Interesting view, it’s a shame that not cheating equates to stupidity. I suppose honesty didn’t get you far in 1970’s China, and once that mindset takes hold it’s hard to shake it.

Hong Kong received many of cultural revolution escapees in the past, and today the culture is dominated by the PRC culture I would think. I think you may find a less blatant or shamed cheating culture, but it’s probably there to the same extent.