Anndy Lian’s Commentary on Mongol TV, Mongolia- 13 May 2025

Anndy Lian’s Commentary on Mongol TV, Mongolia- 13 May 2025

 

 

Mongol TV

Mongol HD TV is a television broadcaster in Mongolia. It was established in 2009 by Chinbat Lkhagva after the acquisition of a license for approximately US$402 million. The channel also broadcasts a popular show, Mongolia’s Got Talent.

Original Link

https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?mibextid=wwXIfr&ref=watch_permalink&v=981578060456762&rdid=Z9ufDjxfXHrKBHE3

 

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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Session 2: Singapore’s Model for Startup Ecosystem- Anndy Lian

Session 2: Singapore’s Model for Startup Ecosystem- Anndy Lian

On May 13, 2025, Anndy Lian, a best-selling book author, licensed fund manager, and seasoned venture capitalist, delivered an insightful speech at the “Policy Ecosystem Development for Startups” event in Mongolia. Organized by the Mongolian Ministry of Economy and Development, the Asian Productivity Organization, and the Mongolian Productivity Organization, the event brought together representatives from over ten countries to discuss strategies for fostering startup ecosystems.

In his session titled “Singapore’s Model for Startup Ecosystem,” Lian explored how Singapore has transformed from a colonial trading post into a global innovation hub, emphasizing its strategic policies, robust infrastructure, and international collaborations. This article distills the key points and highlights from Lian’s speech, offering a comprehensive look at Singapore’s startup success story.

Singapore’s Journey to a Global Innovation Hub

Lian began by tracing Singapore’s evolution from a 19th-century colonial trading port to one of the world’s leading startup hubs in the 21st century. This transformation, he noted, was not accidental but the result of deliberate government policies, a strategic location, and a forward-thinking approach to innovation. With a startup ecosystem valued at approximately SGD 1.44 billion, Singapore has leveraged its position in Asia, multilingual workforce, and robust financial sector to attract entrepreneurs and investors alike.

“Singapore’s strength lies in its location in Asia, a multilingual workforce, and a very robust financial sector,” Lian emphasized. The city-state hosts nearly all major global venture capital (VC) funds, either through Asian offices or dedicated subdivisions, making it a magnet for startups in sectors like fintech, healthcare, and deep tech. With over 4,500 tech startups, more than 400 VC firms, and 240 incubators and accelerators, Singapore has created a comprehensive ecosystem that supports startups at every stage of their journey.

Government Initiatives: The Backbone of Success

A cornerstone of Singapore’s startup ecosystem is its proactive government support, exemplified by initiatives like Startup SG and the Smart Nation vision. Lian highlighted how these programs have been instrumental in driving entrepreneurial growth and technological advancement. Startup SG, launched in 2017, provides mentorship, grants, and networking opportunities, fostering an environment where startups can thrive. “The networking opportunity is, in my opinion, the most important part,” Lian said, underscoring how connections facilitated by Startup SG have led to success stories in the VC space.

Since 2015, the Singapore government has invested over SGD 1 billion in startup programs, supporting more than 2,000 startups annually across sectors like fintech, healthcare, and sustainability. Programs like the Startup SG Founder Grant offer up to SGD 50,000 and mentorship to first-time entrepreneurs, while Startup SG Equity co-invests up to SGD 8 million with private VCs in high-growth startups. Lian cited Ninja Van, a logistics provider that scaled rapidly with support from SG Equity funding, as a prime example of how these initiatives translate into real-world success.

The Smart Nation initiative, another key pillar, integrates technology into areas like the Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI). Lian noted that Singapore’s small size makes it an ideal testbed for innovative solutions, enabling rapid implementation and iteration. “Because we are small, it’s easy for us to implement a lot of different initiatives,” he said, pointing to Singapore’s ambition to lead in smart urban living.

Historical Milestones and Growth Phases

Lian provided a historical perspective to illustrate Singapore’s long-term commitment to innovation. In 1981, the National Computer Board (NCB) laid the groundwork for tech development, followed by companies like Creative Technology, which pioneered MP3 players and speakers. By 2000, the Economic Development Board (EDB) launched a bioscience initiative, attracting SGD 2 billion in startup investments. The National Research Foundation, established in 2006, further bolstered research and development (R&D) efforts, supporting companies like Hyflux, a water refinery innovator.

The period from 2010 to 2015 marked a significant growth phase, with startup funding rising from USD 80 million to USD 1 billion. Lian highlighted Lazada, founded in 2012, which leveraged Singapore’s logistical advantages to become a dominant e-commerce player in Southeast Asia. By 2017, the ecosystem had grown to USD 11 billion, driven by government support and global attention. Companies like Grab, initially a Malaysia-based startup, solidified their unicorn status in Singapore, expanding into markets like Cambodia, Malaysia, and Thailand while diversifying into financial tools and cryptocurrency payments.

Attracting Global Talent and Partnerships

Singapore’s ability to attract global talent and foster international partnerships was another key focus of Lian’s speech. With over 150,000 foreign professionals working in Singapore—29% of whom are in the tech sector—the city-state has become a hub for diverse expertise. Initiatives like the Tech.Pass, launched in 2021, and the EntrePass offer visas to top talent and entrepreneurs, with approval rates for tech roles reaching 90%. “The government views talent as one of the key pillars of economic growth,” Lian noted, highlighting the selective yet supportive nature of these programs.

International collaborations further enhance Singapore’s global competitiveness. Partnerships with institutions like MIT, Tsinghua University, and the Israel Innovation Authority have driven advancements in AI, cybersecurity, and deep tech. The Singapore-Israel Innovation Summit in 2022, for instance, facilitated cross-border exchanges, enabling Singaporean and Israeli companies to learn from each other. Collaborations with the World Bank, DBS, and the United Nations on fintech projects, as well as partnerships with France on autonomous systems, underscore Singapore’s commitment to global integration.

A Supportive Regulatory Environment

Singapore’s pro-business regulatory framework is a critical enabler of its startup ecosystem. Lian emphasized the ease of doing business, with company registration possible within one to two days. The city-state ranks highly for its strong legal framework and business-friendly policies, making it a preferred destination for crypto and fintech companies.

The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has established a fintech sandbox, which Lian described as “one of the best” he has seen, allowing startups to test innovative solutions with regulatory guidance. Compliance workshops and a trusted reputation further enhance Singapore’s appeal, ensuring accountability while fostering innovation.

Success Stories and Future Outlook

Lian shared inspiring success stories to illustrate Singapore’s impact. Carousell, a marketplace platform, grew from a valuation of a few million to unicorn status with support from Singaporean funds and government initiatives. Similarly, ShopBack’s cashback model and Grab’s expansion into financial services highlight the scalability of Singapore-based startups. Over 40% of Singapore’s unicorn founders have international backgrounds, reflecting the city-state’s ability to attract and nurture global talent.

Looking ahead, Lian identified fintech, healthcare, deep tech, AI, cryptocurrency, and green tech as key growth sectors. Singapore’s consistent VC funding—over USD 12 billion in recent years—and its ranking as the fifth-best startup ecosystem globally position it for continued leadership. “Those who dare to dream big are the architects of a better world,” Lian concluded, inviting entrepreneurs to explore Singapore’s supportive ecosystem. He extended a personal offer to connect with startups, emphasizing Singapore’s willingness to go the extra mile compared to other governments.

Bottom Line

Anndy Lian’s speech at the Mongolia event painted a vivid picture of Singapore’s startup ecosystem, driven by strategic government initiatives, a robust financial sector, and a commitment to global collaboration. From its historical roots to its current status as a top-five global startup hub, Singapore offers a model for fostering innovation through talent attraction, regulatory support, and international partnerships.

With success stories like Carousell, Grab, and Ninja Van, and a forward-looking focus on emerging technologies, Singapore continues to solidify its position as a launchpad for startups aiming to make a global impact. For entrepreneurs worldwide, Lian’s message was clear: Singapore is ready to help you turn bold dreams into reality.

 

 

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, Chains, and the Future of Crypto: Insights from Anndy Lian

Community, Chains, and the Future of Crypto: Insights from Anndy Lian

Dan sat down with Anndy Lian, blockchain strategist and thought leader, to discuss the current state of the crypto industry, the challenges of adoption, and the critical role of community. The conversation, rich with practical wisdom and candid observations, offers a roadmap for both newcomers and veterans navigating the ever-evolving world of blockchain.

The Institutional Chill: Why Retail Users Feel Left Out
The interview opens with a frank assessment of the crypto landscape. Dan notes, “Everything is very institutional, very cold, and retail users can’t get involved with most of this stuff.” Anndy agrees wholeheartedly, highlighting a core issue: the barriers to entry remain high, not just because of technical complexity, but also because the industry often fails to make a genuine effort to include everyday users.

Anndy elaborates, “People are not trying hard enough, that’s number one. The second part is they are actually getting into the wrong kind of projects.” He points out that many newcomers are lured into complex decentralized exchanges (DEXs) or swaps, which are difficult to manage and understand. “How are you going to stick, how are you going to extract from what they are buying? It’s very technical,” he says, emphasizing that the steep learning curve can be discouraging.

Lowering the Barriers: The Role of Meme Coins and Gaming
So, what’s the solution? Anndy suggests that the best entry point for new users might be through “fun meme coins or maybe even gaming stuff.” He believes that starting with simple, accessible projects can help users build confidence before tackling more complex aspects of crypto. “Keep it simple, easy to understand, and then you start going to the higher levels, the higher complexities,” he advises.

This approach, he argues, is essential because “no one’s going to understand swapping and wallets and seed phrases right off the bat, and there’s a huge amount of risk with that.” By making the onboarding process less intimidating, the industry can attract a broader audience and foster genuine engagement.

Choosing the Right Chain: More Than Just Technology
Another recurring theme in the conversation is the importance of choosing the right blockchain. Anndy observes that while there are over 200 blockchains, only a handful have real activity, incentives, and communities. “You’ve got to really choose the right chain, even if you’re going to launch a meme or maybe a utility. You’ve got to choose the right chain that gives you the support,” he says.

He warns that launching a project on a chain without financial or community support is a recipe for failure. “If you are on a chain where there’s no support in terms of money, no support in terms of community, it gets a little bit awkward for the project owner. It’s very difficult for people to enter into that particular chain because no one else is using it.”

Dan summarizes the challenge: “If you don’t build a blockchain that could support [a real community], you’re not going to get any users.” Anndy agrees, noting that the lack of users adds to the barrier of entry. “If the entry is easy, I come to my buddy, ‘Are you on X chain?’ You say, ‘Yes, I am, let’s do it.’ But if you’re on some chain where you couldn’t even find it in the wallet, it’s just going to be useless. We’re on different planets at that point.”

Community First: The Heartbeat of Crypto
For Anndy, the most critical factor in any blockchain project is the community. “Whenever we talk about adoption, whenever we talk about users, it goes back to the community. If you have a blockchain that is just a blockchain, it’s useless. You need people to use it, you need people to keep the network sustainable.”

He continues, “It’s no longer about user experience, how much revenue are they generating. Because no user, no experience.” In his view, the technology is largely commoditized—“the technology-wise, it’s almost the same for everybody”—so the differentiator is the strength and vibrancy of the community.

This is why meme coins, despite their reputation, have found success. “It’s not that I love the meme coins, but I love the community. The community is strong, and if the community is strong, there’s going to be more growth. It has to be always community first and there’s nothing else.”

The Reality of Risk: Learning Through Loss
Anndy doesn’t shy away from the risks inherent in crypto. He acknowledges that losing money is “part and parcel of this whole process,” and that it’s often the fastest way to learn. “It depends on how much you want to screw this up, right? But if you are just thinking about trying out, you really need to go through the whole process of how you’re going to onboard your users, how you’re going to manage all these different swaps. Sometimes it’s not easy, man. I have people crying, saying that they sent to the wrong chain.”

He sees these challenges as opportunities for education, suggesting that resources like Dan’s podcast can help newcomers avoid common pitfalls. “It’s part and parcel of education, and perhaps they should listen to your podcast.”

The Social Layer: Where Crypto Communities Gather
The conversation shifts to where crypto communities actually gather online. While X (formerly Twitter) is the hub for the latest news and activity among crypto natives, Anndy points out that Facebook remains surprisingly vibrant, especially among older users in places like Hong Kong. “You’ll be so surprised. When I’m in Hong Kong, when I talk to some of the older folks, they are actually super active on Facebook. They showed me their groups—crazy groups, man. That’s something I’ve neglected for a long time, but it’s amazing to see.”

He shares that some Facebook groups have over 140,000 active members, many of whom are highly engaged. “Whenever they post something, you get so many replies below. I’m actually really, really happy to see that.” This diversity of platforms, he suggests, is a strength, and he encourages multi-platform engagement to reach different audiences.

Building Together: Collaboration and the Future
Anndy closes with a call for greater collaboration and unity within the crypto space. “It’s all about interacting with people. For your audiences who are on YouTube, I also strongly suggest that you get yourself on X as well. We could do some shows together and get the ball rolling because we are literally talking to the same kind of target audience and we should start to unite and make some things work.”

He also sees potential in leveraging Facebook and other platforms to reach new demographics, especially those who may be overlooked by the crypto mainstream. “Let’s do more, and since Eddie is here, he knows restaurant business and Facebook, perhaps you could all do something there. Or maybe you can do a multi-social account stream so that we can get the best traction.”

Conclusion: Community, Simplicity, and the Human Touch
Anndy Lian’s insights cut through the hype and technical jargon that often cloud the crypto conversation. His message is clear: technology alone is not enough. The future of blockchain depends on strong, engaged communities, accessible entry points, and a willingness to learn from both success and failure.

As he puts it, “We need more users, and it has to be an easy onboarding experience or something they really want to use.” By focusing on people—meeting them where they are, supporting their journeys, and building together—the crypto industry can move beyond its institutional chill and realize its promise as a truly inclusive, transformative force.

 

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”.

j j j