【Hong Kong – 12 May 2021】 HKU SPACE is pleased to announce that it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on 11 May 2021 with ACT Genomics (Hong Kong) Limited to foster academic collaboration, and develop genomic technology-related programmes for nurturing and educating healthcare professionals in Hong Kong.

Genomics and molecular technology is revolutionary in cancer diagnosis, treatment and prevention in the 21^st century. According to the report of Hospital Authority, “cancer was the number one killer in Hong Kong in 2018 with 14,594 cancer deaths”. Genes are the “blueprint” of our body, which affect inherited traits passed on from a parent to a child. The change in gene (mutation) may cause severe disease, such as cancers. Genomic testing will provide information on the risk of getting certain types of cancer, the potential targeted therapy, and the prognosis of the treatment. Thus, it becomes an emerging approach for cancer diagnosis, treatment and prevention. Genomic testing has become an integral part of modern medical diagnostics with new and cutting-edge molecular technologies employed to uncover results of clinical significance.

In view of the current needs of increasing manpower and future prospects of molecular technology, HKU SPACE signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on 11 May 2021 with ACT Genomics (Hong Kong) Limited. The MOU was signed by Professor William K. M. Lee, Director of HKU SPACE and Mr Victor Chan, Director and Group CFO of ACT Genomics Holdings Co. Ltd..

The first programme upon the collaboration with ACT Genomics is the “Advanced Workshop on Genomic Testing and Genetic Counselling for Hereditary Cancers” which has already commenced in early May 2021. It not only covers the topics of genetics and genomic testing of hereditary cancers, but also discusses the skills of genetic counselling for healthcare professionals to communicate with patients or their families in dealing with their disease. A panel of international and local experts from academia and industry on hereditary cancers will be invited to share their extensive knowledge and vast experience to the students.

Speaking at the Signing Ceremony, Professor William K.M. Lee, Director of HKU SPACE, said, “Since our establishment in 1957, HKU SPACE has launched many innovative programmes to equip students with different professional skills to thrive and prosper in the ever-changing socio-economic environment. One of our core missions is to foster strategic partnership to promote lifelong learning education in different aspects. We are glad to collaborate with ACT Genomics in the powerful new genomic technologies that have been driving forward immense and exciting changes in precision medicine. This MOU commits us to establish a closer collaboration and ties to leverage each other's strengths and to spearhead the nurturing of more professionals in the field. Each side will pursue many significant training activities, such as the promotion of academic exchange, as well as the promotion of job opportunities. More training programmes and academic activities on genomics and molecular technology for healthcare professionals will be developed.”

Victor Chan, Director and Group CFO of ACT Genomics Holdings Co. Ltd., said, “With the vision to transform genomic information into action for the benefit of cancer patients, this collaboration is an important step to further broaden the base of trained professionals in this aspect. This is also in line with our philosophy in contributing to the well-being of the general public at large.”

ACT Genomics is a leading service provider of precision medicine for cancer diagnostics in Asia offers precision medicine services in Taiwan, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Japan. The company combines experts of tumor biology, cancer genomics, and bioinformatics to provide treatment guidelines for solid tumors, relapse, drug resistance, as well as cancer monitoring, risk assessment, and immunotherapy evaluation. Through cutting-edge next-generation sequencing (NGS) platforms, bioinformatics analysis, and comprehensive service offerings, they are dedicated to turning every cancer patient’s genetic information into actionable resolutions.