SOCIAL AND URBAN POLICY FOCUS OF STUDY This study examines the long-term impacts of China’s historical Imperial Examination System (IES) on contemporary wage structures. By analyzing historical Jinshi density data and its correlation with modern wages, the research reveals that regions with a higher prevalence of educational success through the IES show significant wage increases for current workers. The findings highlight how cultural norms and education investments influence economic outcomes, suggesting a persistent legacy of the IES on human capital and labor market dynamics. POLICY RECOMMENDATION To harness the historical benefits of the Imperial Examination System, policymakers should focus on enhancing educational access and quality in historically underserved regions. Investments in educational infrastructure, teacher training, and vocational programs can promote skill development. Additionally, implementing targeted welfare programs can mitigate the impact of past educational disparities, ensuring equitable opportunities and fostering economic growth across all prefectures. FOCUS OF STUDY This study examines the behavioral changes of Hong Kong residents during the COVID-19 pandemic and the persistence of these changes in the postpandemic era. It analyzes shifts in telecommuting, transportation, dining habits, shopping practices, and internet usage through a representative survey conducted in 2022, with a follow-up in 2023. The findings reveal that while some behaviors, like online meetings and digital payments, have persisted, telecommuting has declined significantly postpandemic. The research highlights the unique context of Hong Kong as a high-density urban environment, emphasizing how local factors influence behavioral adaptations amidst global health crises. POLICY RECOMMENDATION Policymakers should focus on enhancing public transportation and creating flexible workspace designs to accommodate evolving work patterns. Continued investment in digital infrastructure is essential to support sustained online engagement and resilience in future urban challenges. Zhizhao Li, Pengyu Zhu, Yuqing Guo, Jeffrey Chow. “Pandemic-era behavioral changes and post-pandemic persistence in the high-density urban context of Hong Kong.” Cities 162 (2025): 105940. Xiaodong Chen, Ding Li & Pengyu Zhu. Long-term impacts of historical education policy on wages in China: insights on over-education. Humanities Social Scicence Communication 12, 959 (2025). 27 Scholarly Showcase
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