Thinking out loud

I've been thinking about Hong Kong students excellent civic knowledge scores. Recently, I learnt, they are not only good in political knowledge, but also in the core topics of Math, Science and English. I'm impressed. Besides being excellent, they also have a very equitable education system, meaning these high fliers come from all social backgrounds, immigrant or not, rich or poor... There is little link between excellence and social background. How do they do it? Previously, I was thinking, perhaps the reason for their high civic knowledge scores could be because of the political and social situation of the country, the handover from British rule and a lot of talk in the media etc., but this thing I found about Hong Kong's education is so compelling. Could it be that their civic knowledge scores are simply an offshoot of the excellent education system? I.e., with a good system, good leaders, good teachers, you just simply produce all rounded good students? Who are good in this and that and including political knowledge. Could the answer be so simple? How can we find out the truth behind this? God please give me divine wisdom to seek the truth.