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.
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.
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.
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.
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”.
