Hong Kong School Principal Suspended After Singapore Profanity Incident, May 26

Principal Li Cheuk-hing of Tuen Mun Sin Hoi Commercial Association Secondary School was suspended on May 26 after video showed him cursing at security guards in Singapore on May 22. The incident occurred during a student exchange trip when a tour bus parking dispute escalated into a verbal confrontation. The school’s board of governors apologized and launched a crisis management team to investigate.

What Happened During the Singapore Trip

On May 22 at approximately 5 p.m., the school’s tour bus stopped near the entrance of Jurong Vigilante Club in Singapore. Security guards asked the driver to park elsewhere because the bus blocked the driveway during kindergarten pickup time. Li Cheuk-hing exited the bus and engaged in a heated dispute with two female security guards, using profanity in both English and Cantonese. Video footage showed him telling guards to “shut up” and using vulgar language. A staff member attempted to calm him, but he continued arguing before eventually allowing students to disembark.

School and Education Bureau Response

The school’s board of governors issued a statement expressing deep apologies on May 25. The Education Bureau demanded the school submit a written account and stated that principals are role models whose conduct affects students deeply. The bureau said it will review the teacher’s registration and take appropriate action if professional misconduct is proven.

Principal Suspended and Investigation Underway

School board member Wong Jun-shek, a former legislator, announced on May 26 that Li’s duties were immediately suspended because his conduct failed to meet public expectations. Wong said the board will conduct a thorough investigation involving interviews with the principal, accompanying staff, students, and other teachers. The school promised to send detailed updates to staff, students, and parents after the investigation concludes. Wong emphasized the incident was isolated and unlikely to damage Hong Kong-Singapore relations.

Student and Community Reaction

Students interviewed at the school expressed shock and disappointment. One Form 5 student said the principal normally appears approachable and rarely loses his temper, making the incident “very surprising.” Another student noted the principal regularly reminds students not to use profanity during morning assemblies, making his behavior “damaging to school reputation.” The incident received front-page coverage in Singapore’s Berita Harian newspaper, drawing international attention to the school’s disciplinary crisis.

Final Thoughts

Li Cheuk-hing’s suspension marks a significant governance test for the school. The Education Bureau’s demand for accountability signals zero tolerance for professional misconduct by school leaders, regardless of circumstances.

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