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“Memes Are Main Pillar in Web3”: Industry Experts Debate IP and Investment Opportunities at MemeX Festival

“Memes Are Main Pillar in Web3”: Industry Experts Debate IP and Investment Opportunities at MemeX Festival

The MemeX Festival, held on February 18, 2025, during Consensus HK 2025, brought together blockchain enthusiasts, investors, and meme lovers to explore the fascinating intersection of meme intellectual property (IP) and investment opportunities. Here’s the most interesting moments from the meme coins discussion.

MemeCore, a leading EVM-based Layer 1 blockchain, hosted an event to connect Web2 and Web3 projects and boost brand visibility. The festival attracted more than 2,000 registrations, marking a significant moment for blockchain and meme communities.

A panel discussion called “Crypto Meme Magic: The Intersection of Meme IP and Investment Opportunities” was among the festival’s key events. I moderated the panel. Industry experts Thomas Kay (head of international business, WEEX Global), Christian Oertel (global expansion lead, Conflux Network), Larry Lundy (chief business officer, Hashpower X) and Tasso Lago (founder, Financial Move) discussed memes’ role in the blockchain ecosystem.

Christian brought up some real-world examples. “At Conflux, we’re working with IPs like McDonald’s in China,” he said. “The catch is, it’s mostly NFTs for now.” Still, he’s optimistic—look at Pudgy Penguins or Doodles. Those projects turned memes into IP through NFTs and token drops. It’s a glimpse of what’s possible.

Thomas added another layer. “IP is so recognizable,” he said. “People see your project and instantly know it’s you.” He shared some wild stats from WEEX Global: when Trump Coin launched, user activity tripled, and trading volume shot up tenfold. That’s the kind of impact meme IP can have—I was blown away.

How I’d Invest in Memes

The panelists had some great takes on meme coin investing. Tasso keeps it practical: “I check the charts first, then see if the meme’s building an ecosystem.” He’s a fan of Shiba Inu’s approach—engaging new projects and showing long-term promise. I think that’s a smart way to play it.

Larry loves Dogecoin’s versatility. “It’s one of the original proof-of-work minables,” he said. “A victimless way to move liquidity in and out.” He’s got a point—its emotional pull makes it a unique bet. “Memes are culture, and they’re business,” he wrapped up. I couldn’t agree more.

Where Memes Are Headed in Web3

As we wound down, we looked ahead. Christian called memes a “social phenomenon.” “You feel the full cycle of emotions and share it with thousands of strangers,” he said. “There’s something mystical there.” I feel that too—it’s what keeps me hooked.

Thomas doubled down on community. “The most activity in crypto right now? It’s in the meme space,” he said. “It’s a top driver for growth and engagement.” He’s spot-on—memes are where the energy is.

I closed things out with my own take: “Meme is a main pillar in Web3. It’s a door opener and the biggest community driver.” It’s why I’m so passionate about this at MemeCore.

My Final Thoughts

Hosting the Crypto Meme Magic panel was a blast. It showed me—again—how transformative memes are in blockchain. They onboard newbies, pump liquidity, and build communities like nothing else. The future? I think it’s about memes evolving into ecosystems, creating lasting IP, and linking Web2 to Web3.

With their mix of humor, culture, and investment potential, memes aren’t going anywhere—they’re here to shape the crypto world.

 

Source: https://yellow.com/news/memes-are-main-pillar-in-web3-industry-experts-debate-ip-and-investment-opportunities-at-memex-festival

 

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

Building communities and navigating the future of Web3: Insights from Anndy Lian at Hong Kong Consensus 2025

Building communities and navigating the future of Web3: Insights from Anndy Lian at Hong Kong Consensus 2025

The Hong Kong Consensus 2025 spotlight stage was abuzz with energy as industry leaders gathered to discuss the future of Web3. The event featured a presentation by Thomas Kay, Vice President of WEEX Global, followed by a fireside chat with Anndy Lian, a best-selling author and prominent figure in the blockchain space.

While Kay’s presentation highlighted WEEX Global’s impressive growth trajectory and innovative features, it was the fireside chat with Lian that truly captivated the audience, offering deep insights into community building, the evolving role of exchanges, and the future of Web3 projects.

WEEX global: A brief overview

Kay opened the session with an overview of WEEX Global’s journey since its inception in 2018. The exchange has grown exponentially, boasting over 6 million users globally and a daily trading volume of US$5 billion.

With a focus on providing top-tier liquidity, a vast array of trading pairs, and innovative features like 400x leverage, WEEX has positioned itself as one of the fastest-growing exchanges in the world. Kay also emphasised the platform’s commitment to security, highlighting their 1,000 BTC protection fund and robust risk control systems.

While the presentation showcased WEEX’s achievements and future plans, including global expansion and compliance efforts, the real highlight of the session was the fireside chat with Lian.

Fireside chat: The art and science of community building

The fireside chat began with Kay asking Lian about the challenges of building communities in the Web3 space. Lian, known for his candid and insightful commentary, didn’t hold back.

“Building a community is a lot tougher than people think,” Lian remarked. He explained that the landscape has evolved significantly since 2018. Back then, users were less informed, and it was easier to attract them with simple incentives like airdrops.

Today, however, users are more sophisticated and demand real value. “You can’t just throw airdrops at people and expect them to stay. Communities need to be built on trust, value, and long-term vision,” he added.

Lian emphasised the importance of creating a loyal community that aligns with the 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 said.

The role of exchanges in community building

Kay and Lian also discussed the role of exchanges in fostering strong communities. Kay noted that WEEX is committed to supporting projects that prioritise community engagement. “We want to back projects that are building loyal communities, not just chasing short-term gains,” he said.

Lian agreed, highlighting 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 said.

He also stressed the importance of transparency, particularly when it comes to listing fees. “Normies are getting smarter. They’re asking tough questions about how exchanges operate, and transparency is key to building trust,” he noted.

The future of exchanges: Security and accessibility

When asked about the future role of exchanges in the Web3 space, Lian identified two key 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 explained.

Kay echoed this sentiment, pointing to WEEX’s efforts to enhance security through their protection fund and compliance initiatives. He also acknowledged the challenges posed by “key opinion leaders” (KOLs) who often prioritise short-term traffic over long-term value. “Not every KOL is worth partnering with. We focus on working with genuine users and communities,” he said.

Memes as a gateway to Web3

The conversation then shifted to the role of meme coins in the Web3 ecosystem. Lian 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 said.

Lian 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.

The challenges of sustainability

Lian didn’t shy away from addressing the challenges faced by Web3 projects. He criticised 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 said. He also called on exchanges to prioritise 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 way forward

The fireside chat concluded with a discussion on the importance of transparency in the Web3 space. Lian 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.

Kay agreed, emphasising 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 Kay and 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 Lian and Kay will undoubtedly serve as a valuable guide for projects, exchanges, and communities alike. Whether it’s through innovative features, strong partnerships, or a commitment to transparency, the future of Web3 will be shaped by those who prioritise value and trust above all else.

 

Source: https://e27.co/building-communities-and-navigating-the-future-of-web3-insights-from-anndy-lian-at-hong-kong-consensus-2025-20250326/

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

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
j j j