Hong Kong school starts academic year without replacing head fired for swearing

A Hong Kong secondary school, San Wui Commercial Society Secondary School, has commenced the new academic year without its principal, following the dismissal of former head Lee Cheuk-hing for swearing at security guards during a Singapore study trip. Former lawmaker Edmund Wong Chun-sek, who is also the school's manager, stated that the Education Bureau is currently vetting a replacement for Lee.

The school is temporarily being led by its deputy head, and Wong mentioned that the process of welcoming the new principal could take some time, as the bureau took three months to vet the previous head. The Education Bureau has reminded the school to strictly adhere to the relevant procedures in the application process, ensuring that the school's operations are not disrupted and students' wellbeing is protected.

The recruitment for a new principal was initiated earlier this year after Lee's dismissal in June, following a viral video showing him swearing at two security guards during the trip. Lee subsequently apologized tearfully and resigned on May 28. Applicants for the new principal position are required to have "excellent character" as part of the selection process.