Financial turmoil at Han Academy: Repaid MPF arrears amidst ongoing parent complaints

Private school Han Academy in Aberdeen has repaid HK$250,000 in mandatory provident fund and surcharges for last June and August for 50 staff members, according to the Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes Authority.

This repayment follows the school's failure to refund over 50 parents a total of more than HK$30 million in contribution bonds last month.

As of January 19, 19 parents have reported to police that the school has not returned promised contribution bonds, with claims amounting to HK$21 million. Notably, about HK$6.2 million was involved in complaints made last month, as reported by the police force.

The case has been classified as a request for police investigation and is being followed up by the Crime Hong Kong Island Regional Headquarters, with no arrests made to date.

Xu Li, the founding supervisor of the school, previously said that the Happy Life Education Foundation, which sponsors the school, is in debt to the tune of about HK$100 million.

Sing Tao Daily, a sister publication of The Standard, sought clarification on the school's current financial status from both the academy and its sponsoring body; however, the school declined to comment while continuing to seek funding for improvements to its facilities.

Reports suggest that the sponsoring body has relocated its office to the academy to cut costs and sustain operations. In a social media post made by Xu on December 30, she indicated, "The purpose of Han Academy remains unchanged; return to the 19th floor [office], reduce costs, and increase effectiveness."

She later confirmed that the foundation's office had been returned to its owner and that she was working alongside the principal and a teacher in the same office.

Lawmaker Edward Leung Hei, who has been assisting over 50 affected parents, noted that the school is still pursuing a five-year repayment postponement plan, which has not satisfied the parents involved.

As these parents have repeatedly provided statements at police stations, Leung expressed confidence that authorities would take the matter seriously.

Leung also said that the HK$250,000 repaid in MPF and surcharges is a mere fraction compared to the total amount of bonds owed, raising doubts about the school's ability to fulfill its repayment obligations.

The Education Bureau has received complaints from four parents regarding Han Academy's failure to repay bonds, while the Labour Department has expressed concern over the situation.

Customs authorities said they have not received any relevant reports but will take legal action if violations of the Trade Descriptions Ordinance are discovered.

(Henry Siu)