Press Releases & Announcements

Hong Kong Genome Institute (HKGI) welcomes the 2021 Policy Address delivered today by the Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, that reaffirms in the Supplement the implementation direction of the main phase of the Hong Kong Genome Project, giving a shot in the arm for accelerating the development of genomic medicine in Hong Kong and enhancing public health.

Dr Lo Su-vui, Chief Executive Officer of HKGI, said, “With the unstinting support of the HKSAR Government, the Hospital Authority, the medical schools of the two universities and various stakeholders, the trial run of the Project’s pilot phase commenced in July this year. Themed “See the Unseen”, the Project aims to help participants look for potential disease-causing genetic variants through whole genome sequencing. While the pilot phase targets at recruiting 2,000 eligible cases of undiagnosed diseases and hereditary cancers, the scope of the main phase, which is expected to start in 2022, will be extended to cover more diseases and cases. In total, around 50,000 genomes would be sequenced under the Project.”

In support of the Project implementation, HKGI has already set out its strategic plan with foci to integrate genomic medicine into clinical care, advance scientific research and nurture talents in relevant fields. The Project will in the long run help establish a genome database of the local population, paving the way for more precise diagnosis and personalised treatments as well as better disease prevention.

HKGI will continue to work in close partnership with the community to bring about better health and well-being to all in Hong Kong.