

Hong Kong Today
Description:
RTHK's morning news programme. Weekdays 6:30 - 8:00
Presenter:
Janice Lo and Ben Tse2025-06-26
Thursday
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Selected audio segments:
Nato leaders commit to raising defence spending
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Nato leaders have agreed on a much-anticipated hike in defence spending, whilst also expressing their "iron-clad commitment" to come to each other's aid if attacked. The show of unity has vindicated the alliance's secretary general who billed the summit as "transformational", even though it papered over divisions. Jamie Clarke reports:
Nato spending pledge 'victory' for Donald Trump: RTHK correspondent
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RTHK's UK correspondent Gavin Grey described the pledge by Nato member nations to ramp up their defence spending as significant. He also explained to Ben Tse the agreement can very much be seen as a victory for US President Donald Trump.
Local consumption to drive China's growth: Premier Li
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Premier Li Qiang says he is very confident that China can maintain relatively rapid growth as it moves from a manufacturing-led economy to one driven by consumption. His remarks came at the World Economic Forum in Tianjin, where he urged countries to pursue win-win goals in the face of rising trade tensions. Chloe Feng reports.
Manhunt under way for suspect over missing woman
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Police say they are treating the case of a missing Vietnamese woman as a murder inquiry. They're looking for a man in connection with the case. Here's Frank Yung.
Rise in child sexual abuse cases cause for concern, lawmaker says
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Lawmaker Bill Tang says he is very concerned about the increase in the number of child sexual abuse cases. His comment came after the Social Welfare Department recorded more than 1,500 newly registered child abuse cases last year, a slight increase from 2023. The latest Child Protection Registry Report identified sexual abuse as the second most common type of abuse, following physical harm. Tang told Elvis Yu he's worried about the rising number of perpetrators who are aged under 16.
HK on track to meet talent retention target: labour chief
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Labour Chief Chris Sun says global uncertainties make Hong Kong an attractive place for professionals to develop their careers. This comes as the government goes all out to lure talent from all over the world. Sun is optimistic that many of those who arrived through various talent schemes will stay, and that the government will meet its retention target. Raymond Yeung reports:
Big data to help identify vulnerable elderly households
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The labour chief also revealed that a government initiative to identify and help vulnerable elderly households through big data analysis could kick off with a district-based trial this year. A citywide launch will follow after smoothing out potential glitches with the system. As Raymond Yeung reports, the labour and welfare chief emphasised that early intervention is essential to prevent tragedies.
Voluntary space oil test kits to be introduced at schools
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Secretary for Security Chris Tang says a space oil drug test kit that is slated for schools will be different from the one used by police. He told lawmakers that the government plans to roll out the kit for schools participating in an anti-drug initiative in the next academic year. As Raymond Yu reports, the government is also considering another name for the space oil drug to avoid confusion.
Teens set off on field trip to learn how HK gets its drinking water
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Around 600 teenagers have set off on a three-day mainland tour during which they will learn how fresh water from a mountain range 300 kilometres north of Hong Kong is delivered to the city. Altis Wong has the details.
District councillors withdraws from Miss HK contest, citing perception issues
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Hong Kong's youngest district councillor has decided to pull out of the Miss Hong Kong Pageant, saying her entry has impacted on the perceptions of the councils. The DAB's Angel Chong, who represents Sai Kung, said her entry was initially aimed at raising public awareness of District Council work. Frank Yung reports.
HKers buying bread on mainland led to Taipan's closure: lawmaker
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Lawmaker Peter Shiu, who represents the wholesale and retail sector, says he believes people buying bread from the mainland contributed to the closure of bakery chain Taipan. A union which is helping affected workers says total claims amount to around 38 million dollars. Frank Yung reports.
Discounts and freebies in store for July 1 celebrations
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More than 3,800 dining and retail outlets will offer discounts of up to 29 percent to celebrate the 28th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland on July the first. Aaron Tam reports:
AI lab to streamline workflow and improve productivity at workplaces
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Deloitte has launched a new lab to research the so-called agentic AI, which are advanced systems capable of autonomous decision-making, with minimal human intervention. Along with its partner, the University of Hong Kong, Deloitte will study the new technology's application in the business world. The platform also aims to help enterprises undergoing organisational changes. Professor Jin Li, Director of the Centre of AI, Organisation, and Management at HKU, spoke to Matthew Hung.
US and Iran officials to meet for peace talks
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The ceasefire between Israel and Iran appears to be holding, while the president of the United States says talks with Iranian officials over its nuclear programme will take place next week. The news has given rise to cautious hope for longer-term peace, even as Tehran insists it will not give up the programme. Jamie Clarke has more:
Thailand's cannabis industry in limbo, three years after it was legalised
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Thailand's government is moving to re-criminalise cannabis, plunging a budding industry that is estimated to be worth almost eight billion Hong Kong dollars into limbo. Cannabis trade in the southeast Asian nation has boomed since the substance was taken off the country's narcotics list in 2022. However, recent political turmoil could turn things around. Jamie Clarke reports:
Plenty of potential for Payment Connect System to expand: lawmaker
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Lawmaker Johnny Ng says the newly launched Payment Connect system could be expanded gradually to cover more commercial activities, such as e-commerce or property transactions. Chloe Feng reports.
MTR Corp names first female CEO
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Jeny Yeung has been named the new CEO of the MTR Corporation. As Elvis Yu reports, the appointment would make her the first female head of the railway operator.
Marco Fu qualifies for British Open
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In snooker, Hong Kong, China star Marco Fu kept his winning momentum going in convincing style. He came from 3-0 down to defeat six-time ranking event winner Stephen Maguire 4-3 in qualifiers for the British Open in Leicester, earning him a place in the final stages for the tournament this September. Todd Harding has more: