PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Nov 26, 2024) – During the expert panel discussion at the Global Chinese Economic & Technology Summit (GCET) in Phnom Penh, Prof. Dato’ Sri Dr. Mike Chan, a renowned figure in regenerative medicine and founder of the European Wellness Biomedical Group, captivated attendees with his personal journey and vision for the future of healthcare. As a panelist, Prof. Mike Chan spoke candidly about his humble beginnings and the obstacles he overcame to become a global leader in wellness and longevity science.
Reflecting on his early years, Prof. Mike Chan shared his story of starting from “one table and two chairs” in a foreign country, where he faced numerous challenges as an immigrant. “I was a yellow guy in a foreign country. I did suffer a lot,” he said. “But I came from very humble beginnings to start a business. Today, I’m the owner of 46 hospitals and clinics, spanning from Santorini to Germany, Ho Chi Minh, Bangkok, Hong Kong, and Switzerland. Along the way, we’ve expanded into biofarms and manufacturing plants in Germany and Switzerland.”
He expressed confidence in the future potential of Cambodia, emphasizing the opportunity for growth in the region. “I believe there’s a lot I’ve been hearing from all the speakers here about the potential of Cambodia. I think I should set up a German manufacturing plant right here in Cambodia,” Prof. Mike Chan remarked. “This would be the time. The capital is coming from places like Alaska, and the labor costs are much cheaper because the war is making things expensive in Europe.”
Prof. Mike Chan, who is deeply involved in the global healthcare community, also touched on the challenges faced by countries embroiled in conflict, mentioning the invaluable contribution of doctors from regions such as Russia and Ukraine. “Imagine, I would learn from the Russians and the Ukrainians. Today, we still have doctors from these regions working in my clinics. And I’m so sad to hear that we still have to fight wars in the 21st century. But that’s life. We have to keep moving forward,” he added, his words resonating with the audience.
A staunch believer in the resilience of the overseas Chinese community, Prof. Mike Chan spoke passionately about their ability to adapt and thrive globally. “The Chinese can survive anywhere in the world. They have been going throughout history, exhibiting their expertise. I’ve been to 80 countries around the world – from Africa to South America – and no matter where I go, I find a Chinese restaurant,” he said, a smile crossing his face. “I grew up in Hong Kong, I grew up in China, and today I speak and read Chinese. I started learning Chinese at the age of 30. But it was my educated father who inspired me.”
Prof. Mike Chan also shared his deeply personal story of overcoming adversity, revealing that he was once an autistic child who did not speak until the age of seven. “I had a hard time in school. I spent my life overcoming difficulties, but today I realize how many autistic children there are in the world,” he said. “I would like to set up a foundation to help these children – I call them the lesser children of a greater God, including those with limited abilities and very low IQs. They are not forgotten.”
Emphasizing the importance of education, Prof. Mike Chan stressed that healthcare and longevity are not just about living longer but living well. “Longevity and lifespan depend on health span. It’s crucial to understand that you must have a quality life, not just a long life,” he explained. “Your organs start to age at different times: your heart starts to decline at 40, your muscles at 30, and your bones at 20. Your backbone is the first organ to age at 11. So, how are we going to live to 120?”
He urged global governments to prioritize education and awareness on health and wellness, particularly in countries like Cambodia, where the average health span is still below 70 years. “We must extend the quality of life, and education is key to that,” Prof. Mike Chan said. “I believe it’s time to educate not just physicians but the general public. This is something I can work well on with governments worldwide.”
A fervent believer in the power of compassion and learning from others, Prof. Chan shared his diverse spiritual and cultural influences, saying, “I’m a staunch Buddhist who married a staunch Roman Catholic. I also read the Quran. We must learn from everyone. We are the best doctors for ourselves, not the doctors themselves.”
In closing, Prof. Mike Chan emphasized the importance of treating others with kindness and the value of saving lives. “Sometimes we treat for free because saving every life is important. The Chinese say, ‘Yi ren wei sheng’, which means ‘saving a life is more valuable than anything else.’”
Prof. Mike Chan’s heartfelt speech and his reflections on healthcare, personal growth, and the resilience of the overseas Chinese community left a lasting impression on the summit’s attendees. His message of hope, compassion, and innovation reinforced the critical need for a future-focused approach to global health and longevity.
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