Hong Kong school principal resigns, apologises after verbally abusing security guards during Singapore trip
A Hong Kong secondary school principal has resigned after videos showed him swearing at security guards during a Singapore student trip, prompting investigations by authorities and renewed scrutiny over educators’ conduct abroad.
- Dr Lee Cheuk-hing resigned after videos showed him allegedly verbally abusing Singapore security guards.
- The confrontation reportedly began over a coach blocking traffic outside SAFRA Jurong on 22 May.
- Hong Kong and Singapore authorities are investigating the incident following widespread online backlash.
HONG KONG: A Hong Kong secondary school principal has resigned after videos circulated online showing him allegedly shouting obscenities at security guards during a student trip to Singapore, triggering investigations in both cities and widespread public criticism.
According to local media outlet HK01, Dr Lee Cheuk-hing tendered his resignation on 28 May 2026 as principal of San Wui Commercial Society Secondary School in Tuen Mun.
School manager Edmund Wong Chun-sek confirmed the resignation and said the board of directors would meet to determine whether to formally accept it.
Wong said multiple factors would need to be considered before a final decision was made.
Public apology released
In a video uploaded by media outlet dotdotnews, Lee issued a tearful public apology over the confrontation, repeatedly apologising to Hongkongers and “all sectors” in Singapore.
“As a principal, I should lead by example. Regardless of the circumstances, I should remain calm and restrained. But unfortunately, I failed to do so,” Lee said.
“I admit [my mistake] and apologise to everyone.”
Lee confirmed in the video that he had submitted his resignation and pledged to cooperate fully with investigations being conducted by Hong Kong’s Education Bureau and the school board.
In a direct appeal to students, Lee urged them not to imitate his behaviour.
“Please do not learn from me. At all times, you must try your best to stay calm and resolve [problems] in a rational manner,” he said.
“Let my mistake serve as a warning, do not let a moment of impulse drive you to say things that you will deeply regret in the future.”
Lee also announced he would resign from all district-related public duties.
The resignations included his membership in the San King subdistrict care team in Tuen Mun and the Tuen Mun South West area committee.
Hong Kong’s Home Affairs Department confirmed it had received Lee’s resignations from both bodies and that his name had already been removed from the relevant official websites.
Education authorities demand report
Hong Kong’s Education Bureau said it had been notified about Lee’s resignation and urged the school and its sponsoring body to handle the matter seriously.
The bureau also requested that a written report be submitted as soon as possible.
The school’s management committee had earlier suspended Lee from his post with immediate effect on Tuesday, saying his conduct fell short of public expectations and had caused concern within the community.
The school later apologised publicly for the incident, acknowledging that Lee’s behaviour had caused public unease.
Dispute reportedly began outside SAFRA Jurong
According to Singapore newspaper Shin Min Daily News, the dispute began on 22 May outside SAFRA Jurong, where the school group had reportedly arrived at about 5pm for a meal.
Reports said the confrontation stemmed from a disagreement involving a hired coach parked near the venue’s entrance.
Two female security guards were directing traffic when an argument allegedly broke out between them and Lee.
SAFRA Jurong later said the coach had stopped near the entrance and obstructed incoming traffic.
The organisation said its security personnel had been carrying out their duties to ensure vehicles could enter the premises safely.
“During the process, security personnel carrying out their duties were subjected to verbal abuse,” SAFRA Jurong said in a statement.
The organisation added that abuse directed at on-duty personnel was treated seriously and confirmed that the appointed security company had lodged a police report.
Videos spread widely online
Videos of the confrontation began circulating widely on social media on 23 May 2026, including on the platform Threads.
In the footage, Lee could allegedly be heard shouting “you shut up” in English during the exchange.
The videos also appeared to show him repeatedly using Cantonese obscenities directed at the guards.
At one point during the confrontation, Lee was seen sticking out his tongue and making faces.
A female staff member accompanying the school group appeared to intervene and attempted to pull him away, although the effort appeared unsuccessful.
One of the guards involved, identified by Shin Min as Afuti, said she had initially approached the group politely before the situation escalated.
She added that she did not initially know the man involved was a school principal and did not understand the Cantonese insults allegedly directed at her.
Singapore police confirmed they had received a report regarding the incident and said investigations were ongoing.
Under Singapore’s Private Security Industry Act, those convicted of intentionally harassing or causing alarm or distress to a security officer can face a jail term of up to one year, a fine of up to S$5,000 (US$3,915), or both.
