Web3 Leaders Unite at BNB Chain Hong Kong Events to Discuss Industry Future
Top blockchain figures including Binance founder Changpeng Zhao (CZ), Ethereum's Vitalik Buterin, and Tron's Justin Sun gathered at two back-to-back BNB Chain events in Hong Kong last week. The BNB Chain Super Meetup and Most Valuable Builder (MVB) Season 9 Offsite took place during the Hong Kong Web3 Festival on April 5-6.
The events brought together blockchain leaders to exchange ideas on Web3 development amid market fluctuations. Panels covered topics including memecoin infrastructure, startup incubation, DeFi applications, and on-chain AI adoption. MVB sessions focused on product-market fit, fundraising strategies, user growth, and networking opportunities.
During his fireside chat with Justin Sun, CZ acknowledged the popularity of memecoins but cautioned against investing in tokens without real utility. He advised developers to focus on solving actual problems before rushing to issue tokens, noting that BNB Chain is now concentrating on practical use cases across sectors like AI, DeFi, and decentralized science.
The BNB Chain events coincide with developments at Arbitrum, where DAO members are pushing to recover funds from their Gaming Catalyst Program. Launched in 2024 with 225 million ARB tokens, the program has shown limited progress as the ARB token dropped 81%. This reflects broader caution in Web3 gaming investments, mirroring the focus on sustainable utility expressed at the Hong Kong gatherings.
Vitalik Buterin discussed how privacy-preserving AI could address challenges in decentralized autonomous organization governance. He suggested AI could offer advanced forecasting tools for more efficient coordination. CZ added that AI could optimize trading strategies and eventually execute trades through natural language models.
The events revealed growing government interest in blockchain solutions. CZ noted that officials are now approaching him about using decentralized technology for digital identity, visa applications, bank verification, and land ownership registration. This represents a significant shift in how governments view blockchain utility.
Yi He, Binance co-founder, spoke virtually to the MVB cohort about building successful teams during challenging market conditions. She stressed the importance of collaborative leadership and long-term vision rather than chasing short-term trends. CZ also offered advice for newcomers, recommending they invest only what they can afford to lose.
The MVB program showcased 16 early-stage projects across categories including AI, DeFi, DePIN, DeSci, gaming, and infrastructure. Ella Zhang, head of YZi Labs, highlighted their focus on supporting founders developing real solutions beyond hype cycles. The collaborative atmosphere between different blockchain ecosystems demonstrated the industry's commitment to building meaningful applications.
