

Hong Kong Today
Description:
RTHK's morning news programme. Weekdays 6:30 - 8:00
Presenter:
Ben Tse and Todd Harding2026-06-18
Thursday
Now playing: 足本 Full (HKT 06:30 - 08:00)
Selected audio segments:
Trump signs MoU to end Middle East war
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The United States has signed a Memorandum of Understanding to end the war with Iran. Under the agreement, Tehran will undertake to dilute its enriched uranium while being allowed to resume oil sales; Washington will waive some sanctions and release a US$300 billion reconstruction fund for Iran. The Strait of Hormuz would open toll-free to traffic for 60 days. Some of the most difficult issues, such as how to wind down Iran's nuclear programme, will be deferred until a final deal is reached during a 60-day negotiation period. Our Washington correspondent Simon Marks spoke to Ben Tse.
Trump defends deal with Iran to end Mideast war
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US officials have revealed details of the agreement with Iran, with US President Donald Trump signing the Memorandum of Understating a day earlier than expected. Trump earlier warned the deal was not “final.” Jamie Clarke has more.
China white paper calls for improved rules on global governance
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Beijing has called for developing countries to have greater representation in global institutions. It also urged political resolutions to crises in Ukraine and Gaza. This came as China released a white paper outlining its vision for a more just and equitable international system amid mounting global instability. Azam Khan reports.
Xia Baolong affirms Hong Kong's work: CE
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Chief Executive John Lee says senior Beijing official Xia Baolong has affirmed Hong Kong’s efforts in drafting the city’s first five-year plan and various development projects. The director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office paid a two-day inspection visit to the SAR which ended yesterday. Wallis Wang with more.
Teachers set for compulsory digital training
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Hong Kong's primary and secondary school teachers will be required to receive 30 hours of digital education training every three years, starting in the coming academic year. As Elvis Yu reports, the Education Bureau unveiled a blueprint for the implementation of digital education in school, outlining 10 strategies with four key objectives.
Body welcomes blueprint for digital transformation
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The Hong Kong Federation of Education Workers has welcomed the government blueprint. The group says the document provides the sector with a clear roadmap for digital transformation. Lau Chi-pang, a lawmaker and the federation’s president, said he doesn't think the 30-hour training requirement will be a burden for teachers. He spoke to Elvis Yu.
Labour importation tweak gets mixed reactions
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A unionist lawmaker says a tightened labour importation scheme could help locals find jobs in the catering business. But the legislator representing the sector said the tweak could affect service at restaurants. Janice Lo reports.
Body hopes for spend-fest at annual shopping gala
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The Chinese Manufacturers' Association says it's hopeful people would spend more at its annual shopping festival later this month, as the local economy improves and retail sentiment picks up. The Hong Kong Brands and Products Shopping Festival will be held from June the 26th to the 29th at the AsiaWorld-Expo. The association's president, Wingco Lo, expects total revenue to reach HK$60 million, which would be similar to last year's figure. He spoke to Swara Kamble about some of the key features in this year's event.
HK second in IPO rankings for first half of 2026
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Accounting giant Deloitte says it remains "cautiously optimistic" about Hong Kong's IPO outlook in the second half of the year. That's after Deloitte said the city's initial public offering market in the first half of the year came in second globally. There were 78 new listings, raising around HK$203 billion. Wall Street's tech-heavy Nasdaq, meanwhile, claimed the crown after seeing 60 new listings raise HK$872 billion dollars -- thanks largely to the recent debut by SpaceX. Edward Au, southern region managing partner of Deloitte China, spoke to Chloe Feng.
'Businesses to benefit from Public consultation five-year plan'
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An industry representative says the government's public consultation on Hong Kong's first-five year plan will help businesses prepare for the road ahead. The consultation exercise began on Monday and will last for two months. Anthony Lam, chairman of the Federation of Hong Kong Industries, was speaking on RTHK's Backchat programme.
Four local universities on QS world top 50 list
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Four local universities have been ranked among the top 50 best institutions in the latest QS World University Rankings. The rankings provide a standardised global benchmark for academic and employer reputation. Wallis Wang reports.
Shanghai to host international AI conference
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China says it hopes to use a global conference that it will host to further strengthen international cooperation on artificial intelligence. Raymond Yeung reports.
Japan district holds bear drills amid rise in sightings
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A central Japanese prefecture has been holding bear drills amid an increase in sightings and at least 13 bear-related deaths in 2025. Jamie Clarke has the details.
Mexicans frustrated by lack of World Cup access
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Mexico is co-hosting the Fifa Men’s World Cup, alongside Canada and the United States. But that spotlight is exposing frustrations among Mexicans about access to the tournament and inequality. Jamie Clarke reports.
England open with win over Croatia as Portugal held
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England have opened their World Cup account with a bang, beating Croatia 4-2 in a thrilling, back-and-forth group contest in Dallas. It was a different story for tournament favourites Portugal, though, whose bid for a first-ever title is off to a shaky start after being held to a 1-1 draw by the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Nazvi Careem with more.









