ETHNIC Chinese are the brainiest race on earth, researchers have concluded after conducting extensive tests across six countries . . . including Hong Kong.
Results of tests undertaken in the United States, Britain, Singapore, China, Taiwan and Hong Kong between 1972 and 1994 echo the controversial findings of American author Charles Murray's book, The Bell Curve, which triggered global outrage in October with its racial IQ hierarchy. The book claimed Asians were smarter than Caucasians who, in turn, were smarter than blacks, a theory Murray supported with results from IQ tests on members of each race.
Hong Kong psychologist Dr Jimmy Chan Wing-cheong, who carried out a number of the recently completed Raven's Progressive Matrices tests, said the new results supported the Bell Curve theory of genetic superiority.
'There's no absolute answer to this phenomenon, although genes and traditional practices of bringing up children in Chinese society are suggested [as pertinent] by some psychologists,' Dr Chan said.
Some Chinese have already voiced fears their legacy of 'genetically superior' brain power could be diluted by growing numbers of mixed marriages. Hong Kong resident Yung Siu-yee, 48, whose daughter emigrated to Canada and married a Caucasian two years ago, is concerned for her grandchildren.
'I believe the findings are true and I worry the inter-racial marriage will lower the IQ of my grandson, who was born last month,' she said.