Hong Kong Today
Description:
RTHK's morning news programme. Weekdays 6:30 - 8:00
Presenter:
Carol Musgrave and Ben Tse2024-06-28
Friday
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Selected audio segments:
Concern over excessive amount of drugs given to patient Listen
The chairman of the Hospital Authority says it is unacceptable that a public hospital doctor prescribed more than 400 days' worth of psychiatric medication to a patient. Henry Fan said officials would review the matter and give doctors more guidelines. Damon Pang reports:
Scorching temperatures expected to continue Listen
A heat spell which has already scorched the city for a week will likely continue into the weekend, potentially breaking a record for the longest heatwave since a warning system was introduced. The Observatory explained that under the influence of a subtropical ridge, it would remain very hot with a high of 35 degrees or above on Saturday. Raymond Yeung reports:
This year's average temperatures higher than normal Listen
The prolonged heatwave has prompted the Observatory to issue the very hot weather warning for eight consecutive days, just one day shy of the record set in 2016. With the searing heat set to last through the weekend, Kimmy Lau spoke to acting assistant director of the Observatory, Cheng Yuen-chung, on what people should expect in the coming days
Tai Lam Tunnel tolls to come down next year Listen
The government aims to set up a regulatory framework for online ride-hailing platforms within the next three years. Transport chief Lam Sai-hung also said tolls at the Tai Lam Tunnel would be lowered after the government takes back control next year and there were plans for a fourth cross-harbour tunnel. Anne Chan reports:
New transport link to boost travel within GBA Listen
Travel time between Shenzhen and Zhongshan will be reduced drastically when a 24 km transport link swings into operation this weekend. Two key features in the project are the largest in the world. And as Wendy Wong reports, the new link is expected to further boost travel between Hong Kong and cities in the Greater Bay Area:
Confidence expressed in HK's cybersecurity defences Listen
Hong Kong's innovation and technology chief says the city has the capability to handle cybersecurity threats. Sun Dong's assurance followed a string of recent ransomware attacks on government departments and public bodies, with some leading to data leaks. Frank Yung reports:
Govt calls on HK firms to reach sustainability benchmarks Listen
Hong Kong firms have been urged to align their practices in sustainability disclosure with international standards. The government says this will deepen the city's green and sustainable finance development. Frank Yung reports:
Climate summit to address ESG challenges in HK Listen
Organisers of the climate summit say Hong Kong should bring in more capital to support green projects and help companies make the transition to a low-carbon economy. The World Green Organisation is hosting the two-day event in Wan Chai and stressed the urgency to address the impact of climate change. The organisation's founder and chief executive officer, William Yu, spoke to Charlie Chun on the sidelines of the forum:
Expert calls for more action on hydrogen use Listen
Hong Kong should explore ways to use hydrogen energy as soon as possible, according to a green tech expert. Guangfeng Ou, a senior researcher and engineer with New Spark Corporation, acknowledged there were still technical barriers to overcome before hydrogen could be widely used as a clean and efficient fuel. He said efforts should be made to overcome these challenges. He told Charlie Chun that his research team was studying ways to convert waste into hydrogen energy.
World Drug Day calls for compassion towards abusers Listen
A youth empowerment NGO in Hong Kong says adults need to be more proactive in reaching out to young people in their lives and listening to their story in a non-judgemental way. World Drug Day was held this week, promoting compassion, a respect for human rights and an understanding of the social, economic, and health implications of drug use. The United Nation's campaign also wants to raise awareness on the importance of investing in prevention. Sky Siu, executive director of Kely Support Group, told Carol Musgrave that more young people are sharing their stories with substance abuse, which helps shed the taboo around the issue:
HKU a step closer to finding the molecules for anti-ageing Listen
Researchers at the University of Hong Kong say they have created a model that has the potential to expedite the development of anti-ageing products and drugs to combat age-related diseases, such as cancer and Alzheimer's. The research team said their model was based on a new cellular system they developed. Natasha Ho reports:
Communist Party expels two former defence ministers Listen
The Communist Party of China has expelled two former defence ministers for what it said was a "serious violation of party discipline and the law". As Aaron Tam reports, Xinhua news agency reported that the two men were Wei Fenghe and his successor Li Shangfu:
Scholar predicts no drastic economic reforms at plenum Listen
A Shanghai-based professor of politics says he believes authorities will adopt a gradual approach to any major structural economic reforms that are implemented, amid the nation's post-pandemic recovery. Josef Gregory Mahoney from the East China Normal University says there is a need to tackle insufficient demand in the domestic economy. He told Ben Tse that it was not clear why the third plenum was delayed by several months:
Biden and Trump face off in early presidential debate Listen
President Biden and former president Donald Trump are set to face off in a highly-anticipated presidential debate at 9 o'clock on Friday morning. It will be a critical event for the two, who are neck-and-neck in opinion polls. Both sides have agreed to a series of debate rules aimed at minimizing the prospect of a shouting match. Azam Khan reports:
Supreme Court allows emergency abortions in Idaho for now Listen
The presidential debate comes on the same day of a contentious US Supreme Court ruling allowing emergency abortions in the state of Idaho - for now. Azam Khan reports:
First panda pair in 21 years arrives in San Diego Listen
Two giant pandas have arrived at San Diego Zoo in the United States, from Ya'an City in southwest China's Sichuan Province. Their relocation marks a new round of giant panda protection cooperation between the two countries, following the agreement signed in February between the China Wildlife Conservation Association and the San Diego Zoo. Azam Khan reports:
Rising HK badminton star 'Happy' for Olympic opportunity Listen
Rising badminton star Happy Lo is looking forward to her first-ever Olympic Games. Going at the young age of 21, she says she just wants to enjoy competing amongst the best shuttlers in the world. Hailey Yip reports: