An expert group, called the 5th EAG Planning Committee, was set up in June 2004 to prepare for the 5th East Asian Games (EAG), which Hong Kong will host in 2009. Its members are drawn from the Sports Federation and Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China, the sports sector, government departments and industries such as banking, tourism and airline. The committee will plan and prepare for the event, enlist community support, develop publicity and marketing strategies, and advise on the venues and facilities for the event.

There was extensive community participation in the competitions held for creating an emblem and a slogan for the 2009 EAG. The winners were announced in July 2005 and June 2006 respectively. A Hong Kong 2009 East Asian Games Gallery and a website were also set up to display exhibits to promote the EAG and to disseminate information on the work being done for the event. A competition was also held to come up with a thematic design for the EAG venues. The Hong Kong Institute of Architects lent a hand in organising the contest. The winning design, announced in November, captures clearly the EAG spirit and reflects at the same time Hong Kong's unique characteristics.

The 2009 East Asian Games (Hong Kong) Limited, the executive arm of the 5th EAG Planning Committee, started work in August to prepare for the staging of the event.