Chongqing - From January 23 to 24, the Asia Pacific Medical Education Conference (APMEC) took place in Yiwu, Zhejiang. The event brought together around 1,400 experts, scholars, and administrators from more than 30 countries, including a delegation from Chongqing Medical University. As a premier global conference for medical educators, it centered on fostering harmony in diversity through collaboration in health professions education.

The interactive section of the event. (Photo/Chongqing Medical University)

Co-hosted by the NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine and Zhejiang University's International School of Medicine, the event spotlighted pioneering topics such as the application of artificial intelligence in medical education, the integration of clinical practice with scientific research, and innovative approaches to faculty development. It featured a range of exchange activities including forums, seminars, workshops, and round-table discussions.

During the key thematic seminar, Wang Yu, Director of Chongqing Medical University's Office of International Cooperation and Exchanges, delivered a seminal report titled "Breaking Barriers: Collaborative Innovation in Sino-Foreign Educational Practice". The presentation systematically outlined Chongqing Medical University's approaches to global medical education and its growing international network, which now includes partnerships already established with 67 educational or healthcare institutions in 24 countries and regions in Europe, Asia, North America, and Oceania.

CQMU representative reports on its Sino-foreign educational practice. (Photo/Chongqing Medical University)

A key focus was the university's integrated dual degree and spiral curriculum system, a framework strategically designed to break down traditional discipline models and organizational silos, thereby cultivating future medical leaders who are adept in both clinical reasoning and scientific thinking. The model drew positive feedback from international peers for its forward-thinking design. Further enriching the dialogue, CQMU faculty members Ding Shiwen and Wu Yuting delivered oral presentations on integrating medical humanities education and building global competence in medical students. Their insights contributed significantly to parallel discussions on developing empathetic and internationally collaborative healthcare professionals.

Wang Yu, Director of Chongqing Medical University's Office of International Cooperation and Exchanges. (Photo/Chongqing Medical University)

Chongqing Medical University's participation reflects its deepening global partnerships, particularly with the conference's co-organizer, the NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine. Building on a strong collaborative relationship, the two institutions have launched joint initiatives such as the Chongqing-Singapore Medical Education Workshop for Leadership in Health Professions, successfully held in September 2025. APMEC 2026, marking the conference's inaugural edition in China, served as a meaningful platform to further strengthen this cooperation.

Through its active involvement in this international conference, Chongqing Medical University continues to contribute to global innovation in medical education while reinforcing Chongqing's emerging role as a medical education hub in western China. This effort aligns closely with the city's broader strategy to advance medical excellence and international collaboration.