March 14th, 2025

Consensus 2025: What’s Next for WEEX? Presented by Thomas Kay; Fireside chat with Anndy Lian

Consensus 2025: What’s Next for WEEX? Presented by Thomas Kay; Fireside chat with Anndy Lian

The Hong Kong Consensus 2025 spotlight stage provided a platform for leading voices in the blockchain and Web3 space to share their insights and experiences. A key highlight was the presentation by Thomas Kay, Vice President of WEEX Global, followed by a candid fireside chat with Anndy Lian, a best-selling author and blockchain strategist. The event, presented by WEEX, offered a glimpse into the exchange’s rapid growth and a broader discussion on the evolving landscape of Web3.

WEEX Global: A Story of Exponential Growth

Thomas Kay’s presentation detailed WEEX Global’s impressive journey since its establishment in 2018. He shared that WEEX secured a $100 million investment in 2019 from top Singaporean investment firms. Within two years, the platform grew from zero to a staggering $2 billion in daily trading volume. By 2022, WEEX reached 500,000 daily users and signed Jackie Wu, a leading Hong Kong entertainer, as its global brand ambassador.

Kay highlighted that in 2023, WEEX’s user base expanded to over 2 million globally, and they obtained SVG and FSA licenses, enabling operations in over 200 countries and regions. Another $100 million investment was secured from FSN Group, a major South Korean marketing agency. Kay proudly stated, “2024, I think it was one of our best year, full of achievements. I’m very proud to say that we are one of the fastest-growing exchange last year.” The exchange grew from 2 million to 6 million users, reaching a daily trading volume of $5 billion.

A key differentiator for WEEX, according to Kay, is its extensive offering of altcoin pairs. “We have one of the most altcoin pairs, 1,700 plus futures and spot trading pairs,” he stated, providing users with a vast variety of trading options. He emphasized WEEX’s commitment to listing valuable projects, with over 100 different projects listed monthly.

Kay also pointed out WEEX’s focus on liquidity. “When it comes to trading, liquidity is honestly one of the highest priorities for a lot of users,” he said. WEEX boasts over 800 deep liquidity futures and ranks top five among all exchanges in terms of liquidity. Notably, research by CoinMarketCap placed WEEX in the top three for Bitcoin and Ethereum liquidity.

WEEX recently introduced higher leverage options, up to 400x. Kay acknowledged, “I personally would never recommend anyone to go above 50x,” but noted that over 30% of users trade with more than 200x leverage. He explained that this caters to the market trend where users seek higher upside with less capital.

Security remains a top priority for WEEX. Kay mentioned the establishment of a 1,000 BTC protection fund to ensure user fund security. “We have consistently managed to have more than 100% reserve ratio for the last two years,” he added.

The WEEX Token (WXT) and Future Plans

Kay introduced WEEX’s native platform token, WXT, highlighting its remarkable growth of 384% since launch. He described it as “a benchmark for every centralized exchange trying to launch a token right now.” WEEX plans to replicate the success of other exchange tokens by burning WXT quarterly, using 20% of the company’s profits to reduce supply and enhance token value.

WXT offers users up to 70% trading fee discounts and higher profit shares for affiliates. Kay also highlighted the “relaunch” platform, where users can commit WXT to projects and receive airdrops. He announced a current event offering 1 million USDT worth of WXT airdrops to holders.

Looking ahead, WEEX plans to be active in conferences and expand globally, with a new office launching in Dubai. Kay emphasized the focus on providing the best experience for all users, including institutional and high-net-worth individuals. He also stressed the importance of community engagement and global compliance. “In 2025, one of our top priorities across all departments is compliance,” he stated.

Fireside Chat: Community, Exchanges, and Sustainability in Web3

The fireside chat between Thomas Kay and Anndy Lian delved into the challenges and opportunities in the Web3 space. The conversation began with a discussion on community building.

Kay acknowledged the difficulty, stating, “Building community is a lot tougher than a lot of you guys think,” especially compared to 2018. He emphasized the need to provide value beyond incentives: “We want communities that stay with you because of who you are or what you provide for them long term.”

Lian added that users are now more sophisticated, seeking transparency and understanding the relationship between projects and exchanges. “It’s not easy to really build effectively,” he said, highlighting the need for unity and collaboration within the ecosystem. He suggested that established exchanges should support smaller projects in emerging markets.

Lian emphasized the importance of genuine community engagement. “Whenever I see a very good community…it will be easier for us to spot good projects on X,” he said, noting that real community members’ actions and feedback are distinct from bots.

The conversation shifted to the evolving role of exchanges. Lian pointed out that users are looking for exchanges that offer an extra layer of security and accessibility, particularly for on-ramping and off-ramping funds. He also predicted a decline in KOL-driven exchanges, stating, “Exchanges’ role is also to help us see out what are the goods that you should really talk to and work with.”

Lian shared an interesting observation: “Normies are actually asking these questions in specific AMAs or private groups,” referring to questions about exchange listing fees and whether exchanges are genuinely supporting the community or prioritizing revenue. He stressed that “things should be transparent.”

Regarding the future of projects and memes, Lian sees meme coins as a “door opener” for easy entry into the crypto space. However, he emphasized the need for a sustainable roadmap beyond the initial hype. He suggested models like franchise cafes or merchandise, where the community works for their own benefit, ensuring long-term sustainability.

Lian criticized projects with “no plans” and “poor leaders,” emphasizing the need for price action and real partnerships. He highlighted the importance of exchanges partnering with good communities for a win-win situation. He cautioned against prioritizing influencers over genuine community benefit, stating, “If you want to be sustainable, you have a big community, make sure that you can monetize that.”

The fireside chat concluded with a call for candid conversations and mindful actions within the Web3 space. Lian’s closing remark, “I hope everybody can do well in this run,” encapsulated the overall sentiment of the event: a focus on collaboration, transparency, and sustainable growth within the evolving world of blockchain and Web3.

Video Source: https://consensus-hongkong2025.coindesk.com/agenda/event/-weex-sponsored-session-92 (Official Video from Consensus 2025)

Anndy Lian is an early blockchain adopter and experienced serial entrepreneur who is known for his work in the government sector. He is a best selling book author- “NFT: From Zero to Hero” and “Blockchain Revolution 2030”.

Currently, he is appointed as the Chief Digital Advisor at Mongolia Productivity Organization, championing national digitization. Prior to his current appointments, he was the Chairman of BigONE Exchange, a global top 30 ranked crypto spot exchange and was also the Advisory Board Member for Hyundai DAC, the blockchain arm of South Korea’s largest car manufacturer Hyundai Motor Group. Lian played a pivotal role as the Blockchain Advisor for Asian Productivity Organisation (APO), an intergovernmental organization committed to improving productivity in the Asia-Pacific region.

An avid supporter of incubating start-ups, Anndy has also been a private investor for the past eight years. With a growth investment mindset, Anndy strategically demonstrates this in the companies he chooses to be involved with. He believes that what he is doing through blockchain technology currently will revolutionise and redefine traditional businesses. He also believes that the blockchain industry has to be “redecentralised”.

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March 10th, 2025

Winning Web3: The Marketing Strategies That Actually Work – Cointelegraph

Winning Web3: The Marketing Strategies That Actually Work – Cointelegraph

This is a side event organized by Cointelegraph during Consensus 2025 Hong Kong. This event has brought together some of the brightest minds in the Web3 space to discuss marketing strategies that work in the ever-evolving blockchain and cryptocurrency industry. This article highlights the key takeaways from the panel titled “Winning Web3: The Marketing Strategies That Actually Work”, with a focus on Anndy Lian’s contributions at the panel.

The Role of Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs) in Web3 Marketing

The panel began with a discussion on the role of Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs) in the Web3 space. Anndy Lian, a seasoned investor and author with a significant following on social media, emphasized the importance of distinguishing between influencers and true KOLs. He noted that while many influencers in the crypto space focus on promoting projects for short-term gains, true KOLs should provide meaningful insights and add long-term value to the ecosystem.

Anndy stated, “The term ‘KOL’ originally came from the Chinese market, where it was used to describe individuals whose opinions were recognized and respected. However, in today’s market, many so-called KOLs are merely influencers who focus on shilling projects without understanding their fundamentals. This is not sustainable.”

He further elaborated on the need for KOLs to act as thought leaders rather than just promoters. According to Anndy, the credibility of a KOL lies in their ability to produce valuable content and foster trust within their community.

Building Sustainable Communities

One of the recurring themes in Anndy Lian’s remarks was the importance of building sustainable communities. He argued that a strong community is the backbone of any successful Web3 project. Unlike traditional marketing, where the focus is on driving sales, Web3 marketing requires a more nuanced approach that prioritizes community engagement and education.

Anndy explained, “If you have a strong community, you can drive revenue and profits in the long term. It’s not just about building technology; it’s about building a vision that resonates with people. Projects should focus on setting clear targets for community building and delivering value to their members.”

He also highlighted the role of transparency and accountability in community building. Projects that fail to deliver on their promises or engage in unethical practices risk losing the trust of their community, which can be detrimental in the long run.

The Challenges of Working with Influencers

The panel also discussed the challenges of working with influencers in the Web3 space. Anndy shared his experiences as both an investor and a marketer, shedding light on the complexities of influencer marketing. He pointed out that while influencers can help projects gain visibility, the return on investment (ROI) is often unpredictable.

“Some influencers have millions of followers, but their engagement rates are low, and the ROI is disappointing. On the other hand, smaller influencers with niche audiences can deliver better results. It’s crucial to be mindful of what you want to achieve—whether it’s awareness, credibility, or direct sales—and choose your influencers accordingly,” Anndy advised.

He also cautioned against relying solely on influencers for marketing, as this approach can lead to unsustainable growth. Instead, he recommended a balanced strategy that combines influencer marketing with other tactics, such as content creation, partnerships, and community events.

The Importance of Due Diligence

Anndy Lian stressed the importance of conducting thorough due diligence before partnering with influencers or investing in projects. He shared a practical tip for evaluating influencers: “Talk to people in the industry and gather insights. For example, you can reach out to exchanges and ask about the performance of specific influencers. This will give you a better understanding of their impact and credibility.”

He also highlighted the need for projects to clearly define their goals and expectations when working with influencers. By setting measurable objectives and tracking performance, projects can ensure that their marketing efforts align with their overall strategy.

Avoiding the Pitfalls of Meme Coins and Unsustainable Projects

Anndy was vocal about the risks associated with meme coins and unsustainable projects. He acknowledged that while meme coins can attract attention and drive short-term gains, they often lack the fundamentals needed for long-term success.

“Meme coins are one of the easiest entry points for newcomers, but they come with a lot of risks. Many of these projects are driven by hype and lack a clear roadmap or utility. As a result, they fail to deliver value to their investors,” he said.

He urged investors and marketers to focus on projects with strong fundamentals, such as a clear use case, a dedicated team, and a sustainable business model. He also emphasized the importance of educating the community about the risks of speculative investments and encouraging responsible behavior.

Lessons from the FTX Collapse and the Importance of Security

Reflecting on the lessons learned from the FTX collapse, Anndy underscored the importance of security and risk management in the crypto space. He shared his personal experience of losing funds during the FTX debacle and offered practical advice to the audience.

“Always remember to cash out and secure your funds. Use hardware wallets and avoid keeping large amounts of money on exchanges. Even experienced investors can fall victim to phishing attacks, so it’s crucial to stay vigilant,” he warned.

Anndy also highlighted the need for greater accountability among KOLs and influencers. He called on them to be transparent about their affiliations and to prioritize the interests of their community over personal gains.

The Future of Web3 Marketing

Looking ahead, Anndy Lian expressed optimism about the future of Web3 marketing. He believes that as the industry matures, there will be a greater emphasis on quality over quantity. Projects that focus on delivering real value and building trust will stand out in an increasingly crowded market.

“The next wave of successful projects will be those that prioritize community building, transparency, and long-term sustainability. Marketing strategies should evolve to reflect these values, and KOLs should play a more active role in educating and empowering their communities,” he concluded.

Final Thoughts

The panel at Consensus 2025 provided valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities in Web3 marketing. Anndy Lian’s contributions stood out for their emphasis on sustainability, transparency, and community building. His practical advice and candid observations serve as a reminder that success in the Web3 space requires more than just hype—it requires a commitment to creating real value and fostering trust.

As the Web3 ecosystem continues to evolve, marketers, investors, and KOLs must adapt their strategies to meet the changing needs of the industry. By focusing on the fundamentals and staying true to their values, they can help shape a more sustainable and inclusive future for blockchain and cryptocurrency.

Anndy Lian is an early blockchain adopter and experienced serial entrepreneur who is known for his work in the government sector. He is a best selling book author- “NFT: From Zero to Hero” and “Blockchain Revolution 2030”.

Currently, he is appointed as the Chief Digital Advisor at Mongolia Productivity Organization, championing national digitization. Prior to his current appointments, he was the Chairman of BigONE Exchange, a global top 30 ranked crypto spot exchange and was also the Advisory Board Member for Hyundai DAC, the blockchain arm of South Korea’s largest car manufacturer Hyundai Motor Group. Lian played a pivotal role as the Blockchain Advisor for Asian Productivity Organisation (APO), an intergovernmental organization committed to improving productivity in the Asia-Pacific region.

An avid supporter of incubating start-ups, Anndy has also been a private investor for the past eight years. With a growth investment mindset, Anndy strategically demonstrates this in the companies he chooses to be involved with. He believes that what he is doing through blockchain technology currently will revolutionise and redefine traditional businesses. He also believes that the blockchain industry has to be “redecentralised”.

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March 8th, 2025

Fostering Trust and Building Communities: Anndy Lian’s Vision for the Future of Web3 at Hong Kong Consensus 2025

Fostering Trust and Building Communities: Anndy Lian’s Vision for the Future of Web3 at Hong Kong Consensus 2025

The Hong Kong Consensus 2025 spotlight stage brought together some of the most influential voices in the blockchain and Web3 space. Among the key highlights was a presentation by Thomas Kay, Vice President of WEEX Global, followed by a fireside chat with Anndy Lian, a best-selling author and blockchain strategist. While Thomas Kay’s presentation showcased WEEX Global’s impressive growth and innovative features, the fireside chat with Anndy Lian provided a deeper exploration of the challenges and opportunities in Web3, with a particular focus on community building, the evolving role of exchanges, and the sustainability of blockchain projects.

WEEX Global: A Rapidly Growing Exchange

Thomas Kay opened the session with an overview of WEEX Global’s remarkable journey since its founding in 2018. The exchange has grown exponentially, now serving over 6 million users globally and achieving a daily trading volume of $5 billion. WEEX has distinguished itself with its extensive range of trading pairs, top-tier liquidity, and innovative features such as 400x leverage.

Thomas also emphasized WEEX’s commitment to security, highlighting the establishment of a 1,000 BTC protection fund and robust risk management systems. With a focus on global expansion and compliance, WEEX is positioning itself as a leader in the cryptocurrency exchange space.

While the presentation underscored WEEX’s achievements, the fireside chat with Anndy Lian shifted the focus to broader industry challenges and the critical role of community building in the Web3 ecosystem.

Fireside Chat: The Complexities of Building Communities

The fireside chat began with Thomas asking Anndy about the challenges of building communities in the Web3 space. Anndy, known for his candid and insightful commentary, shared his perspective on the evolving dynamics of community engagement.

“Building a community is far more challenging than it appears,” Anndy remarked. He explained that the landscape has changed significantly since 2018. Back then, users were less informed, and simple incentives like airdrops were enough to attract attention. Today, however, users are more sophisticated and demand genuine value. “You can’t just throw airdrops at people and expect them to stay. Communities need to be built on trust, value, and a long-term vision,” he emphasized.

Anndy stressed the importance of creating a loyal community that aligns with a project’s goals. “We don’t need communities that come for the incentives and leave the next day. We need communities that stay because they believe in what you’re building,” he added.

The Role of Exchanges in Supporting Communities

Thomas and Anndy also explored the role of exchanges in fostering strong communities. Thomas highlighted WEEX’s commitment to backing projects that prioritize meaningful community engagement. “We want to support projects that are building loyal communities, not just chasing short-term gains,” he said.

Anndy agreed, emphasizing the need for unity within the Web3 ecosystem. “Exchanges, big projects, and smaller projects need to work together. Emerging markets like Russia, Kenya, and Brazil offer immense potential, and collaboration can unlock new opportunities,” he noted. He also underscored the importance of transparency, particularly regarding listing fees. “Users are getting smarter. They’re asking tough questions about how exchanges operate, and transparency is key to building trust,” he explained.

The Future of Exchanges: Security and Accessibility

When asked about the future role of exchanges in the Web3 space, Anndy identified two critical areas: security and accessibility. “Users want exchanges that offer an extra layer of security. They also want seamless on-ramp and off-ramp solutions to move their funds safely and efficiently,” he said.

Thomas echoed this sentiment, pointing to WEEX’s efforts to enhance security through its protection fund and compliance initiatives. He also acknowledged the challenges posed by “key opinion leaders” (KOLs) who often prioritize short-term traffic over long-term value. “Not every KOL is worth partnering with. We focus on working with genuine users and communities,” he stated.

Meme Coins: A Gateway to Web3 Adoption

The conversation then shifted to the role of meme coins in the Web3 ecosystem. Anndy described meme coins as “door openers” that attract new users to the space. However, he cautioned that their success depends on strong community backing and a clear roadmap. “A typical roadmap starts with a meme, followed by utility, and eventually evolves into something bigger, like merchandise or even global franchises,” he explained.

Anndy shared an example of how a meme-based project could transition into a sustainable business. “Imagine an ‘Anndy Café’ that becomes a global clubhouse for networking. The revenue from the café could be used to support the project, creating a self-sustaining ecosystem,” he suggested.

He also highlighted the importance of partnerships in ensuring the longevity of meme projects. “If you’re not in the top 300 or 500, survival is tough. Partnering with exchanges and other Web3 players can make a big difference,” he said.

Sustainability in Web3 Projects

Anndy didn’t shy away from addressing the challenges faced by Web3 projects. He criticized projects with poor leadership and no clear plans for sustainability. “Most memes fail because they have no roadmap and no real leaders. They’re just boosting sentiment without delivering results,” he said.

He urged projects to focus on building real value for their communities. “Your community should work for their own bags. If they’re invested in the project’s success, it will last much longer,” he advised. He also called on exchanges to prioritize quality over quantity when listing projects. “Instead of giving money to KOLs, give it to the projects that are building something meaningful,” he suggested.

Transparency and Trust: The Cornerstones of Web3

The fireside chat concluded with a discussion on the importance of transparency in the Web3 space. Anndy praised WEEX for its efforts to be transparent about its operations and partnerships. “Transparency builds trust, and trust is the foundation of any successful community,” he said.

Thomas agreed, emphasizing that WEEX is committed to supporting projects that align with their values. “We’re not just looking for short-term gains. We want to build long-term partnerships with projects that share our vision,” he said.

Final Thoughts

The fireside chat between Thomas Kay and Anndy Lian at Hong Kong Consensus 2025 offered a wealth of insights into the challenges and opportunities in the Web3 space. From the importance of community building to the evolving role of exchanges, the discussion highlighted the need for collaboration, transparency, and long-term vision.

As the Web3 ecosystem continues to grow, the lessons shared by Anndy and Thomas will undoubtedly serve as a valuable guide for projects, exchanges, and communities alike. Whether through innovative features, strong partnerships, or a commitment to transparency, the future of Web3 will be shaped by those who prioritize value and trust above all else.

Read more at: https://anndy.com/event/fostering-trust-and-building-communities-anndy-lians-vision-for-the-future-of-web3-at-hong-kong-consensus-2025/

Anndy Lian is an early blockchain adopter and experienced serial entrepreneur who is known for his work in the government sector. He is a best selling book author- “NFT: From Zero to Hero” and “Blockchain Revolution 2030”.

Currently, he is appointed as the Chief Digital Advisor at Mongolia Productivity Organization, championing national digitization. Prior to his current appointments, he was the Chairman of BigONE Exchange, a global top 30 ranked crypto spot exchange and was also the Advisory Board Member for Hyundai DAC, the blockchain arm of South Korea’s largest car manufacturer Hyundai Motor Group. Lian played a pivotal role as the Blockchain Advisor for Asian Productivity Organisation (APO), an intergovernmental organization committed to improving productivity in the Asia-Pacific region.

An avid supporter of incubating start-ups, Anndy has also been a private investor for the past eight years. With a growth investment mindset, Anndy strategically demonstrates this in the companies he chooses to be involved with. He believes that what he is doing through blockchain technology currently will revolutionise and redefine traditional businesses. He also believes that the blockchain industry has to be “redecentralised”.

j j j