November 25th, 2025

An Insightful Conversation with Anndy Lian from Singapore – Author of ‘Discovering Singapore By Chance: A Personal Discovery’

At AuthorsWiki, we are privileged to have had the opportunity to connect with Anndy Lian, a Author from Singapore, whose unique voice and creative spirit shine through in their latest work, Discovering Singapore By Chance: A Personal Discovery. Their book, already making waves across leading platforms, invites readers into a world shaped by imagination, experience, and purpose.

Anndy Lian is a Singapore-born investor, author, and advisor at the intersection of technology, finance, and public policy. With a career spanning digital transformation, blockchain, and innovation strategy, he has worked closely with listed companies, startups, and government agencies to navigate the evolving landscape of the digital economy. A regular commentator on tech and economic trends, Anndy brings an insider’s perspective to Singapore’s development—shaped by decades of lived experience and professional engagement.

In Discovering Singapore By Chance, he co-authors a personal and insightful journey into the heart of his home country, blending his deep institutional knowledge with the fresh eyes of his co-author, Jenny Zheng. Through this collaboration, Anndy offers not just a portrait of Singapore’s systems and successes, but a reflection on national identity, progress, and the quiet marvels of a city-state that continues to reinvent itself.

In this conversation, the author opens up about the deeper motivations behind their storytelling, their personal and literary journey, and the lessons they’ve learned along the way. Whether you’re a fan of thoughtful writing or someone looking to understand the creative process, this interview promises valuable insight and inspiration.

AuthorsWiki : Apart from writing, what is your occupation for livelihood?

Anndy Lian : Apart from writing, my work centers on investing, advisory roles, and driving digital innovation. I am an active investor and blockchain specialist, guiding startups and established companies alike on technology strategy, digital transformation, and the integration of Web3 solutions. Over the years, I’ve served as an advisor to government bodies and international organizations, helping them understand how emerging technologies can be applied meaningfully in the real world.

I’ve also held leadership positions and I regularly speak at global conferences on fintech, cryptocurrency, and the future of decentralized systems. My work sits at the intersection of finance, technology, and policy, allowing me to support organizations in navigating the fast-changing digital landscape. This blend of experience has positioned me as a trusted voice and consultant in the evolving digital economy.

AuthorsWiki : Tell us something about your first book.

Anndy Lian : Blockchain Revolution 2030 was my first book—a forward-looking exploration of how blockchain can power the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Co-authored with Park Young Sook and Shawn Hamnison and published by Kyobo, South Korea’s leading bookstore chain, it quickly drew interest from tech leaders, policymakers, and businesses eager to move beyond the hype.

We showed how blockchain extends far beyond cryptocurrency, with the potential to transform finance, healthcare, supply chains, governance, and identity. By combining technical insights with real examples, we highlighted its power to increase transparency, efficiency, and trust.

I focused on practical applications in digital assets and fintech, while Park Young Sook contributed policy expertise and Korean market insights, and Shawn Hamnison added a global business perspective. Together, we offered a well-rounded view of the digital future.

More than a guide, the book was a call to action—for innovation, smart regulation, and public understanding. It marked the beginning of my mission to make complex technologies accessible—a mission that continues to drive my work, including in Discovering Singapore By Chance.

AuthorsWiki : Would you like to tell us about your published books?

Anndy Lian : NFT: From Zero to Hero is my solo book and one of my most popular works—a clear, practical guide to the fast-moving world of NFTs. More than a technical manual, it’s a call to action for creators, investors, and visionaries to embrace digital ownership and decentralization.

I wrote it to demystify NFTs, taking readers from the basics to real-world uses in art, gaming, identity, and the metaverse. With case studies and actionable insights, it helps readers understand the technology and find ways to participate.

Published with Bybit and available on Amazon, the book has sold over 8,000 copies and remains a go-to resource for Web3 newcomers. It reflects my mission to make emerging tech accessible, inclusive, and inspiring for all.

AuthorsWiki : Where did you get the inspiration for publishing books?

Anndy Lian : My inspiration to write comes from a simple belief: complex ideas should be easy to understand, not locked behind jargon. I started writing because I saw how blockchain and NFTs felt out of reach for most people. I wanted to close that gap—so I used storytelling to make technology relatable.

My first book, Blockchain Revolution 2030, aimed to show blockchain’s real potential beyond Bitcoin—how it could transform industries and rebuild trust. It was practical, forward-looking, and meant to inspire action.

With NFT: From Zero to Hero, I focused on empowerment. I saw how NFTs gave creators freedom from traditional gatekeepers. I wrote it to be a clear, hopeful guide so anyone could join the digital future.

Then came Discovering Singapore By Chance, a personal journey shaped by my co-author Jenny Zheng’s fresh perspective. Her choice to embrace Singapore made me see home differently. The book shares Singapore not as policy, but as a living story.

At the heart of my writing is this: knowledge should be shared. My goal is clarity and connection. I write hoping someone will read my words and think: I can understand this. I can be part of this. I can help shape what comes next.

AuthorsWiki : How do you manage your time to write a book?

Anndy Lian : I see writing as part of my daily thinking, not a separate task. As a busy investor and advisor, I write in small moments—early mornings, commutes, or between meetings. These fragments gradually shape ideas and build chapters.

I reserve certain days for deep writing, usually before sunrise, when I can focus without distractions. This is when I turn complex thoughts into clear insights.

Collaboration matters. On Discovering Singapore By Chance, my talks with co-author Jenny Zheng became the book’s foundation. Editors Dan Arreola and Nate Lian provided timely feedback, making the process shared and sustainable.

I capture ideas as they come—using voice memos or notes—and often speak drafts aloud, then edit them. I write in pieces, following inspiration, and connect them later.

Deadlines and public commitments keep me on track. Articles, talks, and posts all feed into my books. Writing is a continuous process of reflection.

A book isn’t written in one go. It grows from small, consistent efforts—woven into everyday life.

AuthorsWiki : What is your favorite writing method — the one in which you write the most?

Anndy Lian : My favorite writing method is voice-to-text thinking. I rarely type at first—instead, I speak my ideas aloud. When a thought comes, I record it on my phone as if explaining it to someone, usually in one go for five to ten minutes. Walking or sitting quietly, I let the idea flow naturally, without worrying about structure.

I then use voice-to-text to turn the recording into words. The first draft is rough, with repetition and loose phrasing, but it captures the energy of real thinking. I edit it down, reorganize, and refine until the message is clear.

This works best because I think more clearly by speaking. Talking helps me process ideas faster and more honestly than typing. It removes the pressure to be perfect from the start and lets creativity come through.

I do this mostly in the morning or right after meetings or travel, when insights are fresh. A single recording can become a full book section. Over time, I collect and shape these pieces into a complete narrative.

While I edit directly later, my best writing begins with speaking. For me, voice-to-text isn’t just a tool—it’s how I think, reflect, and create most authentically.

AuthorsWiki : When did you start writing, and how did your interest in writing begin?

Anndy Lian : I’ve been writing since childhood, starting with school essays and journals. Even then, I found that writing helped me think clearly and express myself. It was never just a task—it was a way to understand and connect.

As I moved into technology, finance, and innovation, I began writing articles to simplify complex topics like blockchain and the digital future. I wanted to make these ideas accessible to everyone, not just experts.

Over time, I saw how writing extends reach and impact far beyond speeches or meetings. A single piece can travel the world and keep inspiring long after it’s published.

What began as schoolwork became a core part of my life. Today, writing is how I learn, share, and contribute—turning ideas into clarity, one word at a time.

AuthorsWiki : Is there any special achievement in your life that you would like to share with us and your readers?

Anndy Lian : In 2018, I began speaking to government officials about blockchain and crypto, often facing skepticism. I remember one meeting where the look on their faces said it all: Why are we listening to this? Back then, many saw the technology as a fad or a risk.

But I believed in its potential to transform finance, identity, and governance. So I didn’t give up. I kept explaining, using real examples and clear language, focusing on trust over hype. Slowly, minds changed—from “Why care?” to “How do we implement this responsibly?”

Today, many of those same institutions are advancing digital currencies and smart regulations. Seeing that shift is my proudest achievement. Not because of recognition, but because I stayed committed when few believed.

I’m glad I didn’t give up.

AuthorsWiki : Are you planning to write or publish a book in the present or future?

Anndy Lian : Yes, I’m working on my next book, focused on Web4—the next stage of the internet that combines artificial intelligence, ambient computing, and immersive digital experiences. While Web3 brought ownership through blockchain, Web4 will make technology seamless, intelligent, and deeply integrated into daily life.

The book will explore how this shift affects society, business, identity, and creativity, blending real-world examples with practical insights. I want to make Web4 clear and accessible, just as I did with blockchain and NFTs.

Still in the early stages, the book aims for release within the next year. This isn’t just a forecast—it’s a roadmap for the future, and my goal remains the same: to help people understand, adapt, and shape what comes next.

AuthorsWiki : Would you like to give a message to your readers and fans?

Anndy Lian : To all my readers and fans—thank you.

Your curiosity and support mean a lot. Every message, every question, every story of how my books helped you understand something new reminds me why I write.

I don’t write to impress. I write to connect, to clarify, and to inspire action. If my words have helped you see things differently, then my purpose is fulfilled.

Tech and innovation can be overwhelming, but you don’t need to be an expert to be part of the future. Just stay curious, stay open, and take that first step.

Keep learning. Keep asking questions. Start small—write, speak, create, explore. Progress begins with action.

I’m on this journey with you. There’s more to come—more books, more ideas, more conversations. I hope you’ll stay along, and I’ll keep doing my best to add value, one page at a time.

AuthorsWiki : Every writer has their own ideal. Do you also have an ideal writer? And what are your favorite books that you always want to read?

Anndy Lian : Every writer is shaped by the books they read, and I’m no exception. While I don’t have one ideal writer, I deeply admire those who make complex ideas simple and empowering rather than flashy. One such influence is Robert Kiyosaki, especially through Rich Dad Poor Dad.

That book changed how I see money, assets, and financial freedom. It taught me that true wealth comes from understanding systems, not just working hard. Its lessons on mindset and ownership still guide me, both personally and in my work with blockchain and digital assets.

I’m drawn to books that tell stories while delivering insight—those that teach through experience, not theory. I value clarity, honesty, and practical wisdom above all. Whether on finance, innovation, or growth, the books I return to are the ones that shift my perspective and inspire action.

Rich Dad Poor Dad remains a constant in my life. It’s not just a read—it’s a reference I live by. And as I write my own books, I carry its core message: the best ideas don’t just inform—they transform.

AuthorsWiki : Apart from writing, what are your other hobbies that you enjoy in your free time?

Anndy Lian : Outside of writing, I love spending time with people—catching up with friends, meeting new minds, and sharing meaningful conversations over food, laughter, and good company. For me, connection is energizing. Whether it’s a casual coffee, a late-night chat, or a business talk that turns personal, I always come away inspired by the exchange of ideas.

One of my favorite rituals? A durian session with close friends. There’s something special about gathering around the king of fruits—laughing at the smell, arguing over whether D24 or Musang King is better, and savoring every rich, creamy bite. It’s messy, bold, and unforgettable—much like life itself.

When I’m not writing or working, that’s probably where I’ll be: in good company, surrounded by thorny pods and even thornier debates. It’s my idea of perfect downtime—simple, joyful, and deeply human.

AuthorsWiki : Would you like to remain in the writing world in the future as well?

Anndy Lian : Yes, I plan to stay in the writing world for the long term. Writing is more than sharing knowledge—it’s how I think, connect, and contribute. Every book, article, or post is a chance to simplify complex ideas and inspire others in tech and society.

As long as new ideas emerge—from Web4 to digital identity—I’ll keep writing about them. I want to grow as a storyteller, reach more people, and help others communicate with clarity and courage.

Writing is a commitment I’ve made. As long as I have something meaningful to say, I’ll keep putting it on the page.

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It was a pleasure speaking with Anndy Lian, whose journey and reflections offer a meaningful glimpse into the creative life of a writer. We sincerely thank them for sharing their time and wisdom with the AuthorsWiki community.

Source: https://www.authorswiki.com/authors-interview/an-insightful-conversation-with-anndy-lian-from-singapore/

Anndy Lian

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”.

www.anndy.com

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November 23rd, 2025

Interview With Author Anndy Lian

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m Anndy Lian, a Singapore-based investor, advisor, and author at the intersection of technology, finance, and innovation. With a career spanning digital transformation, blockchain, and Web3, I’ve worked with startups, governments, and global organizations to help navigate the future of technology and value. I’m also a frequent speaker and commentator on fintech, cryptocurrency, and the evolving digital economy.

I have co-authored or authored three books to date:

1) Blockchain Revolution
2030 – My first book, co-written with Park Young Sook and Shawn Hamnison, published by Kyobo, South Korea’s largest bookstore chain. It explores how blockchain will shape the Fourth Industrial Revolution, going beyond cryptocurrency to transform industries and societies.

2) NFT: From Zero to Hero – My solo book, a practical and inspiring guide to the world of Non-Fungible Tokens. Published in partnership with Bybit and available on Amazon, it has sold over 8,000 copies and serves as a go-to resource for creators, investors, and newcomers to Web3.

3) Discovering Singapore By Chance – Co-authored with Jenny Zheng, this heartfelt nonfiction work blends personal narrative with cultural and technological insights, offering a fresh, dual-perspective journey into the soul of Singapore.

Each book reflects my mission: to make complex ideas accessible, empowering people to understand, participate in, and shape the future.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is Discovering Singapore By Chance, co-authored with Jenny Zheng.

It was inspired by her journey as a foreigner who chose Singapore not by birth, but through connection and curiosity. Her fresh, outsider’s perspective made me see my own country in a new light—beyond policies and statistics, as a living, evolving story shaped by people, culture, and innovation.

We wanted to capture Singapore not as a textbook case, but as a personal discovery—layered, dynamic, and deeply human. The book blends her emotional journey with my insider’s knowledge, creating a narrative that’s both intimate and insightful. It’s about how a place can surprise you, change you, and eventually feel like home.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
One of my most unusual writing habits is that I rarely start by typing. Instead, I speak my ideas out loud—often into my phone—like I’m explaining them to a friend. I call it voice-to-text thinking. Whether I’m walking, sitting quietly, or even right after a meeting, I record myself freely for five to ten minutes, just letting the thoughts flow.

This method captures the raw energy of my ideas before they get polished or over-edited. Later, I convert the audio into text and refine it. It may seem odd to some, but for me, talking is how I think most clearly. I don’t write best at a desk—I write best on my feet, speaking honestly and spontaneously.

Another unusual trait: I don’t write books from start to finish. I write fragments—whatever feels urgent or inspired at the moment. A memory, a recent conversation, or a strong opinion can become a standalone section. Only later do I piece them together like a puzzle.

So yes, my process might not be traditional—but it’s authentic. I write with my voice first, and my pen later.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Several authors and books have shaped my thinking, but one stands out clearly: Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki. That book changed how I viewed money, assets, and financial freedom. It taught me that true wealth comes from financial literacy and mindset, not just hard work or a high salary. Its simple, story-driven style showed me the power of making complex ideas accessible—a principle I carry into all my own writing.

Ultimately, I’m drawn to writers who don’t just inform, but transform—those who challenge assumptions and open new ways of thinking. Their work inspires me to do the same: to write not just to be read, but to make a difference.

What are you working on now?
I’m currently working on my next book, focused on Web4—the next evolution of the internet. While Web3 brought decentralization and digital ownership through blockchain, I believe Web4 will go further by integrating artificial intelligence, ambient computing, and immersive digital ecosystems into everyday life.

This new phase isn’t just about technology—it’s about seamless, intelligent interaction between humans and machines, where context, personalization, and proactive systems redefine how we live, work, and create. My book will explore what Web4 means for identity, privacy, business, creativity, and society, offering clear insights and practical guidance for those preparing to navigate this shift.

Just as I did with blockchain and NFTs, my goal is to demystify Web4—making it understandable and relevant for everyone, not just tech insiders. The project is deeply personal and builds on all I’ve learned from my previous books. I aim to release it within the next year, as a roadmap for the next decade of digital transformation.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My strongest platform for promoting my books is X (formerly Twitter).

It’s where I’ve built a highly engaged audience in the tech, blockchain, and Web3 space. The real-time, conversational nature of X allows me to share insights, quotes, and behind-the-scenes thoughts about my writing process in a way that feels authentic and immediate. I often post short threads explaining key ideas from my books—like NFT use cases or the future of Web4—which spark discussions and drive interest.

What works best is not just announcing the book, but living the content daily. By consistently sharing value-driven perspectives, I position the books not as products, but as natural extensions of a larger conversation. Readers follow the ideas first—and then the book becomes a resource they want to explore.

X also connects me directly with creators, investors, and readers who reshare, comment, and ask questions—creating organic reach. For NFT: From Zero to Hero, many sales came directly from viral threads and community engagement on this platform.

So while I use LinkedIn, podcasts, and events, X remains my most effective tool—not just for promotion, but for building trust and momentum one tweet at a time.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Yes, here’s my advice for new authors:

Start before you feel ready. You don’t need to be an expert, famous, or perfect—you just need to have a message worth sharing. The best writing comes from clarity and authenticity, not credentials.

Write for one person, not everyone. Imagine you’re explaining your idea to a friend who’s curious but not an expert. Keep it simple, relatable, and human. If you try to please all readers, you’ll end up connecting with none.

Consistency beats inspiration. Don’t wait for the “perfect moment” or a burst of creativity. Write in small chunks—10 minutes a day, a voice note, a single paragraph. Over time, these pieces add up.

Your first draft is not your final message. It’s okay if it’s messy. Just get the ideas out. Editing is where the magic happens.

Use platforms to practice. Before writing a book, share your ideas on social media—X, LinkedIn, blogs. See what resonates. Feedback from real readers is the best guide.

Don’t write to impress. Write to make a difference. If your words help just one person understand something new or feel less alone, you’ve succeeded.

And finally, finish what you start. So many people begin a book but never complete it. Push through the doubt. The world needs your voice—not someone else’s copy, but your truth.

Write with purpose. Share with courage. The rest will follow.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice I’ve ever heard is: “Don’t wait to be ready. Start where you are.”

So many people hold back because they feel they don’t know enough, aren’t famous enough, or don’t have the perfect plan. I used to feel that way too. But this one line changed everything for me.

When I started speaking about blockchain to governments, I wasn’t the most experienced. When I wrote my first book, I wasn’t a celebrity author. But I had something valuable—a clear message, real passion, and a willingness to begin.

By starting before I felt ready, I learned faster, built credibility through action, and connected with people who were on the same journey.

That advice applies to writing, innovation, and life. You don’t need perfect conditions. You just need to begin—with what you know, who you are, and the tools in front of you.

Because readiness isn’t a starting point. It’s the result of starting.

What are you reading now?
Right now, I’m reading books and research papers on artificial intelligence, ambient computing, and the future of digital identity—all in preparation for my upcoming book on Web4.

I’m diving into how AI is reshaping human-technology interaction, especially in smart environments where devices anticipate our needs without explicit commands. I’m also exploring works on decentralized identity, privacy in immersive ecosystems, and the convergence of physical and digital realities.

While I’m not reading much fiction at the moment, I do follow thought leaders like Yuval Noah Harari, Peter Diamandis, and Kai-Fu Lee for their insights on technology and society. Their work helps me frame the bigger picture—how these changes affect not just systems, but people.

So my current reading list is research-heavy, future-focused, and deeply curious. Every book, article, or paper feeds into the next chapter—of my writing, and of the world we’re building.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I plan to keep writing—blending technology, storytelling, and human insight. I may explore fiction in the metaverse space one day, or a deeper personal reflection on innovation in Asia. But for now, my mission remains clear: to help people understand the future, not fear it.

So what’s next? More writing, more thinking, more connecting. And hopefully, more books that inspire readers to see the world differently—and shape what comes next.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
If I were stranded on a desert island and could take just three or four books, I’d make sure one of them was my new book, Discovering Singapore By Chance—not out of pride, but because it carries stories, memories, and reflections that feel deeply personal. It would be like having a piece of home, conversation, and purpose with me.