Stories from Hong Kong · Hong Kong

A report from the Global Trade Outlook and Statistics indicates Hong Kong has risen to the position of the world's fifth-largest economy in terms of commodity trade. Li stated that building a third medical school will help transform Hong Kong into a high-end international talent hub. The new facility aims to increase the training of local doctors and improve the quality and efficiency of healthcare services in the region. The project is part of a broader strategy to attract and cultivate talent in medical and higher education sectors. Hong Kong has commenced the groundbreaking ceremony for a new medical research and teaching complex at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology.

Traffic has returned to normal on the Sai Kung Highway heading towards Kowloon following a recent accident near White Sand Bay.

The University of Hong Kong achieved the sixth position in the 2026 Times Higher Education Asia University Rankings. Eight subsidized universities in Hong Kong appeared on the latest Asian higher education rankings. The University of Hong Kong attributes its high Asian ranking to increased resources and the ability to recruit world-class professors. The University of Hong Kong's high ranking in higher education is attributed to its strong connection to mainland China and its research capabilities. University rankings show a shift where institutions are increasingly defined by their integration of industry research and application. While some social science and humanities rankings for local universities have declined, certain institutions have entered the top eight in specific global rankings.

A travel agency has been found 30% liable for an accident during an outdoor hiking activity. Judges are reminding participants of outdoor activities to maintain safe evacuation procedures and continuous contact until their safety is confirmed. A judge ruled the agency bears 30% responsibility due to insufficient risk prevention and failure to research terrain risks during rain. The judge noted the agency failed to implement adequate risk prevention measures and lacked deep understanding of the terrain. The agency arranged hiking activities on undeveloped mountain paths during rainy conditions, which significantly increased danger. The court said that agencies must establish effective contact mechanisms and ensure the safety of participants who withdraw mid-activity.

RTHK discussed a daily waste processing capacity of 9,000 metric tons. The government also intends to expand defense spending despite tight budgets. Hong Kong's Labour Department is reviewing and has increased the maximum payout from the severance fund for employees affected by the cancellation of the 'off-set' mechanism. Hong Kong's Protection Fund for Employees received 5,842 applications in 2025, a 14% increase from 2024. The 2025 disaster relief fund in Hong Kong has seen an increase in applications and has adjusted its special remittance amounts for disaster relief expenses. Concerns exist regarding potential misuse of the fund and whether its coverage can be expanded. An increase in applications is anticipated for businesses unable to pay wages due to closure, which is linked to economic downturns.

China has surpassed other nations in the number of artificial intelligence publications and patents. A Chinese international student in Brazil, Guo Ruijie, expressed a desire to act as a bridge between Brazil and China.

RTHK Radio 1 Cantonese discussed innovation and practice, featuring Professor Xie Zhigang.

Two individuals have been charged for online election interference during last year's legislative council elections.

Artificial intelligence chatbots are misdiagnosing user symptoms and fabricating diseases. This issue has been reported across multiple platforms. The accuracy and reliability of AI diagnostic tools are in question. The implications for public health and the reliability of AI in medical contexts are. The specific fake disease cited was not mentioned in the transcripts. The problem appears to be widespread, with reports emerging from Hong Kong, Washington D.C., and other areas. AI chatbots are misdiagnosing illnesses and citing non-existent diseases. AI chatbots are generating fake medical conditions and providing incorrect diagnoses to users.

Increasing urbanization in China is transforming agricultural land into industrial areas. This trend poses a threat to farmland, impacting food production. The report notes that while urbanization has benefits, it also encroaches on agricultural resources.