A Hong Kong secondary school principal who was caught on video scolding and swearing at security guards in Singapore during a student trip has reportedly been suspended following public backlash.
According to reports from Hong Kong media, the principal was identified as Lee Cheuk-hing, who leads San Wui Commercial Society Secondary School in Tuen Mun.
The controversy erupted after a video circulated online showing the principal arguing aggressively with two security officers outside a venue in Jurong on May 22.
The school had reportedly brought 34 students to Singapore from May 20 to 24 for an economics and technology learning trip.
Principal Allegedly Swore At Security Guards
The incident allegedly took place at around 6pm when the tour bus carrying the school group stopped along double yellow lines outside a restaurant near SAFRA Jurong.
Security personnel reportedly instructed the driver to move the bus to a proper parking area.
In the viral video, one of the guards can reportedly be heard telling the bus to “go behind”.
The principal then allegedly responded by shouting “shut up” before hurling vulgar Cantonese insults at the guards.
He was also seen making faces and taunting the security officers while another woman nearby attempted to calm the situation.
The clip quickly spread across social media platforms in both Singapore and Hong Kong, sparking criticism over the principal’s behaviour while accompanying students overseas.
School Board Says Conduct Fell Short Of Expectations
According to the South China Morning Post, the school’s management committee decided to suspend the principal after reviewing accounts from staff members present during the trip.
Former Hong Kong lawmaker Edmund Wong Chun-sek reportedly said the principal’s conduct “fell short of public expectations”.
The decision was said to have been finalised on May 26.
Hong Kong broadcaster Now News reported that the school’s vice-principal will temporarily take over as acting principal during the suspension period.
Police Report Lodged In Singapore
Following the incident, the Hong Kong Education Bureau reportedly demanded a detailed written explanation from the school and warned that disciplinary action could be taken if professional misconduct was established.
The bureau also stated that a teacher’s registration could be reviewed depending on the seriousness of the behaviour.
Meanwhile, SAFRA confirmed that the incident involving its appointed security personnel had occurred at its Jurong recreational club on May 22.
According to The Straits Times, the security company involved has since lodged a police report in Singapore.
The case has attracted widespread attention online, with many netizens criticising the principal’s behaviour and questioning the example set for students during overseas educational trips.