Hundreds of Hong Kong parents demand money back after tutoring group Brilliant Education abruptly closes doors
- Brilliant Education, which runs five centres, posted notices on branch doors saying it had permanently closed after its ‘historical mission [had] been fulfilled’
- Parents join fast-growing WhatsApp group, with many out of pocket after paying for classes months in advance and some staff seeking unpaid wages
The sudden closure of a private tutoring company in Hong Kong left hundreds of angry parents and confused staff members scrambling to get money owed them on Sunday, with some calling for the government to step in.
Brilliant Education, which operated five centres in Kornhill, Chai Wan, Shau Kei Wan, Ho Man Tin and Siu Sai Wan, announced its “historical mission [had] been fulfilled” and all of its branches closed on Saturday.
Notices posted on the doors of each branch provided contact details for customers seeking to obtain any study materials, trophies, medals or certificates still in the company’s possession.
Parents who contacted the company said they had yet to hear back, while a call by the Post went unanswered.
Athena Chiu said she had signed her daughter up for six months of tutorial classes, worth HK$12,240 (US$1,570), at the Kornhill Garden branch. The lessons were supposed to start on August 1, she added.