A Hong Kong secondary school principal is facing investigation after he was filmed allegedly shouting vulgarities at security officers in Singapore during a dispute involving a tour bus parked along a roadside.
The incident, which quickly spread across social media platforms in Hong Kong and Singapore, reportedly happened during a student study trip in Jurong. The confrontation drew criticism online after a video showed the principal arguing aggressively with two women in SAFRA security uniforms.
The footage, which was uploaded to Threads on May 23, captured the man standing at the entrance of a tour bus while speaking loudly to the officers. According to reports shared by Hong Kong education-focused social media page Edu Lancet, the bus had allegedly stopped near double yellow lines when security personnel approached the driver and asked the group to move to a designated parking area.
The officers could reportedly be heard telling the group that the bus had to “go behind” to another location. However, the man responded angrily and allegedly told them to “shut up”.
The principal was also heard swearing in Cantonese during the heated exchange. One of the vulgar terms reportedly used referred to female genitalia. He later appeared to mock the officers and gesture for them to board the bus while another woman standing behind him attempted to calm him down and pull him away.
School trip to Singapore under scrutiny
The man involved was later identified by Hong Kong media as Lee Cheuk-hing, principal of San Wui Commercial Society Secondary School located in Tuen Mun, Hong Kong.
According to reports, the school had organised an economics and technology learning trip to Singapore involving 34 students between May 20 and May 24. The confrontation allegedly occurred at around 6pm on May 22 when the group arrived at a restaurant in Jurong for dinner.
The incident has since triggered backlash online, with many netizens criticising the principal’s behaviour, especially given his role as an educator leading students overseas.
Several commenters questioned the example set for the students during an overseas educational trip, while others defended the Singapore security officers for carrying out their duties related to traffic and parking management.
Hong Kong authorities demand report
Following public outrage, Hong Kong’s Education Bureau confirmed that it had contacted both the school and its sponsoring body regarding the incident.
According to reports by the South China Morning Post, the bureau instructed the school to submit a detailed written report and conduct a thorough internal investigation into the matter.
A spokesperson from the bureau said officials were “concerned” about the incident and would remain in close communication with the school while providing guidance throughout the investigation process.
The school has reportedly activated its crisis management team to review the case and determine the circumstances surrounding the confrontation.
Authorities also warned that disciplinary measures could follow if professional misconduct is established after investigations are completed.
The bureau added that if any teacher is found to have breached professional standards or conduct expectations, officials may review the teacher’s registration status and decide on appropriate actions based on the severity of the case.
The controversy has continued to gain traction online, with many social media users debating the conduct expected from educators representing schools overseas.