The Hong Kong Consensus 2025 spotlight stage was abuzz with energy as industry leaders gathered to discuss the future of Web3. The event featured a presentation by Thomas Kay, Vice President of WEEX Global, followed by a fireside chat with Anndy Lian, a best-selling author and prominent figure in the blockchain space.
While Kay’s presentation highlighted WEEX Global’s impressive growth trajectory and innovative features, it was the fireside chat with Lian that truly captivated the audience, offering deep insights into community building, the evolving role of exchanges, and the future of Web3 projects.
WEEX global: A brief overview
Kay opened the session with an overview of WEEX Global’s journey since its inception in 2018. The exchange has grown exponentially, boasting over 6 million users globally and a daily trading volume of US$5 billion.
With a focus on providing top-tier liquidity, a vast array of trading pairs, and innovative features like 400x leverage, WEEX has positioned itself as one of the fastest-growing exchanges in the world. Kay also emphasised the platform’s commitment to security, highlighting their 1,000 BTC protection fund and robust risk control systems.
While the presentation showcased WEEX’s achievements and future plans, including global expansion and compliance efforts, the real highlight of the session was the fireside chat with Lian.
Fireside chat: The art and science of community building
The fireside chat began with Kay asking Lian about the challenges of building communities in the Web3 space. Lian, known for his candid and insightful commentary, didn’t hold back.
“Building a community is a lot tougher than people think,” Lian remarked. He explained that the landscape has evolved significantly since 2018. Back then, users were less informed, and it was easier to attract them with simple incentives like airdrops.
Today, however, users are more sophisticated and demand real value. “You can’t just throw airdrops at people and expect them to stay. Communities need to be built on trust, value, and long-term vision,” he added.
Lian emphasised the importance of creating a loyal community that aligns with the 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 said.
The role of exchanges in community building
Kay and Lian also discussed the role of exchanges in fostering strong communities. Kay noted that WEEX is committed to supporting projects that prioritise community engagement. “We want to back projects that are building loyal communities, not just chasing short-term gains,” he said.
Lian agreed, highlighting 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 said.
He also stressed the importance of transparency, particularly when it comes to listing fees. “Normies are getting smarter. They’re asking tough questions about how exchanges operate, and transparency is key to building trust,” he noted.
The future of exchanges: Security and accessibility
When asked about the future role of exchanges in the Web3 space, Lian identified two key 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 explained.
Kay echoed this sentiment, pointing to WEEX’s efforts to enhance security through their protection fund and compliance initiatives. He also acknowledged the challenges posed by “key opinion leaders” (KOLs) who often prioritise short-term traffic over long-term value. “Not every KOL is worth partnering with. We focus on working with genuine users and communities,” he said.
Memes as a gateway to Web3
The conversation then shifted to the role of meme coins in the Web3 ecosystem. Lian 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 said.
Lian 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.
The challenges of sustainability
Lian didn’t shy away from addressing the challenges faced by Web3 projects. He criticised 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 said. He also called on exchanges to prioritise 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 way forward
The fireside chat concluded with a discussion on the importance of transparency in the Web3 space. Lian 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.
Kay agreed, emphasising 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 Kay and 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 Lian and Kay will undoubtedly serve as a valuable guide for projects, exchanges, and communities alike. Whether it’s through innovative features, strong partnerships, or a commitment to transparency, the future of Web3 will be shaped by those who prioritise value and trust above all else.
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”.
