The dawn of 2024 marks a pivotal moment for the blockchain ecosystem in Taiwan. As global markets stand on the brink of transformation, a new wave of innovation, regulation, and adoption is reshaping the digital economy. This year’s edition of the Taiwan Blockchain Industry Influence Rankings brings together visionary leaders, developers, investors, and community builders to share their insights on what lies ahead.
After a landmark 2023—driven by Bitcoin ETF momentum, halving narratives, Ordinals breakthroughs, and a resurgence in public chain innovation—Taiwan continues to solidify its role as a hub of technical excellence and decentralized leadership. Now entering its fifth year, this annual recognition not only honors key contributors but also serves as a strategic compass for investors, policymakers, and innovators navigating the evolving Web3 landscape.
Selected through nominations from industry experts, VCs, and community leaders, these influencers represent two core categories: Industry Leaders and Community KOLs. Each offers unique forecasts for 2024—spanning regulatory evolution, AI-blockchain convergence, real-world asset (RWA) tokenization, and the rise of consumer-grade dApps.
Note: Rankings are non-hierarchical. Inclusion reflects past-year impact, public influence, and contributions to Web3 advancement. This list does not constitute investment advice.
Industry Leaders Shaping Taiwan’s Web3 Future
Evan Cheng – Co-Founder of Sui, CEO of Mysten Labs
As the driving force behind Sui—a high-performance Layer-1 blockchain—Evan has led the network to over $200M in total value locked (TVL) and a top-100 crypto market cap since mainnet launch in May 2023. Mysten Labs has raised more than $330M in funding under his leadership.
2024 Outlook:
"Bullish sentiment remains strong due to Bitcoin ETFs, institutional interest, and rate cut expectations. The market will shift from retail-driven narratives to value creation. Consumer Web3 products and enterprise adoption will fuel developer growth. Sui is positioned to lead in building scalable consumer and commercial applications."
👉 Discover how Sui is redefining scalability for next-gen Web3 apps
Dr. Ko Ju-Chun (Baobao) – Tech Advocate & Public Policy Visionary
Known for his podcast Baobao Friends Talk, Dr. Ko bridges complex blockchain concepts with mainstream audiences. A former legislative candidate, he champions Web3 integration into national policy frameworks.
2024 Outlook:
"Bitcoin’s momentum returns. While NFTs fade from headlines, digital collectibles gain traction in art galleries and auction houses. Nation-state nodes and city-level DAOs emerge. AI-powered robotics rise again. Apple and Meta lead the next phase of metaverse development."
Jamie Lin – Chairman & Partner at AppWorks
With AppWorks Funds managing $350M across four funds, Jamie oversees one of Asia’s most active Web3 startup ecosystems—129 startups, $1.32B in total valuation, and $865M in revenue generated.
2024 Outlook:
"2023 saw builders solving core Web3 challenges—Layer-2 scaling, zero-knowledge proofs, cross-chain interoperability, account abstraction, and decentralized derivatives. In 2024, Bitcoin ETFs and Ethereum’s Cancun upgrade will dominate Q1, followed by the halving in Q2. As ecosystems mature, we expect more 'invisible' blockchain applications—seamless user experiences that onboard mainstream users. Clearer regulations will encourage traditional enterprises to adopt blockchain at scale."
Simon Dai – Deputy GM of Far Eastern Bank’s Digital Finance Division
A pioneer in bridging traditional finance with crypto, Simon launched the 2023 Virtual Asset Survey and co-developed anti-money laundering protocols with exchanges.
2024 Predictions:
- Top-tier talent will propel Taiwan globally – With VASP association formation underway, expect a “national dream team” of blockchain experts to emerge.
- Traditional finance and crypto converge – Safety and convenience remain top user priorities; collaboration between banks and VASPs will deepen.
- Bank-led fraud prevention networks expand – Building on 2023’s “detect, notify, control, refine” model to reduce scams.
- A new era begins – Compliance builds trust, trust drives adoption. 2024 could mark Taiwan’s blockchain “Year Zero.”
Alex Liu – Founder & CEO of MaiCoin Group
Taiwan’s longest-running digital asset group operates MAX Exchange, AMIS blockchain infrastructure, and Qubic NFT services. Recently launched MaiPay for crypto payments.
2024 Outlook:
"Bitcoin halving cycles have historically shaped bull runs. Combined with growing ETF approvals and institutional recognition, 2024 looks positive. Regulatory clarity—even if initially disruptive—is essential for long-term health. Traditional finance is entering via green energy STOs, ETFs, and tokenized payments. Real-world assets (RWA), supply chain finance, carbon credits, and stablecoins will gain traction. Taiwan can become a critical node in this new financial architecture."
Matt Cheng – Founder of MindWorks Capital
Managing over $400M in assets, Matt invests in early-stage Web3 ventures across the U.S. and Asia. Early backer of Flexport, Calm, and Hims & Hers.
2024 Focus Areas:
- AI + Blockchain Integration – AI enhances security (bug detection), while blockchain enables verifiable data provenance for AI models.
- Spot Bitcoin ETF Approval Likely – BlackRock, WisdomTree, Invesco filings increase approval odds. Could boost mainstream visibility—but challenges around decentralization remain.
- Tokenized Payments Accelerate – PayPal and JPMorgan’s moves signal broader U.S. bank adoption in 2024.
Po Chen – Co-Founder of TonX Studio
A founding member of the Bitcoin Chinese Community (163K+ members), Po has incubated key TON ecosystem tools like TonKey wallet and TonDaddy domain service.
2024 Outlook:
"Bitcoin’s Taproot upgrade is now living in daily use—BRC-20 is just the beginning. Watch for Bitcoin L1 asset issuance and L2 applications soon. Bitcoin is a sleeping whale—2024 may be its awakening year. Telegram’s 1.4B users will soon get built-in TON wallets. It won’t just be messaging—it’ll be payments and Web3 access. Mini App Stores on Telegram will drive mass adoption."
Andrea Chang – Partner at Oak Grove Ventures
Backed Gemini, OpenSea, Animoca Brands; focused on early-stage Web3, AI, and biotech investments.
Key 2024 Trends:
- Bitcoin DeFi Expansion: Native Bitcoin DeFi grows beyond ERC-20 clones; protocols like Taproot Assets gain traction.
- Decentralized AI Infrastructure: zkML (zero-knowledge machine learning), decentralized storage support privacy-preserving AI.
- Consumer dApp Surge in Asia: Gaming and social dApps lead adoption; account abstraction improves UX.
- Modular Application-Specific Blockchains: Super-apps build their own chains using modular infra.
Wayne Huang – Co-Founder & Group CEO of XREX
Led XREX to become Taiwan’s first crypto firm to receive MPI license approval from MAS (Singapore). Raised $470M NT in Pre-A round.
2024 Forecast:
"Stablecoins and CBDCs will expand cross-border payment use cases—driven not just by fintech firms but sovereign states. Demand for SWIFT alternatives rises due to geopolitical shifts and emerging market growth. After 15 years of hype cycles—ICO, DeFi Summer, NFTs—the only true product-market fit so far is stablecoins. USDT is no longer just for trading—it’s used for remittances, savings, and financial sovereignty in unstable economies. In 2024, expect nation-led initiatives to build alternative settlement systems using blockchain and stablecoins."
👉 Explore how stablecoins are transforming global payments
Audrey Yang – CGO at Orderly Network, Founder of Radiance Ventures
Orderly Network enables dApp developers with liquidity solutions; Radiance Ventures backs transformative Web3 projects.
2024 Trends:
- Bitcoin Ecosystem Revival & DeFi Summer 2.0: BRC-20 tokens reignite interest; tBTC bridges Bitcoin to DeFi.
- SocialFi Financialization: Projects like DCT integrate AI assistants into social trading.
- Entertainment Meets Web3: BIGBANG, EXO concert organizer Pulse Events explores Web3 integration; Pudgy Penguins x Walmart shows real-world NFT success.
Paul Fan – Co-Founder & CEO of CYBAVO
Cybavo secured Circle’s acquisition in 2022; protects over $35B in transactions across top exchanges.
2024 Outlook:
"Asia leads in tech innovation. As fintech ecosystems grow, digital payments will proliferate. Clearer global regulatory frameworks are needed—especially for stablecoins. I’m optimistic about Asia’s role in shaping compliant, scalable crypto infrastructure."
Justine Lu – Co-Founder of Lootex, Chairwoman of Taiwan NFT Association
Lootex powers one of Taiwan’s largest NFT marketplaces; organized NFT Taipei 2023.
Perspective:
"Rather than predict trends, I focus on understanding meme culture. Respect it. Expand participation through openness and shared ownership—this is the mission for every Web3 builder."
Michael Ou – Founder & CEO of CoolBitX
Sold over 500K CoolWallet units globally; raised $167M from SBI Group and others.
Insight:
"Taiwan lags behind Singapore and Hong Kong—but that gap presents opportunity. Leverage our hardware manufacturing strength to build secure Web3 devices. Learn from global regulatory models like Singapore’s PSA Act. Build inclusive legal frameworks that protect users while fostering innovation."
Albert Lai – Founder of BitTaiwan
Operates three mining farms; authorized repair partner for Bitmain in Taiwan.
Miner’s View on 2024:
"Opportunity meets risk. With inflation cooling and potential rate cuts, bullish narratives return. But competition intensifies—halving in April plus new ASIC deliveries increase pressure. Watch for black swan events like repeated rate hikes (similar to 1980s U.S.). Every cycle brings 10x–100x coins—from ICOs to memecoins to Ordinals. Survive first—then build."
Community KOLs Driving Awareness & Adoption
Chris Chang – Founder of mr.block
One of Taiwan’s earliest blockchain educators; built Curve.Fi’s largest Chinese community.
Top 5 Predictions:
- U.S. recession expected in H1—but spot Bitcoin ETF launch could inject billions.
- BTC may hit all-time highs by Q4.
- CEX dominance fades; DEXs gain share.
- De-dollarization trend strengthens; BTC plays bigger role.
- Ethereum stays dominant; Layer-2 ecosystems (OP Stack, Arbitrum Orbit) enable vertical-specific chains.
Bonnie – Founder of Bonnie Blockchain
YouTube channel surpasses 7.3M views; launched Crypto Battle Royale series.
Focus Areas:
- Traditional finance enters crypto via ETFs.
- Regulatory clarity boosts institutional trust.
- Bitcoin ecosystem explodes—beyond just speculation.
RWA tokenization gains momentum: real estate, IP rights, carbon credits.
"If 2023 was preparation, 2024 is payoff."
Tiffany Lai – Director at TBW Conference
Drives global outreach for Ava Labs; promotes Taipei as Asia’s Web3 hub.
Vision:
"Asia leads Web3 growth in 2024. Enterprise adoption accelerates after years of groundwork. Web3 gaming sees AAA titles launch—driving mainstream attention. NFTs evolve beyond art into tickets, loyalty programs, fashion. This is true onboarding—not theory."
Michaelturtle – Founder of Guì Talk
Discovered Kaspa’s 100x run during bear market.
Macro View:
- Fed rate cuts begin in H1 → looser monetary policy.
- BTC ETF approval = exponential user growth.
New projects shift focus to Bitcoin ecosystem.
"KAS could shine if it completes core upgrades—low energy use, high efficiency."
Jill Chou – Founder of BiXiue Credit
IG’s largest Mandarin crypto education account; launched “Bitcoin Pavilion” at Taipei Financial Expo.
Sector Outlook:
- Layer-2: Robust infrastructure play; Ethereum upgrade momentum supports growth.
- RWA: Tokenizing real assets opens door for institutional capital.
- SocialFi: Attracts Web2 influencers; becomes gateway for new users.
👉 Learn how Layer-2 networks are scaling Ethereum
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What makes Taiwan unique in the global Web3 landscape?
A: Taiwan combines world-class hardware engineering with strong developer talent and growing regulatory clarity—creating fertile ground for secure wallet solutions, exchange infrastructure, and cross-border financial applications.
Q: Will Bitcoin ETF approval really change anything?
A: Yes—it legitimizes BTC as an asset class for traditional investors. Even small allocations from institutional portfolios can drive massive inflows given the size of legacy finance markets.
Q: Is RWA (Real World Asset) tokenization just hype?
A: No—it’s one of the most promising paths to mass adoption. From real estate to carbon credits to invoices, tokenization brings liquidity, transparency, and accessibility to traditionally illiquid assets.
Q: How important is regulation in 2024?
A: Critical. Clear rules separate sustainable growth from chaos. Countries establishing balanced frameworks—like Taiwan’s VASP guidelines—will attract responsible innovation while protecting users.
Q: Can AI and blockchain truly integrate?
A: Absolutely—with zkML enabling verifiable AI outputs and decentralized storage securing training data integrity.
Q: Where should beginners start investing?
A: Focus on fundamentals—infrastructure (Layer-1/Layer-2), regulated platforms, and projects with real utility rather than speculation-driven memecoins.
Final Thoughts: A Pivotal Year Ahead
From regulatory maturation to AI-blockchain synergy and the rise of consumer dApps, 2024 promises transformative momentum across the Web3 spectrum. Taiwan’s blend of technical depth, entrepreneurial spirit, and policy foresight positions it as a key player in this next chapter.
Whether you're an investor, builder, or enthusiast—the time to engage is now.
Core Keywords: Web3 trends 2024, Bitcoin halving 2024, RWA tokenization, AI blockchain integration, Taiwan blockchain, Layer-2 scaling, stablecoin adoption, DeFi innovation