese medicine specifically designed for the prevention and treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) – Lingzhi Jianghuang Fufang Huoxue Anshen Capsules, which includes Ganoderma and turmeric compound for invigorating qi and tranquilizing the mind.. This product features a unique formula containing ingredients such as Ganoderma, turmeric, magnolia berry, and , and kudzu root. It offers a range of benefits, including promoting blood circulation and energy flow, quenching thirst, replenishing energy, and calming the mind. With its 'cleanse, regulate, and nourish' three-in-one functionality, the product can reduce visceral fat, harmonize the body, and ultimately repair and protect the liver. Last year, the company's research and development team collaborated with one of the local well-known universities on the 'Pharmacodynamic and mechanism study of Lingzhi-Jianghuang Formula (LJF) extract on NAFLD in mice' was funded by Hong Kong Research Grants Council under Research Matching Grant Scheme. It is a strongly supportive study for the product's efficacy. Furthermore, the company has created awide range of high-quality health products to comprehensively care for public health. About Edubile In support of the Hong Kong SAR Government's strategic direction in nurturing technological talent, China Mobile Hong Kong (CMHK) has launched its education platflorm 'Edubile'. Drawing on its strengths in 5G and AI technologies, Edubile aims to drive digital transformation across campuses, fostering a new generation of innovation and technology leaders. Guided by its vision of 'Bringing 5G+AI Technology into Campuses', Edubile has developed speciialised educational content and e-learning platforms for educational purposes. By integrating advanced 5G networks with smart campus applications, the initiative significantly enhances school management efficiency and teaching quality, facilitating comprehensive improvements in both teaching methodologies and administrative processes. Additionally, Edubile has introduced Hong Kong's first-ever '5G+Green Technology' course, entitled 'Smart Green Campus'. This pioneering programme combines 5G technology, the Internet of Things (IoT), and artificial intelligence to assist teachers and students in collaboratively designing campus-based Chinese medicinal gardens and environmentally friendly gardens. The curriculum not only deepens students' appreciation of traditional Chinese medicine culture but also cultivates their environmental awareness and innovative thinking through practical technological applications, achieving interdisciplinary educational innovation. Looking forward, China Mobile Hong Kong will continue to deepen the integration of 5G+AI technologies with innovation and technology education. Through organising diverse educational activities and developing advanced smart educational solutions, CMHK is committed to supporting the creation of a sustainable technology education ecosystem in Hong Kong, nurturing digitally competitive talent for the society of tomorrow. About China Mobile Hong Kong Limited China Mobile Hong Kong Company Limited ('CMHK') is the wholly-owned subsidiary of China Mobile Limited (HKEx: 941), which is listed on the Fortune Global 500. CMHK was incepted in January 1997 and was the first mobile network operator to launch PCS services in Hong Kong. As the world's leading mobile network brand with the largest customer base*, The Company offers innovative and comprehensive communications services, including voice, data, IDD and international roaming through 5G, 4G LTE and 3GHSPA and other technologies. The Company is committed to the development of 5G with new technologies such as artificial intelligence, internet of things, cloud computing and big data, integrating 5G applications in different industries, promoting the construction and development of smart city groups in Greater Bay Area. *China Mobile (Hong Kong) Limited is a wholly-owned subsidiary of China Mobile Limited. As of 31 December 2023, China Mobile Limited had the largest number of mobile network subscribers in the world.