Jay Koh is a seasoned entrepreneur with 20 years of experience in different industries.
Besides that, he is also one of the founding board members of Association for Blockchain Asia or ABA, an Association of Associations with a mission to support growth and use of blockchain across industries.
What were you doing before Web3?
I have been an entrepreneur for the past 20 years, from child education to the IT industry, and now focus on the Web3 advisory.
How did you get into Web3?
I started in 2017, which is the year of ICOs, which caught my attention on projects raising funds through an ICO in a fast way using tokens. That was when I started.
What was your first crypto or NFT project?
COINEXIS is the first project we started in our advisory. Value in every coin. The transformation from unused, physical coins to digital.
How would you explain what you do to someone outside of Web3?
Web3 refers to the third generation of the internet, which is focused on decentralization, blockchain technology, and the development of decentralized applications (dApps).
It is a shift away from the traditional centralized internet architecture, where big companies have control over user data and access to online services.We are here to help grow the space and let the audience understand it better.
Which creator or thought leader do you enjoy learning from?
I have been learning from many leaders in this space, but I have no one in particular. Everyone has
something that I can learn. Learning is an ongoing process for me.
What is the biggest highlight of your career so far?
We are still growing, but the biggest highlight for me so far is being able to advise a traditional Web2 brand
(25 years in history) to a successful Web3 project.
What tech or crypto trend are you watching this year?
One of the most significant trends is the continued development and adoption of decentralized finance (DeFi) protocols. DeFi refers to a range of financial applications built on blockchain technology that aim to offer users more control and ownership over their assets.
With the rise of DeFi, we’re seeing the emergence of new financial products, such as decentralized exchanges, lending protocols, and stablecoins, which are gaining popularity among cryptocurrency enthusiasts and investors.
Another trend to watch is the growing interest in non-fungible tokens (NFTs), which are unique digital assets that are verified on a blockchain. NFTs have been used for a range of purposes, including digital art, gaming, and collectibles.
As more artists, creators, and businesses begin to explore the potential of NFTs, we may see new use cases emerge as well as greater mainstream adoption of these digital assets.
What advice would you give someone starting out in Web3?
Educate yourself: One of the most important things you can do when starting out in web3 is to educate yourself about the technology, its underlying principles, and the different projects and protocols that are out there.
This can help you better understand the opportunities and challenges of working in web3, as well as help you identify areas where you may want to specialize.
Build a network: As with any industry, having a network of contacts and collaborators can be invaluable when starting out in web3. Consider attending industry events, joining online communities and forums, and connecting with other individuals who are working in the space.
Get hands-on experience: There’s no substitute for hands-on experience when it comes to learning about Web3. Consider experimenting with different projects and protocols, building your own applications, or contributing to open-source projects.
This can help you gain a deeper understanding of the technology and its potential, as well as help you develop valuable skills.
Stay up-to-date: Web3 is a fast-moving industry, and new projects and protocols are emerging all the time. Make sure you stay up-to-date with the latest developments by following industry news, subscribing to newsletters, and connecting with thought leaders in the space.
Be patient: Finally, it’s important to be patient when starting out in web3. This is a complex and rapidly-evolving industry, and it may take time to build your skills, establish your network, and find your niche.
However, with dedication and perseverance, there are many opportunities to make a meaningful impact in web3.
If you could do a TED talk on any topic, what would it be?
Explore Web3 and be part of it.
What is the one thing you would bring if you were stuck on a deserted Island?
Haha, my mobile, so I can call other people when needed.
POW stands for “Proof of Work.” It is a new feature article series in The Mega Maxi to highlight the savviest builders in the Web3 space.
