

Hong Kong Today
Description:
RTHK's morning news programme. Weekdays 6:30 - 8:00
Presenter:
Janice Lo and Ben Tse2025-07-09
Wednesday
Now playing: HKU unveils new bio-med degree
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Trump announces steep tariff on copper imports
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US President Donald Trump has broadened his global trade war, announcing a 50 percent tariff on imported copper, while levies on semiconductors and pharmaceuticals are coming soon. The latest announcement comes a day after he notified 14 countries, including allies Japan and South Korea, of new duties they have to pay for their US-bound exports. Sophie Hui reports.
Japan calls Trump's latest tariff move 'regrettable'
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Japan says it'll continue trade talks with the United States to seek a bilateral deal that will benefit both countries. In its reaction to Trump's move on Monday, to impose a 25 percent tariff on Japanese goods, Tokyo vowed not to make easy concessions. As Lau Hon-ting reports, Trump slapped duties of the same amount on another US ally, South Korea.
Waste-charging scheme has value, says environment chief
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No final decision has been made on Hong Kong's Municipal Solid Waste Charging scheme, according to environment chief Tse Chin-wan. He says the government intends to gather more views from the public before charting a path forward. He also confirmed no timeline had been set to broaden a regulatory regime against disposable plastic products, although industries would be invited to take part in a voluntary, pilot scheme. Azam Khan reports.
New tech can help agriculture and fisheries
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The environment minister hopes to revitalise the city's agriculture and fisheries sectors by harnessing modern technology. As Matthew Ngai reports, Tse Chin-wan says his department has made significant efforts in the past three years towards this goal.
CE praises HK's link between China and the world
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The chief executive says Hong Kong is a dependable link that connects the world with opportunities emerging from China's growth. As Elvis Yu reports, John Lee points out that the mainland and the SAR have much to offer amid an ever-changing external environment.
Northern Metropolis rail links to be completed early
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The government says the Northern Link Spur Line rail project will be completed a couple of years sooner than expected. Officials now want to combine the main line and the spur line as one project - due for completion in 2034. Sophie Hui reports.
HKU unveils new bio-med degree
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The University of Hong Kong has introduced its new School of Biomedical Engineering. It offers a bachelor's degree that's described as multi-disciplinary and aims to address society's healthcare needs. The school is supported by the faculties of medicine, engineering, dentistry and science. Professor Kevin Tsia, programme director for the biomedical engineering degree, told Lauren Kee how the new school would make a difference.
95 pc of primary pupils get top three highschool choice
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Eighty-five percent of pupils applying for Form One places in the next academic year have been granted their first-choice schools - up from 79 percent last year. There were about 48,000 applicants, with 95 percent of them managing to get one of their top three choices. Jacqueline Guico reports.
Annual ani-com fair prepares to welcome more visitors
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It's that time of year when comics fans get excited. The annual Ani-com & Games Hong Kong fair opens this month, and this year the space set aside for the event will be doubled to accommodate more visitors. Sophie Hui reports.
President Xi says students should contribute to world peace
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President Xi Jinping has called on young students to strive to become the backbone of the nation and build a strong country. He also urged them to contribute to world peace. Altis Wong reports.
China expands Bond Connect scheme
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The People's Bank of China says more mainland-based institutions will be allowed to invest offshore through Bond Connect, with the authorities planning to open the scheme to non-banking investors. They're currently excluded from the southbound leg of the trading link which enables onshore investors to access Hong Kong's bond market. Chloe Feng reports.
Smoother border crossings planned for National Games athletes
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Organisers of the upcoming National Games say the governments of Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macau have reached a consensus on co-hosting arrangements. Damon Pang reports.
HK triathletes compete for four final spots at the Games
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Triathletes from the SAR are vying for four final spots on the six-member squad for November's National Games, according to the vice president of the Triathlon Association of Hong Kong, China. Elvis Yu reports.
Ageing society sees rise in Japan's 'haunted houses'
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In Hong Kong, properties with a history of deaths or "unpleasant incidents" are often sold at a discount, due to the cultural stigma associated with "haunted" homes. Such homes deter some buyers and impact the resale value. The phenomenon is also seen in Japan, which - due to the growing elderly population - is seeing a rise in such haunted houses. Azam Khan reports.