“The Government has been discussing the ‘1+4’ strategy, and ‘Big Health’ is a major part of the diversification plan,” says Glenn McCartney, a professor at the University of Macau and one of the organizers of the first Macau-Hengqin Medical Tourism Symposium, held last week. “But for this strategy to work, we need clear indicators, specific targets, and an action plan,” he told PLATAFORMA.
“The resorts are ready — some even tried to develop medical tourism projects years ago,” says Niall Murray, a specialist in hotel and hospitality management, recalling the partnership between the Malo Clinic and Sands China, which ended “due to the practice of medically assisted reproduction, trafficking and smuggling of oncology drugs, and lack of hygiene and safety conditions for healthcare services,” according to the Health Bureau. “The legal and institutional infrastructure doesn’t exist. There are no tax incentives, special visa schemes, or a clear structure to attract renowned medical institutions. Without these, we’ll remain stuck in a stop-start cycle.”
Murray points to Singapore as an example, where the government takes a firm approach, setting specific guidelines for non-gaming investments and encouraging public-private partnerships. In Macau, gaming operators are required to invest 95% of their financial commitments in non-gaming sectors, but there is a lack of clarity about where and how these investments should be made.
“I don’t think it’s reasonable to ask them to focus on high-tech or finance. It makes sense for them to invest in areas like medical tourism, culture, and sports. But the Government needs to present a plan, create specific zones with tailored policies, and facilitate the entry of qualified professionals,” he argues.
For McCartney, Macau’s true competitive edge lies in TCM, and its success depends on integration with hospitality. “We have some of the most luxurious hotels in the world. Integrating traditional Chinese medicine into spas, wellness centers, and cultural experiences could create a unique value proposition (…) But this will only be possible with clear government leadership, setting goals, indicators, and an action plan,” he told our newspaper.
Meanwhile, Gabriel Li, a professor at Macau University of Science and Technology (MUST), highlights that the institution is the only one in the region offering full undergraduate and postgraduate programs in TCM, with courses also available in English — which helps attract international students. “We are training highly qualified local professionals. The Government has supported this framework, but there is still a gap between education and the tourism sector,” he told PLATAFORMA.
Li also stresses the need to address negative perceptions regarding the safety and efficacy of TCM. “Many still believe the products are dangerous or ineffective. We need educational campaigns, international certifications, and collaboration with the World Health Organization. Progress is being made, such as the use of synthetic herbs and the abandonment of animal-based ingredients, but the public is still unaware of this.”
The integration of TCM with tourism can also be driven by technology: “With the support of artificial intelligence, it would be possible to diagnose symptoms and guide tourists to local establishments for personalized treatments — with confidence, accessible language, and institutional support,” says Li.
Despite previous failed attempts in the region, experts believe Macau can still take the lead in this field — if it acts strategically. All agree on the need for an interdepartmental task force, bringing together the tourism, health, education, and investment sectors to create a truly sustainable medical tourism ecosystem.
Focus on TCM and Big Health
At a talk hosted by the Macau Chamber of Commerce, the Secretary for Economy and Finance stated that incentives are underway to modernize the TCM industry, particularly by supporting local manufacturers in improving product quality and restructuring their operations. He also emphasized the role of the State Key Laboratories and the Traditional Chinese Medicine Science and Industrial Park for Cooperation between Guangdong and Macau in strengthening research and supporting the internationalization of TCM-based health products.
