Health and Tourist Experience in Taiwan: Exciting, Delicious, and Healthy

(Brunei, 15) The "Health and Tourist Experience in Taiwan" lecture organized by the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Brunei, the Brunei Alumni Association of Taiwan Universities, and the Brunei Taiwan Chamber of Commerce kicked off at 7:30 PM on June 14, 2025, at the University of Brunei Darussalam (UBD).
The event's theme, "Health and Tourist Experience in Taiwan," featured two prominent speakers from Taiwan's China Medical University Hospital: Department of Surgery Director Chen Dehong and Clinical Nutritionist Wu Liya. They combined clinical medical experience and practical cases to deliver a practical health feast to the Chinese community in Brunei and local residents. The lecture team arrived in Brunei on June 12 and was interviewed by Brunei Radio on June 13 with the theme "Understanding Your Body's Warning Signals," warming up interest in health topics before the lecture.

The health lecture attracted a full house with over 200 attendees, including members of the Bruneian Chinese community, alumni of Taiwan universities, Taiwan Chamber of Commerce members, local residents, and young students. The lecture covered the identification and prevention of gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary diseases, strategies for managing the "Three Highs" (high blood pressure, high blood sugar, high blood lipids), and dementia health strategies, along with professional nutrition advice and practical health tips, earning high praise for its practicality.
Xiao Shengzhong, representative of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Brunei, delivered a speech, expressing gratitude for the Chinese community's efforts to promote cultural and medical exchange and highlighting the strengths of Taiwan's healthcare.

At the opening of the event, Xiao Shengzhong expressed gratitude for the continuous efforts of the Brunei Taiwan Chamber of Commerce and the Brunei Alumni Association of Taiwan Universities in organizing diverse activities, from literary talks that soothe the soul to Taiwan food exhibitions that satisfy taste buds. Today, they have collaborated with a professional medical team to bring a high-level medical lecture to the Chinese community and local residents in Brunei. Ambassador Xiao particularly introduced the team led by Executive Director Zhou Ai Qi of the International Medical Center at China Medical University, emphasizing the advanced technology, warm humanistic care, and good efficacy of Taiwan's healthcare as the first choice for many international individuals seeking health care. He encouraged everyone, "When you have the opportunity to travel to Taiwan, arrange for a health check-up and let Taiwan's healthcare protect the health of you and your family."
During the event, Xiao Shengzhong announced good news; the Taiwan government has just announced today that starting from August 1, 2025, the visa-free privilege for nationals from Thailand, Brunei, and the Philippines visiting Taiwan for tourism will be extended for another year until July 31, 2026, symbolizing Taiwan's continued welcome to Brunei and other nationals for tourism and in-depth exchange, receiving enthusiastic applause from the audience.
Xiao Shengzhong further urged friends from all sectors present to help convey to the Brunei government the hope of establishing visa-free treatment for Taiwanese nationals.
Xiao Shengzhong pointed out: "There are many Taiwanese travelers curious about Brunei who hope to experience Brunei's natural scenery and cultural richness firsthand. If mutual visa-free policies are opened, it will surely bring multiple growths to Brunei's tourism industry and economic and trade exchanges."

First appearing as a guest speaker, Director Chen Dehong delivered a lecture titled "Understanding Warning Signals of the Gastrointestinal and Hepatobiliary Systems," introducing the commonality and overlooked risks of gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary diseases in a simple and understandable manner. He emphasized that people often delay seeking medical attention due to the absence of symptoms or mild discomfort in the early stages, explaining clinical cases and methods to identify early signs, and introducing the latest developments in imaging tests and minimally invasive surgery, leaving a profound impression of Taiwan's exceptional gastrointesintal and hepatobiliary healthcare capabilities. He encouraged early screenings, emphasizing prevention over treatment.
Nutritionist Wu Liya followed with a professional perspective, combining clinical data and dietary examples to share feasible dietary adjustment recommendations with the audience, helping them understand how to apply nutritional health principles in daily life. Participants found it very informative, gaining practical knowledge for healthy living.

This event not only conveyed medical knowledge but also represented a concrete practice of medical exchange between Taiwan and Brunei. Through the presentations by experts from China Medical University Hospital and on-site interactions, more Brunei citizens were able to understand the professional and convenient nature of Taiwan's healthcare, broadening and deepening health diplomacy. The audience's reactions to the professional content delivered by the two speakers were enthusiastic, with active participation in Q&A, and the speakers provided thorough and patient explanations, leaving a deep impression of Taiwan's professional healthcare and attentive explanations. The lecture concluded successfully amidst warmth and applause, receiving unanimous approval for its richness in knowledge and fruitful outcomes.
The participants included Luo Wanyi, President of the Brunei Alumni Association of Taiwan Universities; Vice Presidents Mai Shuncheng, Chen Furong, and Zhuang Qide; the association's directors; Wu Jiaxin, President of the Brunei Taiwan Chamber of Commerce; Honorary President Zhuang Xishan; Founding President Lian Guoxun; Vice Presidents Lian Guozhi and Wu Mingxian; and other board members.