I was there in the 70s, and it was getting a little tense then, knowing the end was coming, but the trade and industry were enormous. When psychologists try to explain American Urban problems by some theory whereby poverty justifies conduct, I am quick to remember Hong Kong. The psychologists are still quite ineffective with their theories.
I agree,poverty is not the cause. When I first came to Spain in in 1963, when Spain was very poor because of the unofficial boycott against Franco. I saw some of the poorest areas in the city but the children were always clean and well dressed and the washing on the clothes lines was spotless.
I remember remarking at the time that in poor areas of other countries one is saddened by the dirt and squalor not impressed by the cleanliness and joy of the children.
With the Chinese and Asians you see the same thing it is called self-respect.