By the 1970s, the vibrant economy based on manufacturing, trade, tourism and financial services brought affluence. Hong Kong became known as one of the ‘four little dragons’ of East Asia, along with Singapore, South Korea and Taiwan.

People were now better paid, the basic necessities and social services and amenities more adequate. Universal education enabled the sons and daughters of peasant immigrants to fill the vastly expanded professional, managerial, technical and clerical positions in the economy.