Singapore Thong Chai Medical Institution

What Singapore Thong Chai Medical Institution does

Singapore Thong Chai Medical Institution (STCMI) is a charitable, non-profit Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) provider founded in 1867 in Singapore and registered as an Institution of Public Character (IPC). It operates one headquarters at 50 Chin Swee Road (Thong Chai Building, near Chinatown MRT) and four community clinics in Ang Mo Kio, Sengkang, Bedok, and Bukit Batok, collectively covering all four regions of Singapore. With over 50 registered TCM physicians, STCMI delivers free medical consultations, Chinese herbal medicine, acupuncture, cupping, pediatric tuina, and ear acupressure to the general public regardless of race, religion, or nationality, serving more than 1,300 patients daily. Five specialty clinics provide deeper expertise in stroke and pain acupuncture (est. 1987), fertility (est. 1986, with over 2,050 documented births since inception), kidney disease (est. 1987), oncology (30+ years of supportive care alongside Western oncology treatments), and pediatrics (est. November 2020).

STCMI's product and technology platform rests on TCM modalities augmented by a research and product-development arm, the Thong Chai Institute of Medical Research (TCIMR), established in 2003. TCIMR conducted 12 years of clinical research leading to the development and HSA approval of Bu Shen Yi Jing Wan (补肾益精丸), a proprietary Chinese medicine for kidney tonification that is manufactured and distributed in Singapore and Malaysia by Yi Si Yuan Pte Ltd while IP remains with STCMI. Supporting infrastructure includes a TCM library of over 20,000 books (including 1,725 rare editions) and research collaborations with Nanyang Technological University, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore General Hospital, Liaoning University of TCM, and China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences Xiyuan Hospital.

The business model is donation-funded rather than revenue-generating: services are provided at zero cost to patients, with primary revenue streams being tax-deductible public and corporate donations (2.5x deduction via IPC status), rental income from commercial units and facilities (conference room, car park, office space) within Thong Chai Building, nominal TCM library membership fees (S$10/year or S$20/3 years), and commercial product sales of Bu Shen Yi Jing Wan. Annual operating expenses exceed S$10 million and are sustained through fundraising activities including charity dinners, golf tournaments, and community events. The 119th Board of Directors (2024-2027) governs the institution with 28 members under Chairman Yeo Eng Koon, with no external institutional investors, parent company, or funding rounds.

Name

Singapore Thong Chai Medical Institution

Legal name

Singapore Thong Chai Medical Institution

Website

https://stcmi.org.sg

Company type

Private

Founded year

1867

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Singapore Thong Chai Medical Institution is a 158-year-old charitable TCM provider operating five clinics across Singapore, delivering free Traditional Chinese Medicine consultations, acupuncture, herbal medicine, and five specialty treatments to over 1,300 patients daily regardless of race, religion, or nationality.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Traditional Chinese Medicine Healthcare Services

NAICS

Offices of Physicians (except Mental Health Specialists) (621111), Offices of Physicians (6211)

SIC

Services-Offices & Clinics Of Doctors Of Medicine (8011), Services-Health Services (8000)

akta.pro primary industry

Retail & Walk-In Primary Care Clinics (HLAFAGAC)

Keywords

• Traditional Chinese medicine
• Chinese herbal medicine
• Acupuncture treatment
• TCM clinical services
• Charitable healthcare services

Headquarters

HQ city

Singapore

HQ country

Singapore

HQ region

Asia

Offices5 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Donations and Charitable Contributions: As an IPC (Institution of Public Character), the organization relies primarily on donations from the public and corporate donors. Donations are tax-deductible at 2.5 times the donation amount.
2. Property Rental Income: Commercial units in Thong Chai Building are leased to tenants, providing rental income to partially offset operational costs.
3. Charitable Services (Free): All medical services are provided completely free of charge regardless of race, religion, or nationality. Consultation and medication are provided at no cost; donations are appreciated but not required.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Singapore Thong Chai Medical Institution provides free Traditional Chinese Medicine services, including medical consultation, acupuncture, and Chinese herbal medicine, to the public regardless of race, religion, or nationality. It operates five physical locations across Singapore and runs five specialty clinics covering post-stroke and pain management, oncology, fertility, kidney disease, and pediatrics, delivered by more than 50 registered TCM physicians.

Product overview

Singapore Thong Chai Medical Institution operates as a charitable TCM healthcare organization providing free Traditional Chinese Medicine services to the public regardless of race, religion, or nationality. The core offering consists of free medical consultation and acupuncture services delivered through one headquarters and four community clinics across Singapore. The institution provides five specialized clinics: Acupuncture for Post-stroke and Pain Management, Oncology, Fertility, Kidney Disease, and Pediatrics. Additionally, TCIMR (Thong Chai Institute of Medical Research) developed and launched 补肾益精丸 as a proprietary Chinese medicine product approved by HSA. The institution also offers ancillary facilities including a TCM Library, Conference Room rental, Office Space for Lease, and Car Park services.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Bu Shen Yi Jing Wan (补肾益精丸): A proprietary Chinese medicine developed by TCIMR for kidney tonification, launched in 2015. Approved by Singapore Health Sciences Authority for sale as a Chinese proprietary medicine.
• Thong Chai Institute of Medical Research (TCIMR)

Products and services

• Medical Consultation (Free TCM Consultation) Free Traditional Chinese Medicine medical consultation provided to all patients regardless of race, religion, or nationality, including new and returning patients at all five branches.
• General Acupuncture Acupuncture services for general indications based on TCM meridian theory and acupoint stimulation, with each session lasting approximately 30 minutes; available to all walk-in patients free of charge.
• Acupuncture for Post-stroke and Pain Management Special Clinic (中风痛症针灸组) Specialty clinic providing acupuncture treatment for post-stroke sequelae (limited to patients within 1 year of onset) and pain conditions including cervical spondylosis, knee osteoarthritis, plantar fasciitis, sciatica, frozen shoulder, and other musculoskeletal disorders.
• Oncology Special Clinic (肿瘤组) Specialty clinic providing TCM adjunctive care for cancer patients during chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and recovery, including pre/post-surgery conditioning, treatment side-effect management, and rehabilitation.
• Fertility Special Clinic (生育组) Specialty clinic providing TCM treatment for infertility using Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture, covering female and male infertility, pregnancy conditioning, and postpartum care. Has helped deliver over 2,050 'Tongji babies' since 1986.
• Kidney Disease Special Clinic (肾病组) Specialty clinic providing TCM treatment for chronic kidney disease, glomerulonephritis, proteinuria, hematuria, renal edema, dialysis support, urinary stones, and urinary tract infections.
• Pediatrics Special Clinic (儿科组) Specialty clinic providing TCM treatment for children aged 0-16 with respiratory, digestive, kidney-related, and skin conditions, using pediatric tuina, herbal medicine, ear acupressure, and acupuncture.
• Bu Shen Yi Jing Wan (补肾益精丸 / Kidney Tonifying Essence Pill) Proprietary Chinese medicine developed by TCIMR for nourishing kidneys, strengthening essence, replenishing qi and blood. Indicated for yin-yang deficiency, essence-blood deficiency, lumbar and knee soreness, and fatigue. Approved by Singapore HSA for sale as Chinese proprietary medicine.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 1,300 patients served daily
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered major and core.

• Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese MedicinemajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 16 August 2021Established TCM Cooperation Center for advancing new TCM medical research exchange between Singapore and China. Part of efforts to modernize and professionalize TCM in the region.
• KK Women's and Children's Hospital (KKH)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2019Joint clinical research collaboration with STCMI Fertility Group and KKH on Bu Shen Yi Jing Wan for male infertility. Received Ministry of Health TCM Research Fund for clinical study on kidney deficiency and liver stagnation patterns.
• Singapore General Hospital Rheumatology DepartmentcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2018Collaborative acupuncture research project with rheumatology specialists. Research results will establish basis for future acupuncture clinical research and provide objective evidence for acupuncture efficacy.
• Yi Si Yuan (忆思源) Private LimitedcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 11 April 2015Appointed as sole production and marketing agent for Bu Shen Yi Jing Wan in Singapore. Manages distribution through pharmacies and retail outlets. Also expanding distribution to Malaysian market.
• Jackie Chan (成龙)majorGTM or Marketing Partner · 21 March 2010International movie star appointed as 'Tongji Charity Ambassador' for 2010 charity television fundraising event 'Thong Chai Charity Night'. Event raised S$8.39 million for building expansion.
• Nanyang Technological University (NTU)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2007Partnership for biomedical and TCM double degree program. STCMI serves as clinical teaching base for NTU students. Annual scholarships awarded to outstanding students who often join STCMI after graduation, creating talent pipeline.
• China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences Xiyuan HospitalmajorTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2004Collaborated for acute toxicity testing of Bu Shen Yi Jing Wan formula. Testing conducted on rats at 888 times human dosage with no toxic adverse reactions observed, establishing safety evidence.
• Tongji Medical Institute of Medical Research (TCIMR)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 9 September 2003Related research institute established by STCMI in 2003. Conducts TCM research, continuing education for physicians, and developed proprietary Bu Shen Yi Jing Wan formula. Shares leadership with STCMI Board (119th Board serves both institutions).

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves11 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Singapore Chung Hwa Medical Institution: Another long-established charitable TCM institution in Singapore providing free or low-cost TCM services to the public. Closely comparable mission, structure, and clinical offerings to STCMI, including general consultation and specialty clinics.
• Ma Kuang TCM Medical Group: One of Singapore's largest commercial TCM clinic chains offering acupuncture, herbal medicine, and tuina across multiple branches. Directly comparable in clinical offerings (TCM, acupuncture, fertility, pain) but operates on a paid commercial model.
• Eu Yan Sang International: Heritage TCM brand with retail outlets, TCM clinics, and proprietary Chinese medicine products. Comparable TCM clinic services and proprietary product line (notably the Bu Shen Yi Jing Wan-style category), with a larger commercial footprint.

Broad incumbents

• Raffles Medical Group: One of Singapore's largest integrated private healthcare providers. Comparable as a multi-site ambulatory care operator in Singapore, though focused on Western medicine; represents the mainstream incumbent STCMI's specialty TCM offerings complement.
• NTUC Health Co-operative: Major community healthcare provider in Singapore offering primary care, eldercare, and dental services. Comparable in scale and mission-driven (co-operative) community health delivery across multiple Singapore locations.
• Healthway Medical Group: Large private healthcare chain in Singapore operating multiple GP and specialist clinics. Comparable as a multi-clinic ambulatory care operator serving the Singapore public, though without TCM specialization.

Regional players

• Beijing Tong Ren Tang: Iconic Chinese TCM brand with retail stores and clinics across Asia. Comparable in TCM heritage and proprietary medicine products, with a much larger international footprint including presence in Singapore.

Emerging players

• Singapore Paincare Holdings: Singapore-listed medical group focused on chronic pain management including TCM-based treatments. Comparable in the pain management specialty area where STCMI's Stroke/Pain Acupuncture clinic operates.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/Singapore-Thong-Chai-Medical-Institution-108067674172063
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/stcmi

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles12 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Singapore Thong Chai Medical Institution