Building communities and navigating the future of Web3: Insights from Anndy Lian at Hong Kong Consensus 2025

Building communities and navigating the future of Web3: Insights from Anndy Lian at Hong Kong Consensus 2025

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.

 

Source: https://e27.co/building-communities-and-navigating-the-future-of-web3-insights-from-anndy-lian-at-hong-kong-consensus-2025-20250326/

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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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.

Anndy Lian, a best-selling author and blockchain strategist


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.

Anndy Lian, a best-selling author and blockchain strategist


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.

Anndy Lian, a best-selling author and blockchain strategist


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.

Anndy Lian, a best-selling author and blockchain strategist


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”.

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Community is the Best Marketing Tool: How Memecoins and Gaming Unite to Build Thriving Web3 Communities

Community is the Best Marketing Tool: How Memecoins and Gaming Unite to Build Thriving Web3 Communities

Taipei Blockchain Week 2024 played host to a fascinating discussion on the power of community in the Web3 space. The “Nice to Meme You” side event, co-hosted by Memecore, The Shib Magazine, Neiro, and BlockTempo, brought together a panel of experts to explore the theme: “Community is the Best Marketing Tool: How, When, and What?” Moderated by Anndy Lian, Managing Director of LIFT Ecofund and best-selling author, the panel featured Kyle, Community Admin of OG Peanut, and Russell Bennett, Founder of Metacade. The discussion offered valuable insights into how meme coins and gaming are leveraging community engagement to drive growth and create lasting value.

Building From the Ground Up: Two Different Approaches

Russell Bennett shared Metacade’s journey, highlighting the importance of community from its inception as an ICO two years prior. “Community is the single biggest reason why your project will succeed,” he emphasized. Metacade’s strategy focuses on transparency, building in public, and fostering trust within its community. By offering gaming utility and creating positive experiences, Metacade aims to attract and retain users, demonstrating that community building is not something that can be faked. “It’s clear within the meme culture,” Bennett noted, “the community identity, somewhere to turn up every day, is absolutely key.”

In contrast, Kyle from OG Peanut, a newer project, described a community built on shared experiences and personal connections. He highlighted the 24/7 voice chat where members connect on a deeper level, sharing both the highs and lows of life. “Even on the biggest red days,” Kyle shared, “I join VC and people are celebrating…a big win in life is much more important than the market cap at that moment.” This focus on genuine human connection has created a strong bond within the OG Peanut community, driving organic growth and engagement.

Bridging the Gap: Gaming and Meme Coins

Anndy Lian then explored the intersection of gaming and meme coin communities. Bennett explained how Metacade bridges this gap by allowing meme projects to utilize their tokens within the gaming ecosystem. This provides utility for meme coins while offering engaging experiences for gaming communities. “If you are a gamer, if you love the meme project that you’re in,” Bennett stated, “then you’re likely to be involved in both.” This symbiotic relationship benefits both sides, creating a win-win scenario for projects and their communities. Metacade’s commitment to supporting smaller projects, even offering grants and funding, further strengthens this collaborative approach.

Kyle echoed the sentiment of community-driven growth, emphasizing the importance of organic marketing efforts. He described how OG Peanut community members actively promote the project through word-of-mouth, sticker campaigns, and social media engagement. This grassroots approach, combined with a focus on creating viral content on platforms like TikTok, has proven effective in expanding their reach.

The Secret Recipe: Authenticity and Unity

The panelists agreed that the key to successful community building lies in authenticity and unity. For Metacade, this translates to transparency and a commitment to delivering valuable experiences. For OG Peanut, it’s about fostering genuine connections and celebrating shared moments, both big and small. Both projects emphasize the importance of putting people first, prioritizing community well-being over short-term market fluctuations.

Kyle’s closing remarks highlighted the power of unity within the meme coin space. “I think we can unite rather than divide,” he stated, advocating for collaboration and mutual support among projects. Bennett reinforced this message, encouraging projects to reach out for support and collaboration. “If you’ve got something that you need a second opinion on, get exposure on, get a leg up,” he offered, “please do contact us.”

Key Takeaways and Future Outlook

The “Nice to Meme You” panel provided valuable insights into the evolving landscape of Web3 communities. The key takeaways include:

  • Community is King: A strong, engaged community is essential for project success in the Web3 space.
  • Authenticity Matters: Building genuine connections and fostering trust are crucial for long-term community growth.
  • Utility Drives Engagement: Providing real-world utility for tokens enhances community participation and value.
  • Collaboration is Key: Working together and supporting each other benefits all projects within the ecosystem.

The panel’s emphasis on community-driven growth and collaboration offers a promising glimpse into the future of Web3. By prioritizing genuine connection and shared experiences, projects like Metacade and OG Peanut are building thriving ecosystems that extend beyond the volatile world of cryptocurrency prices. As Anndy Lian concluded, “Community is the best marketing tool,” and the projects that embrace this principle are poised for long-term success.

https://youtu.be/_CFQ9Mq33tg

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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