July 28th, 2025

Anndy Lian’s New Book- Discovering Singapore By Chance

When a canceled flight detours an American traveler to Singapore, what begins as a brief stopover evolves into a three-year odyssey of discovery. Blending personal narrative with incisive analysis, Discovering Singapore By Chance peels back the veneer of this enigmatic city-state to reveal the systems, values, and people that transformed a resource-poor island into a global beacon of prosperity, harmony, and innovation.

Through intimate encounters, from morning coffee rituals with Chinatown vendors to conversations with policymakers and tech entrepreneurs, the book explores how a nation built on compromise and long-term vision became a masterclass in multiculturalism, urban design, and pragmatic governance.

Readers will uncover:

A Political Paradox: How Singapore’s “soft authoritarianism” fosters stability and efficiency while navigating the tensions between collective progress and individual freedoms.
Economic Reinvention: The story of a trading post turned financial hub, where government strategy and private enterprise dance in constant adaptation.
Cultural Alchemy: How ethnic diversity thrives not through separation, but through daily, lived integration—from HDB housing policies to hybrid cuisines and multilingual conversations.
Urban Innovation: The hidden engineering behind Singapore’s seamless infrastructure, green spaces, and “Smart Nation” ambitions.

Part travelogue, part societal deep-dive, this book challenges assumptions about what makes a nation successful. As the American visitor transitions from curious tourist to adopted resident, the narrative grapples with Singapore’s contradictions: a place both meticulously planned and organically evolving, efficient yet human, globally connected yet fiercely self-defined.

For readers fascinated by governance, urbanism, or cross-cultural understanding, Discovering Singapore By Chance offers not just a portrait of a nation, but a lens to reimagine what societies can achieve when pragmatism meets purpose.

“Singapore is not just a place; it’s a state of mind.”- Authors, Jenny Zheng & Anndy Lian

About the Authors:

Jenny Zheng is a global citizen whose journey, from China to South Korea to Singapore, has shaped her unique lens as an outsider falling unexpectedly in love with Singapore. Her perspective as a newcomer, navigating the city-state’s complexities with fresh eyes, provides the narrative heart of this book. A passionate observer of cultural fusion and human adaptability, Jenny’s storytelling bridges the gap between Singapore’s polished surface and the layered realities that make it a living laboratory of modern society.

Anndy Lian is an investor and technology advisor with over two decades of experience at the intersection of finance, governance, and digital transformation. A trusted consultant to listed companies and government leaders, he has witnessed how Singapore is shaped into a global hub for innovation and policy excellence. Born and raised in Singapore, Anndy brings an insider’s perspective to the nation’s political, economic, and social systems, offering readers a nuanced understanding of how Singapore’s “impossible” success was engineered.

Find out more on:

Amazon Books: https://www.amazon.com/Discovering-Singapore-Chance-Personal-Discovery-ebook/dp/B0FGHZVRHQ?ref_=ast_author_dp

Google Books: https://www.google.com.sg/books/edition/Discovering_Singapore_By_Chance/68FqEQAAQBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=anndy+lian+discovering+singapore+by+chance&printsec=frontcover

Anndy Lian

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

July 24th, 2025

US-Japan deal, EU talks, and Japan’s Bitcoin bet: A new chapter for global finance

The global economy is buzzing with some pretty exciting developments. I will explore what’s happening with the US-Japan trade agreement, the whispers of a US-EU deal, the possibility of a Bank of Japan rate hike, and even a Japanese company’s bold leap into Bitcoin.

I’ll break it all down for you in a way that’s easy to follow, and throw in some of my thoughts.

The US-Japan trade deal: Easing tensions, boosting confidence

First up, let’s talk about the US-Japan trade deal that’s been making headlines. This agreement is a big deal, literally and figuratively. The US has agreed to slash its planned tariffs on Japanese goods from a steep 25 per cent down to a more reasonable 15 per cent, and that includes autos, which are a massive part of Japan’s export economy.

Imagine you’re a Japanese automaker – Toyota, Honda, Nissan, take your pick. This news is like a breath of fresh air. Lower tariffs mean your cars can roll into the US market more competitively, potentially boosting sales and giving your bottom line a nice lift.

For the US, this deal isn’t just about letting more Japanese cars in. It’s likely tied to some reciprocal benefits, like Japan agreeing to buy more American goods or invest in US projects. Think of it as a two-way street: Japan gets better market access, and the US might see more jobs or economic activity as a result. What I love about this is how it shows that diplomacy can still work in a world that’s often felt like a trade-war standoff. After years of tariff threats and uncertainty, this feels like a step toward stability.

Now, here’s where it gets really interesting. The easing of these trade tensions has markets buzzing about what the Bank of Japan might do next. For ages, Japan’s central bank has kept interest rates at rock bottom – we’re talking zero or near-zero levels – to jumpstart its economy.

But with trade pressures easing, there’s talk of a possible rate hike in 2025. That’s a huge shift! A rate hike would signal that Japan’s economy is finally finding its footing, which could strengthen the yen. On the flip side, it might make life trickier for Japanese exporters if their goods get pricier abroad. It’s a bold move if it happens, and I’m rooting for Japan to pull it off without rocking the boat too much.

US-EU tariff talks: Could this be round two?

While the US-Japan deal is grabbing the spotlight, there’s another story brewing across the Atlantic. Reports are swirling that the US might be closing in on a similar 15 per cent tariff agreement with the European Union. Picture this as a sequel to the Japan deal – same vibe, different players.

If it goes through, it’d mean lower tariffs on European goods coming into the US, possibly paired with European investment flowing back the other way. The Euro Stoxx 50, a key European stock index, jumped 1.0 per cent on the news, indicating that investors are already getting excited about the possibilities.

If the US can strike deals with both Japan and the EU, it’s like hitting the trifecta of trade diplomacy. Less tension with major partners could mean smoother sailing for global trade, which has been choppy lately. I think this could be a game-changer, not just for the economies involved but for the whole world.

Fewer trade barriers often lead to more growth, and who doesn’t want that? The catch is, we’re still waiting to see if this deal sticks – the August 1 deadline for reciprocal tariffs is looming, so the clock’s ticking.

Markets are loving it: A global rally unfolds

Okay, let’s check in on how the markets are reacting, because they’re not sitting still. In the US, stocks surged after the trade news broke. The S&P 500 climbed 0.78 per cent to a record 6,309.62, the Dow Jones surged 1.14 per cent, and even the tech-heavy NASDAQ edged up 0.61 per cent to 20,892.69, despite a slight dip later. That’s a solid rally, showing investors are feeling good about where things are headed.

It’s not just a US party, though. Over in Asia, the MSCI Asia ex Japan index shot up 1.4 per cent, and the HSCEI, which tracks Chinese stocks in Hong Kong, hit its highest close since October 2021. That’s a big deal – it’s like the optimism is contagious, spreading across borders and lifting spirits everywhere. I see this as a sign that when big economies play nice, everyone benefits. Today’s early trading in Asia was a bit mixed, and US futures hint at a choppy open, but the overall vibe is… Pretty upbeat.

Then there’s the bond market. US Treasury yields ticked up, with the 10-year yield rising five basis points to 4.38 per cent and the two-year yield hitting 3.88 per cent. Higher yields typically indicate that investors expect stronger growth or perhaps a bit more inflation in the future.

To me, this ties back to the trade deals – less uncertainty could mean a healthier economy, and that’s pushing yields up as people ditch safe bets for riskier plays. The US Dollar Index dipped 0.18 per cent, and gold slid 1.3 per cent, which backs that up. When safe-haven demand softens, it’s a clue that folks are feeling bolder.

Crypto’s wild ride: Greed, gains, and a breather

Now, let’s switch gears to the crypto market, because it’s been a wild ride over there too. Bitcoin and altcoins, such as Ethereum and XRP, have been on a tear lately, racking up massive gains over the past few weeks. It’s the kind of run that gets crypto fans hyped – and honestly, I get it.

Something is thrilling about watching digital assets soar. But today, the charts are showing a sea of red candles for most of the top 100 coins by market cap. After testing some significant resistance levels, it appears that the bulls are taking a breather.

Don’t let that fool you into thinking the party’s over, though. The Fear & Greed Index, which measures crypto sentiment, is sitting at 70 – firmly in greed territory and the highest since July 12. That suggests to me that this pullback might simply be profit-taking after an explosive stretch, rather than a full-on reversal.

I’ve seen this before in crypto: big runs often hit a pause before the next leg up. So, while the traditional markets are riding trade-deal optimism, crypto’s doing its own thing – cooling off but still brimming with bullish energy.

Kitabo’s Bitcoin bet: A Japanese twist

Speaking of crypto, here’s a curveball from Japan that caught my eye. Kitabo Co., Ltd, a company that makes synthetic fiber spun yarns and trades on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, just announced it’s jumping into Bitcoin.

They’re planning to buy ¥800 million – that’s about US$5.4 million – worth of BTC using dollar-cost averaging, where you spread out purchases over time to smooth out price swings. This isn’t just a random punt; Kitabo’s been bleeding cash, losing ¥115.6 million (US$785,000) in fiscal 2024, and they’re hoping Bitcoin can help turn things around.

I find this fascinating. Kitabo’s joining a growing club of Asian companies using Bitcoin as a treasury asset – think of it as a hedge against a weakening yen or a way to diversify when traditional options aren’t cutting it. They’re even calling this their full-scale entry into crypto and real-world asset businesses, which sounds ambitious for a yarn maker!

My take is that it’s a smart, if gutsy, move. Dollar-cost averaging reduces the risk of buying at a peak, and if Bitcoin continues to climb, it could be a lifeline for a struggling firm. Additionally, it’s another indication that crypto’s going mainstream, even in unexpected areas.

What do you think? Excited for what’s next? I know I am!

Source: https://e27.co/us-japan-deal-eu-talks-and-japans-bitcoin-bet-a-new-chapter-for-global-finance-20250724/

Anndy Lian

www.anndy.com

j j j

July 9th, 2025

The new gold standard? Bitcoin’s macro hedge role amid US debt and trade turmoil

The interplay of global macroeconomic dynamics and cryptocurrency market trends presents a complex tapestry of investor sentiment, speculative positioning, and structural shifts in asset valuation frameworks.

At the forefront of this landscape lies Bitcoin (BTC), whose recent price action and derivatives market metrics have sparked intense scrutiny. Simultaneously, Ethereum’s (ETH) unique capacity to generate organic yield through protocol-level mechanisms offers a stark contrast to Bitcoin’s store-of-value narrative.

To dissect these phenomena, we must contextualise Bitcoin’s soaring open interest within broader market psychology while contrasting Ethereum’s yield-generating potential against traditional financial paradigms.

Bitcoin’s derivatives surge: Implications for price dynamics

Bitcoin’s derivatives market has reached unprecedented levels of activity, with total open interest across exchanges hitting US$73.59 billion, a figure that underscores the growing institutionalisation of crypto markets. This metric reflects the total notional value of outstanding futures and options contracts, serving as a barometer for speculative fervour and hedging activity.

The dominance of regulated venues like CME (US$16.71 billion) and Binance (US$12.08 billion) highlights divergent participant profiles: CME’s institutional-heavy structure versus Binance’s retail-driven ecosystem. Such bifurcation amplifies market complexity as macro-hedge funds and algorithmic traders interact with retail sentiment, often leading to asymmetrical price discovery mechanisms.

Historically, surges in open interest have preceded heightened volatility. For instance, Bitcoin’s 2021 bull run saw open interest peak at US$25 billion before a 35 per cent correction, illustrating the liquidation risks inherent in leveraged positions. The current US$73.59 billion figure, however, operates within a transformed regulatory and infrastructural environment.

Institutional-grade custody solutions and improved risk management tools have enhanced market resilience, potentially mitigating cascading liquidations even during sharp corrections. Yet, the concentration of US$28.79 billion in the top two exchanges raises concerns about systemic interconnectivity, particularly given Binance’s recent regulatory challenges and CME’s role as a clearinghouse for macro funds.

The psychological significance of Bitcoin’s US$100,000–US$110,000 range cannot be overstated. Having breached this threshold in May 2025, BTC’s subsequent consolidation reflects a classic accumulation phase, wherein long-term holders absorb volatility while short-term speculators test support levels.

On-chain data revealing 19,400 BTC inflows to institutional wallets corroborates this thesis, suggesting strategic positioning ahead of anticipated catalysts, possibly tied to the US election cycle or ETF approval timelines. Notably, the 0.9 outflow/inflow ratio signals net accumulation, a bullish indicator historically associated with multi-month rallies.

However, the persistent short-side pressure on Binance derivatives, despite BTC’s resilience, introduces a tug-of-war dynamic where capitulation events could trigger explosive moves in either direction.

From a technical perspective, the US$100,000–US$110,000 range may serve as a springboard for a parabolic rally, as suggested by cyclical patterns observed in prior halving cycles. The nine per cent correction to US$98,300 in June 2025 barely grazed the 200-day moving average, preserving the uptrend’s integrity.

Should volume profiles expand alongside institutional inflows, a breakout above US$111,800 could activate algorithmic buy orders, propelling BTC toward US$120,000 by year-end. Conversely, a decisive close below US$95,000 would invalidate this thesis, potentially triggering a retest of US$85,000 support—a scenario deemed low probability by analysts tracking on-chain fundamentals.

Ethereum’s yield paradigm: A structural shift in crypto valuation

While Bitcoin dominates headlines as a macro hedge and digital gold, Ethereum’s evolution into a yield-generating infrastructure asset represents a seismic shift in crypto-economics.

Unlike Bitcoin’s fixed-supply, proof-of-work model, which relies solely on a monetary premium for returns, Ethereum’s post-Merge architecture enables stakers to earn ~three per cent annualised yields through network validation. This organic cash flow mechanism aligns Ethereum with traditional income-producing assets, bridging the gap between decentralised protocols and institutional portfolios.

Staking’s appeal lies in its dual function as both a security mechanism and a revenue stream. By locking ETH to validate transactions, participants secure the network while earning issuance rewards and transaction fees.

Restaking protocols like EigenLayer further amplify yields by allowing staked ETH to secure third-party applications, creating a layered economy of risk and return. This operational model contrasts sharply with Bitcoin’s reliance on financial engineering, such as ETFs or lending products, to generate yield, positioning Ethereum as a hybrid between a utility network and a capital asset.

The implications for institutional adoption are profound. Traditional investors, accustomed to dividend-paying equities or coupon-bearing bonds, often struggle to reconcile Bitcoin’s non-yielding nature with portfolio allocation models. Ethereum’s three per cent base yield, however, provides a familiar entry point, particularly for sovereign wealth funds and pension schemes seeking inflation-hedged returns.

BlackRock’s recent filings for an Ethereum ETF underscore this trajectory, signaling a potential influx of US$50 billion or more in institutional capital should regulatory hurdles ease.Moreover, Ethereum’s yield ecosystem extends beyond passive income. Decentralised finance (DeFi) protocols enable dynamic strategies—such as liquidity provision or leveraged staking—that can boost returns to 8–12 per cent, albeit with elevated risk.

This programmable yield, combined with Layer 2 scaling solutions reducing transaction costs, creates a virtuous cycle of capital inflows and network utility. In contrast, Bitcoin’s yield opportunities remain tethered to centralised intermediaries (e.g., BlockFi’s interest accounts), exposing holders to counterparty risks that Ethereum’s trustless staking avoids.

Intermarket dynamics: Bitcoin, Ethereum, and macro resilience

The divergence between Bitcoin and Ethereum narratives plays out against a backdrop of global uncertainty. With US Treasury yields climbing toward five per cent and trade wars intensifying, risk assets face headwinds that disproportionately impact high-duration investments.

Bitcoin’s correlation with Nasdaq equities, evident in its muted response to tariff-driven volatility, suggests lingering sensitivity to Fed policy. Ethereum’s staking yield, however, may decouple it from traditional tech valuations, as its cash flows provide downside protection during liquidity crunches.

Gold’s retreat to US$3,300/oz amid dollar strength further highlights Bitcoin’s evolving role as a non-sovereign reserve asset. While gold remains a crisis hedge, its lack of yield and logistical constraints in storage and transmission render it inferior to programmable digital alternatives.

Ethereum’s ability to offer both appreciation potential and income generation could accelerate this substitution effect, particularly in emerging markets grappling with currency debasement and capital controls.

Energy markets also influence crypto dynamics. Brent crude’s rebound to US$70/bbl, despite OPEC+ supply increases, underscores the inflationary pressures that have historically buoyed BTC. Ethereum benefits indirectly, as stable energy prices reduce miner capitulation risks—a concern during Bitcoin’s 2022 bear market.

Furthermore, Ethereum’s energy-efficient proof-of-stake model aligns with ESG mandates, granting it a regulatory advantage in jurisdictions that prioritise sustainability.

Strategic outlook: Navigating the dual narrative

For portfolio managers, the Bitcoin-Ethereum dichotomy demands nuanced allocation strategies. Bitcoin’s role as a macro hedge against fiscal profligacy and currency debasement remains intact, particularly with US gross federal debt exceeding 130 per cent of GDP. Institutions seeking pure exposure to global liquidity expansion should prioritise BTC, leveraging derivatives to hedge against short-term volatility while accumulating during dips in the inflow ratio.

Ethereum, meanwhile, appeals to investors seeking alpha through participation in the protocol. The three per cent staking yield acts as a floor for total returns, with DeFi and NFT ecosystems offering asymmetric upside. A 60/40 BTC-ETH portfolio, rebalanced quarterly, could optimise risk-adjusted returns while capturing both monetary and utility premiums. Retail traders, conversely, may exploit Ethereum’s yield volatility through options straddles or basis trades, capitalising on protocol upgrade cycles.

Regulatory developments will loom large in Q3 and Q4 2025. The SEC’s impending rulings on spot Ethereum ETFs, coupled with MiCA compliance deadlines in Europe, could catalyse a US$200 billion inflow into compliant crypto products. Bitcoin’s derivatives market, now a US$73.59 billion ecosystem, may see regulatory convergence as the CFTC intensifies oversight, a double-edged sword that enhances legitimacy while squeezing unregistered exchanges.

In conclusion, the confluence of derivatives-driven speculation in Bitcoin and Ethereum’s yield revolution encapsulates crypto’s transition from fringe assets to mainstream infrastructure. While Bitcoin’s path hinges on macro resilience and institutional flows, Ethereum’s ascent depends on its ability to sustain yield premiums amid rising competition from layer-2 ecosystems.

Both assets, however, share a common destiny: redefining the storage and transfer of value in an era of unprecedented monetary experimentation. Investors who grasp this duality stand to navigate the volatility ahead with clarity, positioning themselves at the intersection of innovation and tradition.

Source: https://e27.co/the-new-gold-standard-bitcoins-macro-hedge-role-amid-us-debt-and-trade-turmoil-20250709/