Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor delivers a speech on the first day of the Second International Summit on Human Genome Editing at the University of Hong Kong on Tuesday. (Parker Zheng / China Daily)

HONG KONG - It is important to address people’s concerns about the science, ethics and applications of human genome editing, Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor said on Tuesday.

Lam called for world-class scientific research institutions and technology enterprises to join the health technology cluster the special administrative region government is building in the city’s largest innovation hub

Genome editing is developing quickly; it is a form of genetic engineering in which DNA is inserted, deleted, modified or replaced in the genome of a living organism.

Lam made the remarks while delivering an opening speech at the Second International Summit on Human Genome Editing at the University of Hong Kong.

The three-day summit has been in the spotlight after announcement by one of the participants – Shenzhen-based scientist He Jiankui – that two genome-edited babies were born. He is said to present a report on his project at a session themed "human embryo editing" today (Wednesday).

In her opening speech on Tuesday, Lam said she believed the subject would be “thoroughly deliberated” at the summit. This comes as renowned scientists and researchers, technology experts and policymakers, ethicists, patient advocates and others met to discuss the benefits and potential risks of human genome editing.

The summit also provided a chance for stakeholders to consider how to incorporate the people’s views into regulation formulation and policy considerations.

READ MORE: Lam: Ethics, governance must be addressed in human gene editing

Lam did not mention He Jiankui or his project in her opening speech. 

In addition, Lam called for world-class scientific research institutions and technology enterprises to join the health technology cluster the special administrative region government is building in the city’s largest innovation hub - the Hong Kong Science Park.

She noted that the Chinese Academy of Sciences has signed a memorandum of understanding with the SAR government to establish an affiliated institution there. France's Institut Pasteur, one of the world's leading health research centers, has indicated an interest in joining the cluster.

Lam also told the participants that Hong Kong is working to conduct a large-scale genome sequencing project inside the city to enhance the clinical application of genomic medicine.

The chief executive said this was because genome medicine had huge future potential.

Lam also announced that the Hong Kong Hospital Authority is preparing a Big Data Analytics Platform. This could allow researchers to access its invaluable clinical data for the purpose of further healthcare-related research.

ALSO READ: Investigation follows claims of first gene-edited babies

The platform is expected to be ready before the end of this year, said Lam.

The First International Summit on Human Genome Editing was held three years ago in Washington DC.

He Jiankui, a researcher from Southern University of Science and Technology in Shenzhen, Guangdong province, posted an online video on Monday saying that he helped produce the world's first gene-edited babies. He claimed the twin girls were born in November; they were healthy and have the ability to resist possible future infection with HIV.

The news has sparked heated controversy among the public and academics.

wangfeng@chinadailyhk.com