(Hong Kong, 27 October 2022) The Hong Kong Genome Institute (HKGI) is committed to driving research and clinical applications of genomic medicine in Hong Kong to benefit patients and bring better health to the wider community. In addition to focusing on local initiatives, HKGI has been proactive in strengthening its international ties and status.
Recently, HKGI has the great honour to be invited by the American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG), the world-renowned professional body, to its “Thought Leadership Film Series” with a dedicated video featuring HKGI. Premiered at ASHG flagship event “Annual Meeting 2022”, the film highlights HKGI’s efforts in launching the Hong Kong Genome Project (HKGP), the first-of-its-kind initiative in the city. It also showcases HKGI’s accomplishments to clinical geneticists, scientists, researchers and medical professionals around the globe, enhancing Hong Kong’s international standing in the field.
ASHG, established in 1948 with a history of over 70 years, is a leading industry authority well-recognised worldwide. The annual meeting ASHG hosts each year represents the world’s largest and most influential conference and exposition in human genetics and genomics, attracting participation from subject experts and specialists across continents. This year, the Annual Meeting 2022 is taking place in Los Angeles, USA from 25-29 October (local time). Keeping pace with the latest development in the field, each year, ASHG selects from around the world representative organisations to be featured in its signature event “Thought Leadership Film Series”. Selected parties will be invited to share their novel discoveries and latest development through engaging films, which will be released at the annual meeting to foster exchanges of knowledge and experience across regions. World-leading organisations and genome projects invited to the Film Series in the past included Genomics England, Switzerland Health 2030 Genome Center and Qatar Genome Programme.
HKGI is one of the selected organisations for the 2022 Film Series. In the feature video, apart from HKGI’s representatives, Professor Lo Chung-mau, Secretary for Health of the Hong Kong SAR Government (HKSAR Government), was also present.
Dr Lo Su-vui, Chief Executive Officer of HKGI, said, “We are honoured to be invited to this ASHG Film Series, and are deeply grateful for the enormous support from the Health Bureau, especially the Secretary for Health Professor Lo for his participation. Through ASHG’s global platform, we have the valuable opportunity to highlight to international experts in genetics and genomics HKGI’s vision and achievements in nurturing talents and accelerating the integration of genomics into clinical routine care. More importantly, we are able to showcase to fellow practitioners worldwide our strategic blueprint and remarkable milestones in promoting genomic medicine in Hong Kong, and to foreground HKGP to international level.”
Dr Brian Chung Hon-yin, Chief Scientific Officer of HKGI, remarked, “The invitation to this ASHG Film Series is a huge recognition to HKGI and this is tremendously encouraging to all of us. Genomic medicine is a discipline with vast potential, and international collaborations are instrumental to its success. Given the lack of genomic data of the Chinese populations in today’s scientific and medical community around the world, HKGP has a crucial role to play in adding the missing piece to the puzzle of the global genome database. This is particularly important for the study of disorders commonly found in the Chinese populations. We will continue our effort to foster local and international collaborations. Through cross-region and cross-discipline exchanges, we are excited to work with counterparts near and far to advance the development of genomic medicine, benefit the society and contribute to global research and development.”
The HKGI video consists of two versions, a one-minute trailer and a six-minute full version. In the video, Professor Lo Chung-mau, Secretary for Health introduced the background of HKGI’s establishment by the HKSAR Government, elucidated the importance of genomic medicine in promoting better health for the community, and reiterated the HKSAR Government’s support to HKGI. Dr Lo Su-vui, Chief Executive Officer of HKGI, elaborated on HKGI’s vision of “availing genomic medicine to all for better health and well-being”, as well as HKGI’s multi-pronged strategic plan and foci. Dr Brian Chung Hon-yin and Dr Annie Chu Tsz-wai, respectively the Chief Scientific Officer and Head of Genetic Counselling and Education, highlighted the patient-first spirit HKGI upholds and the essence of HKGP. Two of HKGI’s summer interns were also invited to share in the film their learnings and rewarding placement experience.
Please view the HKGI video and download the photos from the below links:
Video:
https://bit.ly/3FkHBsZ (American Society of Human Genetics YouTube Channel)
https://bit.ly/3fembD9 (Hong Kong Genome Institute YouTube Channel)
