This research project examines why Hong Kong is an anomaly among former colonies due to its relatively positive perception of colonial rule. Focusing on the relationship between economic prosperity and public sentiment toward governance, this study investigates whether economic vitality takes precedence over ideological and cultural identity in shaping Hong Kong residents' positive views on colonialism. The study's research process employs a mixed-methods approach, analyzing both qualitative and quantitative data spanning Hong Kong's colonial and post-handover periods (1842-present). Primary sources used include surveys, Hong Kong Government Reports, census data, the Hong Kong Oral History Archives, the Hong Kong Legislative Council Archives and South China Morning Post Archives. These are examined alongside economic indicators, public opinion polls, and social movement records to trace the evolution of public sentiment alongside economic development.

By providing an interdisciplinary analysis of how economic factors intersect with cultural identity and political attitudes, this study contributes to existing scholarship through an interdisciplinary analysis of how economic factors intersect with cultural identity and political attitudes. Previous research has examined Hong Kong's economic development, social movements, and political changes separately, but this research project is unique because it synthesizes these elements to understand their collective impact on historical memory and public perception.

This study's findings suggest that Hong Kong's exceptional economic growth during the colonial period has been the main factor causing positive perceptions of colonial rule, although other factors such as media representation and education have also proved crucial. This research also reveals how changing economic conditions in post-handover Hong Kong have affected public perception, particularly among younger generations. These conclusions offer valuable insights into the complex relationship between economic prosperity, governance, and collective memory in post-colonial societies.