Following is the speech by the Secretary for Health, Professor Lo Chung-mau, at the International Genomic Medicine Symposium today (November 17):

Mr Philip Tsai (Chairperson of the Hong Kong Genome Institute (HKGI)), Dr SV Lo (Chief Executive Officer of the HKGI, Dr Lo Su-vui) , Dr Kirsten Johnson (Chair of the Council, Rare Diseases International (RDI)), Professor Roberto Giugliani (Co-Chair of the RDI-Lancet Commission on Rare Diseases (LCRD)), Professor Kym Boycott (Co-Chair of the RDI-LCRD), distinguished speakers and guests, ladies and gentlemen,

     Good morning. It is a pleasure for me to attend the International Genomic Medicine Symposium. On behalf of the Health Bureau of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the Hong Kong Genome Institute, Rare Diseases International, and the Rare Disease International-Lancet Commission on Rare Diseases (RDI-LCRD), for their exemplary efforts in convening this world-class gathering. It gives me great pleasure to welcome so many distinguished clinicians, scientists, and healthcare professionals to the International Genomic Medicine Symposium.

     This Symposium brings together experts and leaders from more than 20 countries and regions, and is a remarkable platform for sharing ideas and building partnerships across disciplines, institutions, and borders. It stands as a testament to the power of global collaboration.  

     As a "super connector", Hong Kong proudly connects people, expertise, and opportunities from around the world to drive the development of genomic medicine together. We are all united by one shared mission: to translate the promise of genomic medicine into real and lasting benefits for patients and families. 

     Genomic medicine represents one of the most exciting frontiers in modern healthcare. It is redefining how we understand, diagnose, and treat disease - driving progress from disease prevention, early detection and precise diagnosis to personalised treatment and groundbreaking advances in clinical trials and drug discovery.

     Recognising the profound potential of this field, the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region has made genomic medicine a key pillar of the city's journey to promote healthcare and innovation.  

     We set up the Hong Kong Genome Institute in 2020. The Institute's vision statement is ambitious yet simple - to avail genomic medicine to all for better health and well-being. Over the years, with strong government support, the Institute has become a driving force linking clinical practice with cutting-edge science.

     At the centre of the Institute's work stands its flagship initiative - the Hong Kong Genome Project - the city's first large-scale whole-genome sequencing programme. The Project has at least three main goals: to build a comprehensive genome database for the Hong Kong population, to nurture a professional workforce in genomic medicine, and to set standards for genetic and genomic testing across the healthcare system.  

     Through strong collaboration among the HKSAR Government, the Hospital Authority, and local universities, the Project has already recruited more than 53 000 participants. Indeed, this figure has already exceeded the original target of 50 000 participants, which was set from the Project's inception in 2021. 

     The impact of this growing effort extends beyond Hong Kong. At present, human genome databases shared internationally are largely Caucasian-based, accounting for over 70 per cent of all the data involved. Through the Hong Kong Genome Project, Hong Kong is building a unique genome database rooted primarily in the Southern Chinese population. By expanding the representation of Asian genomic data, Hong Kong is not only closing a critical gap in global knowledge, but also opening up new possibilities for more knowledge generation. 

     The genomic data, and clinical information, collected through the Project are de-identified and stored in the Hong Kong Genome Institute's bioinformatics analytical platform for access by authorised researchers. As the Project's database continues to grow, it will allow for more targeted participant stratification, accelerating the discovery of new drugs and the development of precision therapies.

     Looking ahead, the HKSAR Government will continue to support the Hong Kong Genome Institute as the Institute embarks on the next phase of work, pressing ahead with its 2025-2030 Strategic Plan. The Plan sets four priorities: to integrate genomic medicine into clinical care; to advance research in genomic science; to nurture talent in genomic medicine; and to enhance public genomic literacy and foster industry partnership.  

     The Institute will expand the Hong Kong Genome Project, enrolling a further 60 000 to 70 000 participants over the next five years. This larger genome database will contribute to accelerating novel gene discoveries, driving medical innovations from new diagnostic tests to precision therapies, and strengthening collaboration with the pharmaceutical industry on new drug trials and pharmacogenomics.

     Turning scientific discoveries into practical applications will take centre stage in the Hong Kong Genome Institute's next phase of work. The Institute will forge partnerships with research institutions and industry leaders not only in Hong Kong, but across the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and beyond, to advance - and bring to market - innovative genomics technologies and products.

     I am confident that many of you at today's Symposium will join - or continue to join - hands with the Hong Kong Genome Institute in realising the immense transformative potential of genomic medicine. 
  
     And all these ongoing and future efforts of the Institute go hand in hand with the HKSAR Government's new initiatives to facilitate the development and application of biomedical innovations in Hong Kong. To name a few, such initiatives include reform of medical product regulation, the setting up of the Hong Kong Centre for Medical Products Regulation, and the establishment of the Greater Bay Area International Clinical Trial Institute to provide a one-stop clinical trial support platform. 

     All in all, we are determined to strengthen Hong Kong's role as an international health and medical innovation hub. With high-quality and efficient healthcare systems, state-of-the-art research facilities and capabilities, strong support from our motherland, and extensive international connectivity, Hong Kong is well placed to drive new breakthroughs that enhance community well-being and contribute meaningfully to global health.

     Today's Symposium provides an excellent opportunity to reflect on these ambitions from the perspective of genomic medicine. It features five thematic panel discussions that will explore various key frontiers - from managing rare diseases and applying precision medicine, to addressing the legal and ethical dimensions of data sharing, driving innovations in health-record management, and harnessing the power of artificial intelligence.

     Following this Symposium, Hong Kong will have the honour of hosting the annual meeting of the RDI-LCRD over the next two days. This milestone underscores Hong Kong's role as a hub for global scientific exchanges and collaboration. It also reflects the international community's confidence in our city's research environment and clinical excellence.

     Before closing, to our distinguished guests from the Chinese Mainland and overseas who have travelled from near and far, I hope you find your stay in Hong Kong both enriching and enjoyable. Beyond scientific exchanges, I invite you to experience the city's vibrancy and its unique blend of East-meets-West culture. 

     And to our local participants, I encourage you to build on the connections made today - to keep the dialogue going and work together to improve patient care and public health. I would also like to make a brief appeal to you, as members of Hong Kong’s professional and scientific community. On December 7, Hong Kong will hold the 2025 Legislative Council General Election. I encourage each of you - and your family members - to vote in the election, because the choices you make will shape the policies that foster research, healthcare, and the well-being of present and future generations. 

     On that note, I wish the Symposium, as well as the RDI-LCRD's annual meeting, every success. Thank you.

Ends/Monday, November 17, 2025
Issued at HKT 12:27

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