March 19th, 2025

Why Building Community is the SECRET to Project Success! Interview with Anndy Lian X Eddy Gonzalez

Why Building Community is the SECRET to Project Success! Interview with Anndy Lian X Eddy Gonzalez

At Consensus 2025 in Hong Kong, Eddy Gonzalez, a Taiwan-based YouTuber, sat down with Anndy Lian, a renowned blockchain expert, best-selling author, to discuss the critical role of community in project success. The interview, titled “Why Building Community is the SECRET to Project Success!”, offered profound insights into the importance of community-driven strategies in the blockchain and Web3 space.

The Foundation of Success: Community

Anndy Lian opened the conversation with a powerful statement: “If you are a project owner trying to build a big project, you have to focus on community. And if you are an investor, please invest in projects that are sustainable.” This set the tone for the discussion, emphasizing that community is not just a marketing tool but the backbone of any successful venture in the blockchain ecosystem.

Lian elaborated on the shift from traditional marketing to community-driven approaches, stating, “In Web3, the community is not just an audience; it’s the backbone of every project. Unlike traditional marketing, where brands talk at consumers, Web3 thrives on co-creation and shared ownership. Communities are the ones who breathe life into projects, and their engagement can make or break a venture.” This sentiment underscores the transformative power of communities in the decentralized world.

The Evolution of Blockchain and Community

Reflecting on his journey in the blockchain space, Lian shared how he first encountered Bitcoin in 2013, primarily for transactional purposes. “Back then, I didn’t fully understand what Bitcoin could do, but I saw its potential for anonymous transactions in the advertising industry,” he recalled. Over time, his involvement deepened, and he became a key advisor to governments and a vocal advocate for blockchain technology.

Lian highlighted the importance of authenticity and transparency in building trust within communities. “People can sense when a project is genuine. At OG Peanut, we prioritize open communication and honesty. If we make a mistake, we own up to it and involve the community in finding solutions. This builds credibility and strengthens our bond with members,” he explained. This approach fosters loyalty and long-term engagement, which are crucial for project sustainability.

Challenges in Community Building

While the benefits of community-driven marketing are undeniable, Lian also addressed the challenges associated with it. He pointed out the difficulty of scaling community engagement as projects grow. “As your community expands, maintaining the same level of personal connection becomes challenging. At OG Peanut, we’ve had to invest in tools and processes to ensure that every member feels heard, even as our numbers grow,” he shared.

Another challenge is managing toxic behavior within communities. “Not all community members have positive intentions. We’ve had to implement strict moderation policies to prevent harassment and misinformation. Balancing openness with safety is a delicate act, but it’s crucial for maintaining a healthy community,” Lian explained. This highlights the need for robust governance structures to ensure a positive and inclusive environment.

The Role of AI in Community Engagement

The conversation also touched on the impact of AI on community interactions. Lian shared his experience testing AI agents, including one that cloned a friend of his. “The AI agent was incredibly smooth and almost indistinguishable from the real person. It’s a powerful tool, but it’s also a bit scary,” he noted. While AI can enhance community engagement, Lian emphasized the importance of maintaining genuine human connections. “AI is a good utility for projects, but it should supplement, not replace, real human interaction,” he advised.

Lian also highlighted the limitations of AI in handling volatile data. “AI agents struggle with up-to-date information, especially in fast-changing markets like cryptocurrency. Simple conversations are fine, but when it comes to real-time data, they fall short,” he explained. This underscores the need for a balanced approach, leveraging AI for efficiency while ensuring that human oversight remains central.

The Future of Community-Driven Marketing

Looking ahead, Lian expressed optimism about the continued evolution of community-driven marketing. “As technology advances, we’ll have even more tools to connect with and empower our communities. The key will be staying true to our values and prioritizing the human element,” he said. This vision aligns with the ethos of Web3, where decentralization and inclusivity are key principles.

Lian also emphasized the importance of sustainability in project development. “If you are a project owner, please work hard for your project. A lot of project owners are not focused, and that’s a big problem. To build a big project, you have to focus on community,” he advised. For investors, he recommended prioritizing projects that demonstrate long-term viability and a strong commitment to their communities.

Key Takeaways

The interview with Anndy Lian offered valuable insights into the role of communities as the secret to project success in the Web3 era. Key takeaways include:

Authenticity and Transparency: Building trust through open communication and honesty is essential for fostering loyal communities.
Scalability and Governance: As communities grow, maintaining personal connections and implementing robust governance structures are critical challenges.
The Role of AI: AI can enhance community engagement but should supplement, not replace, genuine human interaction.
Sustainability: Project owners must focus on building sustainable projects, and investors should prioritize ventures with long-term viability.
Education and Safety: Newcomers to the blockchain space should take the time to educate themselves and prioritize safety in their investments.

Anndy Lian’s insights underscore the transformative potential of communities in the blockchain space, offering a roadmap for projects looking to harness this powerful marketing tool. As the industry continues to evolve, the principles of authenticity, transparency, and sustainability will remain central to building successful and impactful projects.

For those interested in learning more from Anndy Lian, he can be found on Twitter and his personal website, where he regularly shares valuable insights and advice on blockchain and community building.

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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March 14th, 2025

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”.

j j j

March 14th, 2025

Consensus 2025: What’s Next for WEEX? Presented by Thomas Kay; Fireside chat with Anndy Lian

Consensus 2025: What’s Next for WEEX? Presented by Thomas Kay; Fireside chat with Anndy Lian

The Hong Kong Consensus 2025 spotlight stage provided a platform for leading voices in the blockchain and Web3 space to share their insights and experiences. A key highlight was the presentation by Thomas Kay, Vice President of WEEX Global, followed by a candid fireside chat with Anndy Lian, a best-selling author and blockchain strategist. The event, presented by WEEX, offered a glimpse into the exchange’s rapid growth and a broader discussion on the evolving landscape of Web3.

WEEX Global: A Story of Exponential Growth

Thomas Kay’s presentation detailed WEEX Global’s impressive journey since its establishment in 2018. He shared that WEEX secured a $100 million investment in 2019 from top Singaporean investment firms. Within two years, the platform grew from zero to a staggering $2 billion in daily trading volume. By 2022, WEEX reached 500,000 daily users and signed Jackie Wu, a leading Hong Kong entertainer, as its global brand ambassador.

Kay highlighted that in 2023, WEEX’s user base expanded to over 2 million globally, and they obtained SVG and FSA licenses, enabling operations in over 200 countries and regions. Another $100 million investment was secured from FSN Group, a major South Korean marketing agency. Kay proudly stated, “2024, I think it was one of our best year, full of achievements. I’m very proud to say that we are one of the fastest-growing exchange last year.” The exchange grew from 2 million to 6 million users, reaching a daily trading volume of $5 billion.

A key differentiator for WEEX, according to Kay, is its extensive offering of altcoin pairs. “We have one of the most altcoin pairs, 1,700 plus futures and spot trading pairs,” he stated, providing users with a vast variety of trading options. He emphasized WEEX’s commitment to listing valuable projects, with over 100 different projects listed monthly.

Kay also pointed out WEEX’s focus on liquidity. “When it comes to trading, liquidity is honestly one of the highest priorities for a lot of users,” he said. WEEX boasts over 800 deep liquidity futures and ranks top five among all exchanges in terms of liquidity. Notably, research by CoinMarketCap placed WEEX in the top three for Bitcoin and Ethereum liquidity.

WEEX recently introduced higher leverage options, up to 400x. Kay acknowledged, “I personally would never recommend anyone to go above 50x,” but noted that over 30% of users trade with more than 200x leverage. He explained that this caters to the market trend where users seek higher upside with less capital.

Security remains a top priority for WEEX. Kay mentioned the establishment of a 1,000 BTC protection fund to ensure user fund security. “We have consistently managed to have more than 100% reserve ratio for the last two years,” he added.

The WEEX Token (WXT) and Future Plans

Kay introduced WEEX’s native platform token, WXT, highlighting its remarkable growth of 384% since launch. He described it as “a benchmark for every centralized exchange trying to launch a token right now.” WEEX plans to replicate the success of other exchange tokens by burning WXT quarterly, using 20% of the company’s profits to reduce supply and enhance token value.

WXT offers users up to 70% trading fee discounts and higher profit shares for affiliates. Kay also highlighted the “relaunch” platform, where users can commit WXT to projects and receive airdrops. He announced a current event offering 1 million USDT worth of WXT airdrops to holders.

Looking ahead, WEEX plans to be active in conferences and expand globally, with a new office launching in Dubai. Kay emphasized the focus on providing the best experience for all users, including institutional and high-net-worth individuals. He also stressed the importance of community engagement and global compliance. “In 2025, one of our top priorities across all departments is compliance,” he stated.

Fireside Chat: Community, Exchanges, and Sustainability in Web3

The fireside chat between Thomas Kay and Anndy Lian delved into the challenges and opportunities in the Web3 space. The conversation began with a discussion on community building.

Kay acknowledged the difficulty, stating, “Building community is a lot tougher than a lot of you guys think,” especially compared to 2018. He emphasized the need to provide value beyond incentives: “We want communities that stay with you because of who you are or what you provide for them long term.”

Lian added that users are now more sophisticated, seeking transparency and understanding the relationship between projects and exchanges. “It’s not easy to really build effectively,” he said, highlighting the need for unity and collaboration within the ecosystem. He suggested that established exchanges should support smaller projects in emerging markets.

Lian emphasized the importance of genuine community engagement. “Whenever I see a very good community…it will be easier for us to spot good projects on X,” he said, noting that real community members’ actions and feedback are distinct from bots.

The conversation shifted to the evolving role of exchanges. Lian pointed out that users are looking for exchanges that offer an extra layer of security and accessibility, particularly for on-ramping and off-ramping funds. He also predicted a decline in KOL-driven exchanges, stating, “Exchanges’ role is also to help us see out what are the goods that you should really talk to and work with.”

Lian shared an interesting observation: “Normies are actually asking these questions in specific AMAs or private groups,” referring to questions about exchange listing fees and whether exchanges are genuinely supporting the community or prioritizing revenue. He stressed that “things should be transparent.”

Regarding the future of projects and memes, Lian sees meme coins as a “door opener” for easy entry into the crypto space. However, he emphasized the need for a sustainable roadmap beyond the initial hype. He suggested models like franchise cafes or merchandise, where the community works for their own benefit, ensuring long-term sustainability.

Lian criticized projects with “no plans” and “poor leaders,” emphasizing the need for price action and real partnerships. He highlighted the importance of exchanges partnering with good communities for a win-win situation. He cautioned against prioritizing influencers over genuine community benefit, stating, “If you want to be sustainable, you have a big community, make sure that you can monetize that.”

The fireside chat concluded with a call for candid conversations and mindful actions within the Web3 space. Lian’s closing remark, “I hope everybody can do well in this run,” encapsulated the overall sentiment of the event: a focus on collaboration, transparency, and sustainable growth within the evolving world of blockchain and Web3.

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”.

j j j