HONG KONG — A former Hong Kong secondary school principal who was dismissed after a heated confrontation with security guards during a school trip to Singapore is now seeking about HK$960,000 (S$155,000) in compensation from his former employer.
Lee Cheuk Hing, the former principal of San Wui Commercial Society Secondary School, has filed a lawsuit arguing that he was dismissed without sufficient notice or compensation in lieu of notice.
The Singapore Incident That Sparked the Controversy
Lee came under intense public scrutiny in May after a video reportedly showed him yelling and swearing at security personnel during a school delegation’s visit to Singapore.
The confrontation reportedly stemmed from a parking dispute involving the school’s excursion bus. Footage showed Lee arguing with security guards after they directed the group regarding where the vehicle could stop.
The incident quickly spread online and triggered criticism in both Singapore and Hong Kong.
He Was Suspended — Then Fired
Following the controversy, Lee was suspended from his duties before the school eventually dismissed him.
According to the court proceedings, Lee was suspended in late May and formally dismissed on June 3.
The school’s management had rejected his resignation and instead opted for immediate dismissal, saying the decision was necessary to prevent serious disruption to school operations.
Lee Says He Was Protecting Students
During the legal proceedings, a representative of the school said Lee had been asked to explain what happened following the trip.
According to reports, Lee said he had acted in an effort to protect students during the confrontation.
However, the central question in the case is now whether his alleged misconduct was serious enough to justify an immediate dismissal without notice or compensation.
What Is Lee Claiming?
Lee initially sought several forms of compensation, including claims related to:
- Sickness allowance
- Seven days’ wages
- Provident fund contributions
- Severance pay
- Long-service payment
He later confirmed that he would no longer pursue claims involving sickness allowance and provident fund contributions.
His remaining claim now centres on whether he was legally entitled to compensation following his dismissal.
School Refuses to Settle
The dispute is heading toward a full legal battle after the school reportedly declined to settle the case.
A brief hearing was held on September 8, where the judge identified the key issue: whether Lee’s conduct was serious enough to warrant summary dismissal.
The trial is scheduled to begin on December 1.
The Bottom Line
A confrontation that began during a school trip to Singapore has now turned into a S$155,000 legal dispute.
Former principal Lee Cheuk Hing is challenging his dismissal and arguing that he was fired without proper notice or compensation. Meanwhile, his former school maintains its position and has declined to settle.
The court will now have to decide whether the confrontation with security guards amounted to misconduct serious enough to justify Lee’s immediate dismissal — with the outcome of the trial set to determine whether he receives any compensation.
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