Tag Archives: future

Building Trust: The Foundation of Web3’s Future

Building Trust: The Foundation of Web3’s Future

During my recent fireside chat at Hong Kong Consensus 2025, I emphasized a truth that many in our industry need to hear: Building communities is far more challenging than it appears.

In 2018, when blockchain technology was still relatively unknown to the mainstream, basic incentives like airdrops were enough to attract attention. Today’s landscape has fundamentally changed. 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.

What our industry needs isn’t communities that come for the incentives and leave the next day. We need communities that stay because they believe in what we’re building. This shift requires a complete rethinking of how we approach community engagement.

The role of exchanges in this ecosystem cannot be overstated. As gatekeepers to the crypto economy, exchanges must prioritize supporting projects that build loyal communities rather than chasing short-term gains. This means carefully vetting projects and ensuring they have sustainable roadmaps.

The future of Web3 demands unity. Exchanges, established projects and smaller initiatives must work together, especially in emerging markets like Russia, Kenya and Brazil that offer immense potential. Collaboration, not competition, will unlock new opportunities for growth.

Transparency is non-negotiable in this new era. Users are asking tough questions about how exchanges operate, particularly regarding listing fees and selection criteria. This scrutiny is healthy and necessary. Transparency builds trust, and trust is the foundation of any successful community.

Security and accessibility represent the two critical pillars for exchanges moving forward. Users rightfully demand platforms that offer robust protection for their assets and seamless solutions to move their funds safely and efficiently. Exchanges that fail to deliver on these fronts will find themselves increasingly irrelevant.

The phenomenon of meme coins presents a fascinating case study in community building. While often dismissed by traditionalists, these projects serve as valuable “door openers” that attract new users to the space. However, their success depends entirely on strong community backing and a clear evolution path.

A sustainable meme project typically begins with community engagement around a shared interest or joke, gradually introduces utility and eventually evolves into something more substantial, potentially including merchandise or broader business applications. Without this progression, most will fail.

Too many Web3 projects suffer from poor leadership and no clear plans for sustainability. They focus on boosting short-term sentiment without delivering meaningful results. This approach is unsustainable and damages the credibility of our entire industry.

Your community should work for their own collective success. When users are genuinely invested in a project’s future, they become advocates, not just participants. This organic growth creates resilience against market volatility and competitor challenges.

I call on exchanges to prioritize quality over quantity when listing projects. Instead of allocating resources to influencers who drive temporary traffic, invest in projects building something meaningful and sustainable. This shift in focus will benefit the entire ecosystem.

As Web3 continues to mature, those who prioritize value and trust will emerge as leaders. The future belongs not to those who can create the most hype, but to those who can build communities based on shared values and genuine utility.

The challenges ahead are significant, but so are the opportunities. By focusing on transparency, collaboration and long-term value creation, we can realize the transformative potential of Web3 technology and build a more inclusive digital economy.

 

Source: https://yellow.com/news/building-trust-the-foundation-of-web3s-future

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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Anndy Lian on the Future of Web3: Community, Transparency, and Sustainability at Hong Kong Consensus 2025

Anndy Lian on the Future of Web3: Community, Transparency, and Sustainability at Hong Kong Consensus 2025

Anndy Lian, a best-selling author and blockchain strategist, shared his pointed perspectives on the evolving Web3 landscape during a fireside chat at the Hong Kong Consensus 2025. The event, which also featured a presentation by Thomas Kay, Vice President of WEEX Global, provided a platform for Lian to delve into critical topics such as community building, the changing role of exchanges, and the long-term sustainability of blockchain projects.

Community is King: Beyond Incentives and Towards True Engagement

Lian immediately addressed the challenges of building authentic communities in the current Web3 environment. He acknowledged that users are far more sophisticated than in the early days of crypto, demanding more than just airdrops and fleeting incentives. He agreed with Thomas Kay’s point that building a strong community requires providing genuine, long-term value. “It’s not easy to really build effectively,” Lian stated, emphasizing the need for “unity” within the ecosystem. He suggested that larger, more established exchanges should actively support smaller, promising projects, particularly those in emerging markets like Russia, Kenya, and Brazil.

Lian believes that genuine community engagement is the key to identifying promising projects. He shared, “Whenever I see a very good community…it will be easier for us to spot good projects on X,” highlighting the importance of observing real user activity and feedback, as opposed to artificial engagement from bots. He treasures the input from genuine community members, believing it’s a crucial indicator of a project’s potential.

The Evolving Role of Exchanges: Transparency and User Trust

The conversation then turned to the critical role of cryptocurrency exchanges in the Web3 ecosystem. Lian highlighted the growing demand for exchanges to provide not only security but also accessibility, especially regarding the often-complex processes of on-ramping and off-ramping funds. He stated that users want to know that their money can “safely flow out through a legitimate way.”

Lian also predicted a shift away from exchanges heavily reliant on Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs) or influencers. He argued that KOLs often act like “butterflies,” flitting between projects and bringing the same audience with them, ultimately providing little unique value. He believes that exchanges have a responsibility to help users identify genuinely valuable projects and partners.

Perhaps most strikingly, Lian revealed that everyday users (“normies”) are becoming increasingly savvy about the inner workings of exchanges. He shared that he frequently receives questions in AMAs and private groups about exchange listing fees, with users questioning whether exchanges are prioritizing revenue over genuine community support. “Normies are actually asking these questions,” he emphasized, underscoring the growing demand for transparency in the industry. He believes this is “one important metric that we should share,” and that “things should be transparent.”

Memes as a Gateway, But Sustainability is Key

On the topic of meme coins, Lian acknowledged their role as an accessible “door opener” to the crypto world, attracting new users with their fun and relatable nature. However, he cautioned that long-term survival requires more than just initial hype. He believes that successful meme projects need a clear roadmap, strong leadership, and a focus on building a genuine community.

Lian proposed innovative models for meme coin sustainability, such as creating real-world extensions like franchise cafes or merchandise lines. These ventures, he argued, could create a “sustainable business” where the community actively participates and benefits, ensuring the project’s longevity. He used the example of an “Anndy cafe” as a global clubhouse, networking with exchanges and partners.

He was critical of projects that lack concrete plans and rely solely on fleeting trends. “We want to see price action, we want to see real partnerships,” he asserted, highlighting the need for projects to collaborate with exchanges and other entities to create genuine value. He cautioned against prioritizing superficial influencer marketing over genuine community benefit, stating, “If you want to be sustainable, you have a big community, make sure that you can monetize that.” He believes that projects should focus on benefiting their communities directly, rather than funneling resources to influencers who may not have the community’s best interests at heart.

A Call for Candor and Collaboration

Lian’s overall message was one of collaboration, transparency, and a focus on long-term sustainability. He emphasized the need for open and honest conversations about the challenges and opportunities within the Web3 space, even touching on potentially controversial topics like exchange listing fees. His concluding remark, “I hope everybody can do well in this run,” reflected his hope for a future where projects, exchanges, and communities work together to create a thriving and equitable ecosystem. He believes that walking the talk and benefiting the community is the right path. He also mentioned that he is not against KOLs or influencers, but if a project wants to be sustainable, it has to monetize its big community.

 

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”.

www.anndy.com
j j j

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”.

www.anndy.com
j j j