Shaping the Future of TCM: Hong Kong Launches "C4a" Project to Define Core Competency Standards
- Association Secretary
- 7 days ago
- 3 min read
The landscape of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in Hong Kong is undergoing a significant transformation. Following the release of the Chinese Medicine Development Blueprint, the government is taking concrete steps to professionalize and standardize the industry.
The latest initiative is the launch of the C4 Scheme (Research Projects Related to Education and Inter-professional Training). The scheme’s inaugural project, known as C4a, is now open for application, offering a major opportunity for institutions to define the future standards of TCM practitioners.
Here is everything you need to know about the Research Project on Core Competency Standards for Hong Kong Chinese Medicine Practitioners (C4a Project).
What is the C4a Project?
The C4a Project is the first commissioned research initiative under the broader C4 Scheme. It directly addresses Goal 3 of the government's Blueprint: "Leading the Professional Development of Chinese Medicine."
Currently, the industry needs a unified, evidence-based benchmark for what constitutes a qualified TCM practitioner. The goal of this project is to construct a Core Competence Framework that aligns with local needs while drawing on international and Mainland experience.
The successful applicant will not just be writing a report; they will be laying the foundation for future TCM education, talent training, and professional assessment in Hong Kong.
Key Research Objectives
The project has four ambitious goals:
Build the Framework: Develop a "Competence Framework" and specific "Domains of Competence" based on policy direction, local healthcare needs, and global best practices.
Define Training Standards: Establish specific descriptors for pre-service training across these domains.
Facilitate Global Exchange: Organize seminars bringing together international medical educators and Mainland TCM experts to discuss and refine these standards.
Achieve Recognition: The ultimate goal is for the Chinese Medicine Council of Hong Kong to officially recognize and adopt these research findings as the industry standard.
Funding and Timeline
Maximum Funding: HK$4.5 Million.
Project Duration: The project must be completed within 2 years (specifically between April 2026 and March 2028).
Payout Structure: Funding is released in phases based on milestones:
40% upon signing and opening a project account.
30% upon acceptance of interim reports.
Balance upon successful completion and acceptance of final reports.
Who Can Apply?
The application is open to non-profit institutions registered in Hong Kong. This includes:
TCM-related professional bodies, societies, or chambers.
Local universities and educational institutions.
Note: While a single eligible institution must submit the application, the government strongly encourages cross-institutional collaboration. Combining the strengths of different universities or organizations will be viewed favorably during the assessment.
Application Deadline
The clock is ticking. The deadline for submitting applications for the C4a Project is February 12, 2026.
How Are Applications Assessed?
The Chinese Medicine Development Fund Advisory Committee will evaluate proposals based on several criteria, including:
The project team's expertise and track record in similar research.
The feasibility of the implementation plan.
Cost-effectiveness.
The ability of the collaboration to create synergy (for cross-institutional bids).
Whether the proposal clearly meets the Blueprint's objectives.
Why This Matters
This is more than just a funding opportunity; it is a chance to shape the "DNA" of the TCM profession in Hong Kong. By establishing clear core competencies, the C4a project will ensure that the next generation of practitioners is trained to a rigorous, standardized, and internationally recognized level.
Ready to apply? Forms and guidance notes are available via the executing agency or the Fund’s website. Don't miss this chance to contribute to the modernization of Chinese Medicine in Hong Kong.
