Lee Cheuk-hing, principal of San Wui Commercial Society Secondary School in Tuen Mun, Hong Kong, issued a public statement on June 5 in response to an immediate dismissal notice issued by the school's incorporated management committee on June 2, following a dispute with a female security guard in Singapore that sparked widespread public discussion.
Lee offered a formal apology for his conduct, saying that as a school principal and educator, he bears a responsibility to serve as a role model.
He said that on the day of the incident, a sudden communication conflict and a combination of objective factors led to an emotional lapse on his part. He acknowledged that he had failed to show the security officer in Singapore the respect she deserved and that his behavior had negatively affected the image of the school, its students and staff, the sponsoring body, parents, and HK's education sector.
"I extend my sincere and deepest apologies to all those affected," Lee said in the statement. He added that he strongly condemned his own failure in emotional management and would treat the incident as a lifelong lesson.
According to Lee, the exchange delegation was travelling on a locally chartered coach, and bus operators involved in similar tours had for years routinely dropped off passengers temporarily near the venue entrance. On the day of the incident, he said, the security officer attempted to stop the coach in English and in a raised voice, while language barriers prevented effective communication between the parties, leading to an initial dispute involving the driver.
Lee said his intention in intervening was to protect the safety of the accompanying underage students, quickly defuse the situation, and prevent teachers and students from remaining at the scene of a conflict in an unfamiliar overseas environment.
However, he acknowledged that no objective circumstances or good intentions could justify an educator losing emotional control or behaving inappropriately.
Lee said that throughout his four years as principal, he had consistently placed the interests of the school and the well-being of students first, and had devoted himself fully to the school's development.
Addressing the dismissal notice, Lee said he had voluntarily submitted a resignation letter to the incorporated management committee in late May 2026 and had provided sufficient notice in accordance with the terms of his employment contract.
"While I respect the management decision of the incorporated management committee to subsequently terminate my employment contract with immediate effect, I am also very surprised and regretful about the arrangement," he said.
Lee added that he has appointed legal representatives to handle the matter in accordance with the law.
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