Hong Kong Hosts Groundbreaking Symposium on Genomic Medicine

The International Genomic Medicine Symposium, a significant gathering of global experts, took place on November 17, 2025, at the Hong Kong Science Park. Organized by the Hong Kong Genome Institute (HKGI), Rare Diseases International (RDI), and The Lancet Commission on Rare Diseases (LCRD), the event attracted nearly 300 industry leaders, including medical practitioners, scientists, and researchers from over 20 countries.

This symposium provided a platform for discussing pivotal topics such as clinical genetics, rare diseases, genomic medicine, artificial intelligence, and ethical regulations in healthcare. It highlighted Hong Kong’s strengths in medical innovation while fostering connections between local and international experts, further solidifying the city’s role in advancing global health.

Key Insights and Contributions

Professor Chung-mau Lo, Secretary for Health of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, delivered the keynote address. He emphasized the government’s commitment to integrating genomic medicine into clinical practice, advancing research, and enhancing public understanding. “We are determined to strengthen Hong Kong’s role as an international health and innovation hub,” he stated, highlighting the potential of genomic medicine to improve healthcare outcomes.

Mr. Philip Tsai, Chairperson of the HKGI, remarked on the significance of the symposium in showcasing Hong Kong’s medical expertise. He noted, “This event represents a significant step towards accelerating the clinical applications of genomic medicine.” Tsai acknowledged the support from various stakeholders, stating that the ongoing Hong Kong Genome Project aims to build a comprehensive genomic database for the Southern Chinese population.

The symposium featured five thematic sessions, each designed to advance understanding of genomic medicine and its applications. In the first session, Professor Zhang Shuyang from Peking Union Medical College Hospital presented innovative service models for rare disease research, providing valuable insights for attendees. This was complemented by Professor Kym Boycott, Co-Chair of LCRD, who discussed strategies to enhance patient care for individuals affected by rare diseases.

Global Collaboration and Future Directions

The second session focused on case studies demonstrating the transformative potential of genomic medicine. Professor Roberto Giugliani, also Co-Chair of LCRD, analyzed cases of inborn errors of metabolism. Additionally, Hong Kong Genome Institute Scholars Dr. Derek Lee and Dr. Becky Ma illustrated how genome sequencing can identify pathogenic gene mutations, enabling precise diagnoses and targeted treatments.

Ms. Alexandra Heumber Perry, CEO of RDI, highlighted the importance of patient perspectives in the context of genomic medicine. She stated that this field represents a critical opportunity for advancing health equity globally, ensuring that individuals living with rare diseases receive timely and personalized care.

In the afternoon sessions, Dr. Brian Chung, Chief Medical and Scientific Officer of HKGI, shared updates on the progress of the Hong Kong Genome Project, which, since its launch in 2021, has successfully recruited over 53,000 participants. He emphasized the growing interest in pharmacogenomics, which studies how genetic variations affect drug response — a crucial area for future clinical applications.

Other notable speakers included Professor Dennis Lo, Vice-Chancellor and President of The Chinese University of Hong Kong, who discussed advancements in plasma DNA analysis technology. Professor Gareth Baynam from Perth Children’s Hospital introduced the “UTOPIA” artificial intelligence platform, while Professor Yong Chen from the University of Pennsylvania explored the intersection of causal artificial intelligence and drug development.

As the symposium concluded, the LCRD convened its second annual meeting in Hong Kong from November 18 to 19. This marked a historic moment as it was the first annual meeting held in Asia, further establishing Hong Kong’s pivotal role in international medical innovation.

The International Genomic Medicine Symposium not only showcased the advancements in genomic medicine but also underscored the importance of global collaboration in addressing healthcare challenges. The insights shared and connections made during this event are expected to drive future innovations and improve health outcomes worldwide.