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Chu et al. J Transl Genet Genom 2023;7:66-78 https://dx.doi.org/10.20517/jtgg.2023.01 Page 64

effective use of digital marketing and search engine optimization tools to promote the HKGI and genomic
medicine. The allocation of resources toward genomic education and talent development in Hong Kong is a
priority to facilitate the integration of genomic medicine into mainstream healthcare.

Most genome projects highlighted the importance of human capacity, i.e., aptitude, knowledge, perceptions,
responsiveness, and commitment to genomic information and campaigns. For example, the UK (a leader in
genomic medicine development) stated that none of its success could have been realized without the
involvement and participation of the wider UK population. As they pursue their goal to be the most
advanced genomic healthcare ecosystem in the world in the coming decade, the UK prioritizes public
engagement and assurance that the patient’s voice is embedded throughout decision-making, as stated in
[22]
the Genome UK Implementation Plan 2021-2022 . Qatar Genome is also actively increasing its human
[23]
capacity by initiating several education initiatives from early school to postgraduate levels . Public
engagement must be implemented in phases and multifactorial dimensions and platforms.

In conclusion, with the concerted efforts of all members of the HKGI and the support of various
stakeholders, the HKGP Pilot Phase had a smooth and successful launch. It is a long road before genomic
medicine can become commonplace in Hong Kong and Asia. Public engagement is an ongoing and
dynamic process. With age-specific marketing and strategic promotional plans backed by multi-disciplinary
health reforms and long-term public education campaigns (supported by tertiary education curriculum and
genomic knowledge outcome studies, to name but a few), we hope that via the HKGP and the related
initiatives that geared up by its momentum, genomic literacy in Hong Kong and other Chinese-speaking
cultures can be significantly advanced in the coming decade. Our study findings shaped the publicizing
strategies of the Pilot Phase of the HKGP and laid a patient-oriented foundation for its Main Phase.

DECLARATIONS
Acknowledgments
We would like to thank all members of the HKGI for preparing the launch of the HKGP. We thank the
Board of Directors and the Cultural and Education Committee for their continuous support and advice. We
also wish to acknowledge the support of the HKGP stakeholders: The Health Bureau; Hospital Authority;
Department of Health; and Partnering Centers at The University of Hong Kong/Queen Mary Hospital, The
Chinese University of Hong Kong/Prince of Wales Hospital, and Hong Kong Children’s Hospital.

Authors’ contributions
Conceptualization; project administration: Chu ATW, Chung BHY
Data curation; formal analysis; investigation: Chu ATW, Chung CCY
Methodology; writing-original draft: Chu ATW;
Resources: Chu ATW, Hong Kong Genome Project, Lo SV, Chung BHY
Supervision: Lo SV, Chung BHY
Writing-review & editing: Chung CCY, Lo SV, Chung BHY

Availability of data and materials
Upon a reasonable request, Focus Group Discussion Guide, theme list, PowerPoint prompts, and focus
group transcripts reported in this article, after de-identification, will be made available to investigators
whose independent review committee has approved the proposed use of the data. Data will be available
from the corresponding authors up to five years following publication.