During the Bitcoin Asia 2025 conference in Hong Kong, hosted by Bitcoin Conference Asia, Lian sat down with Chinsanity on The Chinsanity Show, powered by 852 Web 3. The conversation delved into Bitcoin policy, market dynamics, institutional influences, and bold forecasts for the year ahead. This article captures the essence of their discussion, highlighting key takeaways for enthusiasts and investors alike.
Bitcoin Policy: Asia’s Cautious and Promising Path
The interview began with Lian reflecting on his recent panel discussion at the conference, which centered on Bitcoin policy and governmental adoption. He contrasted the swift policy shifts in the United States, fueled by a change in administration under figures like Donald Trump, with Asia’s more measured approach. “In the US, it seemed sudden from a media standpoint,” Lian noted. “Suddenly, they love Bitcoin, thanks to Trump and the frameworks built beforehand.”
In Asia, the landscape is diverse and evolving. Lian praised Hong Kong for its transformation from skepticism toward digital currencies to a bullish, pro-crypto stance. “Hong Kong is doing a good job,” he said, pointing out how regulators are actively promoting the region as a hub: “Hey, come to Hong Kong and do business.” Other nations are following suit. Pakistan, Bhutan, and the Philippines have introduced supportive Bitcoin policies, focusing on sustainable frameworks rather than immediate reserves. “They’re trying their best to create more supportive environments,” Lian explained. He acknowledged that countries like Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand lag behind, but he expressed optimism about their efforts.
This regional push aligns with broader market positivity. With Bitcoin prices soaring and institutions injecting capital, Lian sees a “win-win” scenario. “The energy is perfect right now,” he emphasized, crediting the bullish market for accelerating policy adoption. Still, he cautioned that Asia is still catching up to the US’s aggressive pace, underscoring the need for balanced, long-term strategies.
Conference Vibes: Mining, Learning, and Community Spirit
Bitcoin Asia 2025 buzzed with energy, a stark contrast to some past events where attendance waned. Lian described the atmosphere as vibrant, filled with “Bitcoin whales” and mining enthusiasts. “I saw a few of my friends, many are Bitcoin whales here to look at mining,” he shared. The focus on mining isn’t surprising, given Asia’s historical dominance in the sector, particularly among Chinese communities despite domestic bans.
Lian expressed concerns about mining’s future sustainability. “A huge part of the mining power still belongs to Chinese people or those living abroad,” he said. However, with rising energy costs and fluctuating Bitcoin prices, he warned that the industry could face challenges. “If the price doesn’t catch up, many miners might say goodbye, it’s not sustainable.” He likened it to a “sunsetting industry” for newcomers, though established players like those in Bhutan have built resilient models by planning for the long haul.
What stood out most was the audience’s engagement. Unlike conferences where stages feel empty, Bitcoin Asia had packed halls with attendees taking notes, filming, and actively participating. “They want to learn,” Lian observed. “The mining industry in Asia is mature; they’ve been doing it for a long time, and electricity here isn’t too expensive.” He attributed this to a desire for new trends and re-education, with bloggers and influencers using the event to engage their followers. “It’s a positive sign,” he added, noting the influx of Chinese and Hong Kong participants fostering a collaborative vibe.
Market Trends: Institutions vs. Retail, and the Risks Ahead
Shifting to market analysis, Lian highlighted the bullish sentiment in crypto, with Bitcoin surpassing previous highs. “Crypto has been bullish this year,” he said, joking about how investors now get “mad” if Bitcoin dips below $100,000, a far cry from the last cycle’s peak at $69,000 and subsequent drop to $20,000.
This optimism comes with caveats. Lian pointed out the shift from retail-driven markets to institutional dominance. “In the past, power lay with retail guys; now it’s institutions,” he explained. Figures like Michael Saylor of MicroStrategy and others hold massive sway. “If big companies like Meta Planet sell, the downstream effect is huge, they’re the foundation.” He advised monitoring fundraising efforts: “As long as Saylor can raise more money, the bull market continues.”
Retail investors face barriers. “How many retail guys will put $1 million into crypto?” Lian questioned. While institutions buy through ETFs or spot markets, retail participation remains limited, making the market “institution-only” in recent months. For mainstream adoption, he stressed the need for balance: “Institutions can be robotic, hit a threshold and goodbye. Retail often holds long-term, like a 401k.”
Lian also touched on altcoins, noting healthy cycles where profits from Ethereum sales fund new projects. He worried about cash-outs that sideline sellers permanently. “It’s hard to come back in if prices rise again.”
Eric Trump’s Presence and Hong Kong’s Crypto Ambitions
An intriguing highlight was Eric Trump’s attendance at the conference. Lian speculated on its implications, viewing it as a boost for global Bitcoin support. “Eric is here mainly to support Bitcoin globally,” he said. However, he noted a twist: reports from the South China Morning Post indicated that regulators pulled out from keynote speeches due to Trump’s presence. “I’m not sure what’s the agenda, but it should be aligned,” Lian remarked. Despite the uncertainty, whether political or otherwise, he believed the event should have proceeded as planned.
Lian emphasized Hong Kong’s role as a hub for digital assets. Right after the interview, he planned to attend another event hosted by Annum Capital, focusing on stablecoins, a hot topic in the region. “I even wrote a report with them about stablecoins,” he shared. These gatherings, often involving bankers in suits, reveal growing curiosity among traditional finance executives. “They want to know more,” Lian said, seeing it as a bullish sign. The challenge lies in execution: “How are they going to execute with their clients’ money? I hope to see more action than just a good lunch.”
Building a Sustainable Ecosystem: Collaboration Over Silos
Lian stressed the importance of unity in the crypto space. “Everybody is playing a silos game, maxis, cabals, working within small groups,” he observed. To sustain the ecosystem, the industry must focus on the bigger picture: attracting more funds and participants. “We need to bring more people in,” he urged, particularly from populous nations like China and India, where tech-savvy populations could drive growth.
He advocated for collaborative efforts, such as a digital asset association for media and stakeholders to share topics and journalism standards. “It’s all about working together,” Lian said. For miners, this means optimizing efficiency for energy, environment, and security. “Once mining becomes unsustainable, what happens to the network’s security?” he pondered. Echoing the adage that a rising tide lifts all boats, he noted that web3 remains small and requires collective support.
Predictions for 2025: Bullish Horizons
Wrapping up, Lian shared optimistic predictions for the remainder of 2025. “The next four months should bring a much better cycle,” he forecasted. Dips recover quickly due to institutional support, pushing Bitcoin toward $150,000 or higher. Ethereum could reach $6,000, based on charts, while BNB might surge dramatically due to controlled supply and burns. “BNB is going to go for a really big number,” he predicted.
Lian’s insights paint a picture of an industry at a pivotal moment, balancing innovation with sustainability. As governments, institutions, and communities align, the crypto frontier promises exciting developments. For those navigating this space, his advice is clear: stay informed, collaborate, and prepare for growth.
https://youtu.be/gME1ERHPU1E?si=u6K9hUeP6rumfBEV
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”.
