Hong Kong principal faces probe after alleged swearing incident in Singapore

Hong Kong's Education Bureau has demanded a written explanation from a secondary school after a video surfaced showing its principal allegedly swearing at security guards during a school trip to Singapore. The bureau expressed concern over the incident on Sunday and is in close contact with the school and its sponsoring body. A spokeswoman stated that the school has activated its crisis management team to thoroughly investigate the matter. The bureau emphasized that teachers, including principals, serve as role models for students, and their conduct significantly impacts students' words, behavior, and values. Guidelines on professional conduct for educators stress safeguarding student well-being, ensuring quality education, upholding the profession, and building public trust. If the principal is found to have breached professional conduct, the bureau will review their registration and take appropriate action based on the severity of the incident. The video, posted on social media, shows a man arguing with two female security guards, reportedly over parking issues. The man is seen pointing and yelling at the guards, using offensive language and telling them to "shut up" and "go away." Others around him attempted to calm him down. The exact timing of the incident is unclear, but the social media post claimed it occurred during a trip to Singapore involving a school in Tuen Mun. Online reactions to the video were largely critical, with many questioning the man's suitability to be a principal. This incident follows reports in February of students from another Hong Kong school allegedly sneaking out to drink alcohol during a trip to mainland China, prompting similar concerns from authorities.

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The bureau has demanded that the school seriously follow up on the issue and submit a detailed written account. The school has activated its crisis management team to investigate the matter thoroughly.