

Hong Kong Today
Description:
RTHK's morning news programme. Weekdays 6:30 - 8:00
Presenter:
Janice Lo and Ben Tse2025-08-20
Wednesday
Now playing: 足本播放 Play full episode
Selected audio segments:
Govt 'quick and proactive' in water incident: Hui
Listen


Treasury chief Christopher Hui says the administration has taken "quick and proactive" action in dealing with suspected fraud involving the supply of bottled water for some government premises. As Charlie Chun reports, he insisted price is not the only consideration in the government's tendering process.
Jobless rate edges up as total employment climbs
Listen


Hong Kong's jobless rate edged up by 0.2 percentage points in the three months ending July, while total employment increased. Priscilla Ng reports:
Court continues to hear closing arguments in Lai case
Listen


Prosecutors have alleged that former media tycoon Jimmy Lai "deliberately painted a false picture” of central and SAR authorities to push for foreign sanctions, as they wrapped up their evidence against the Apple Daily founder. Priscilla Ng reports:
LME warehouses 'serve both HK and national interests'
Listen


The financial secretary says Hong Kong's inclusion in the global metal warehouse network under the London Metal Exchange is a major step in transforming the SAR into a global commodity hub. As Chloe Feng reports, Paul Chan also said the development strategically serves national interests.
Watchdog calls for more transparency with telehealth
Listen


The Consumer Council says telehealth service providers should enhance transparency to boost trust in virtual consultations. The suggestion follows a study in which the watchdog found most private providers did not specify refund arrangements if a person is deemed unsuitable for the service after signing up. Most providers also do not publish a list of illnesses suitable for virtual consultations. Council chairman Clement Chan spoke to Janice Lo about the findings.
Virtual reality kit to expedite training for childcare workers
Listen


Researchers at the Chinese University have developed Hong Kong's first virtual reality professional training model for health-care workers in infant care. The model, called Project Victor, allows people who take care of high-risk infants and premature babies to practise child-care techniques like feeding and nappy-changing through VR simulations. The VR model has trained more than 200 frontline care workers over the past three years, and the university hopes to expand its use to the parents of newborn babies and nursery school educators. The project's principal investigator, Dr Anna Ma, spoke to Lauren Kee:
Direct flights to resume between India and China
Listen


India and China have agreed to resume direct flights and step up trade and investment flows. The latest statements came at the end of Foreign Minister Wang Yi's two-day visit to New Delhi. Wang has also met with India's prime minister, Narendra Modi, days before the Indian leader travels to China for the summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. Jamie Clarke has more:
Northern China warned of more inclement weather
Listen


Weather officials in China are forecasting heavy rain in Beijing and in neighbouring Tianjin municipality and Hebei province. This comes as three more deaths were reported from heavy rains further north. Lau Hon-ting reports.
Russia and Ukraine could hold bilateral talks soon
Listen


The presidents of Russia and Ukraine could meet within the next two weeks, although a venue and exact date have yet to be worked out. Ukraine says it is ready for face-to-face talks between the heads of state. Russia has yet to give a formal response, but hinted that it is in favour. This follows crucial talks at the White House as the United States stepped up its efforts to end the conflict in Ukraine. Lau Hon-ting reports.
Israel considering Hamas ceasefire proposal
Listen


Israel is reportedly studying Hamas' response to a Gaza ceasefire proposal, which includes a 60-day truce and the release of half the hostages still held in the enclave. But an Israeli source told Reuters it wouldn't end the war unless all hostages are freed, and officials say Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was expected to convene discussions about the ceasefire proposal soon. Jamie Clarke reports:
Record number of aid workers killed in 2024: UN
Listen


The United Nations says the killing of aid workers has surged to a record high. 2024 was the deadliest year for aid workers since records began - and the conflict in Gaza is continuing to cause high death rates for humanitarian staff in 2025. Violence against aid workers increased in 21 countries in 2024 compared with the previous year, with government forces and affiliates the most common perpetrators. Here's Jamie Clarke:
Air Canada to resume flights after reaching agreement with union
Listen


The union representing Air Canada flight attendants says it's ended a strike over wages and unpaid ground-work, after reaching what it called a "tentative agreement" with the airline. More from Todd Harding:
Britain withdraws "back door" access request from Apple
Listen


Britain has dropped its demand for US tech giant Apple to provide a "back door" that would have enabled access to the encrypted data of millions of users. That's according to US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, who said a deal has been reached after lengthy talks with British officials. Our UK correspondent, Peter Anderson, told Janice Lo that the incident had been gaining traction in the past few months before the latest twist:
Ronaldo delights HK fans as Al-Nassr reach Super Cup final
Listen


In a nerve-shredding clash under the Hong Kong Stadium lights, Al-Nassr fought hard to secure a 2-1 victory over Al-Ittihad to book their place in the Saudi Super Cup final. Hailey Yip has more on Tuesday night's action-packed game: