Bad-mannered or racist? Debate rages over Hong Kong principal’s Singapore clash

Dr John Tse, executive director of Hong Kong Initiative for Diversity, says it is difficult to determine if Lee Cheuk-hing’s behaviour is racially motivated

Debates continued to rage online after a Hong Kong school principal was filmed verbally abusing two South Asian security guards in Singapore, with viewers divided over whether his behaviour reflected a lack of manners or racial bias.

Lee Cheuk-hing, the principal of San Wui Commercial Society Secondary School in Tuen Mun, was caught on camera behaving badly and swearing at two security guards during a school trip to Singapore last Friday.

While many criticised the principal’s lack of courtesy, others raised concerns about possible racial bias, pointing to the apparent contrast in Lee’s behaviour towards the two South Asian security guards compared with his interaction with a passer-by who appeared to be ethnically Chinese.

In the widely circulated video, Lee is seen arguing heatedly with the two guards over a parking issue involving the group’s bus.

He is heard shouting “impolite”, “shut up” and “go away” to the guards, while also swearing in Cantonese. The two female guards also appear visibly upset, pointing their fingers at Lee during the exchange.

Most online comments condemned Lee’s conduct as unprofessional and discourteous.