In the fast-evolving world of blockchain and digital innovation, few voices carry the depth of experience and foresight like Professor Li Guoquan. As a professor at Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS) and Chair of the Global FinTech Institute, Li has straddled academia, entrepreneurship, and technological innovation for decades. His journey into blockchain began not in a boardroom or lab, but through a conversation with his 14-year-old son—who told him he could earn Bitcoin by playing video games.
That moment sparked a transformation. In 2014, Li introduced one of Singapore’s first blockchain courses at Singapore Management University (SMU). By 2015, he authored the Handbook of Digital Currency, which earned the prestigious Outstanding Reference Source award from the American Library Association. Today, he stands as a bridge between traditional finance and Web3, between East and West, between theory and practice.
Here’s what he has to say about the future of blockchain, AI, regulation, and how to truly succeed in the digital economy.
The Evolution of Blockchain: From Wild West to Managed Garden
The early days of blockchain were chaotic—what Professor Li describes as “wild grass growing everywhere.” Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs) flooded the space, bringing both innovation and speculation. But as with any emerging industry, only the strongest survived.
“Maybe only 5% or even 1% of those early projects made it,” Li notes. “But those that did are now mature, resilient, and foundational.”
Bitcoin, once seen as a speculative asset, now behaves more like a traditional financial instrument in terms of valuation. Ethereum has evolved into a scalable platform with lower transaction fees and growing adoption. Newer blockchains like Solana are intensifying competition, pushing performance boundaries.
But the next phase isn’t just about faster chains or cheaper fees. It’s about integration.
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Li emphasizes that the future lies in RWA (Real World Assets) and DePIN (Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks)—sectors that merge blockchain with tangible economic value. These innovations aren’t just about tokenizing assets; they’re about creating sustainable ecosystems where technology serves real human needs.
And crucially, he says: “Your Web3 project must contribute to national economic growth, compliance, security, shared prosperity, and sustainability.” Projects that align with these principles will dominate the next decade.
China’s Regulatory Approach: Prudent Caution with Future Vision
When asked about China’s strict stance on cryptocurrency, Li offers a nuanced perspective shaped by his deep understanding of both policy and innovation.
“China is not rejecting blockchain,” he clarifies. “It’s rejecting chaos.” Just as governments regulate banks and securities markets, China chose to suppress speculative excesses early—what Li calls “cutting down the weeds before cultivating the garden.”
He draws a parallel with Singapore’s regulatory model: cautious experimentation under strict oversight. And Hong Kong? To Li, it’s a strategic testbed.
“Hong Kong shows China is open to crypto—but only under controlled conditions. The launch of licensed crypto exchanges there is a clear signal.”
With institutions like the Bank for International Settlements (BIS) now engaging with central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), and global financial systems integrating blockchain infrastructure, Li believes China will eventually embrace compliant crypto frameworks—not out of pressure, but necessity.
“The world is moving forward. China won’t stay behind.”
Singapore’s Role: The Neutral Bridge Between Giants
While the U.S. and China navigate geopolitical tensions, Singapore positions itself uniquely—not as a competitor, but as a trusted intermediary.
“Singapore can be the bridge between East and West,” Li explains. Its stable legal framework, English-speaking ecosystem, and pro-innovation policies make it ideal for cross-border Web3 collaboration.
Unlike Hong Kong—which benefits from proximity to mainland China—Singapore operates with greater neutrality. This gives it an edge in fostering interoperable public blockchains that can connect fragmented global systems.
And while the U.S. may develop regulations faster due to market size, Singapore’s agility allows it to pilot ideas that larger economies can later adopt.
👉 Explore how interoperability is unlocking global blockchain adoption.
Will the U.S. Election Change Crypto’s Trajectory?
Political shifts often spark market anxiety—but Li remains unfazed.
“Whoever wins the U.S. election won’t change the long-term trend,” he asserts. Cryptocurrency is no longer fringe; it’s becoming part of the mainstream financial toolkit.
However, he acknowledges one wildcard: Donald Trump. “If he returns, adoption might accelerate. Crypto has become a political tool—governments see its power to mobilize youth voters and reshape financial inclusion.”
More than politics, Li sees crypto evolving into a geopolitical lever—a new frontier in global competition over monetary sovereignty and digital infrastructure.
AI vs Blockchain: Complementary Forces for Responsible Innovation
Artificial Intelligence dominates headlines—but Li warns of its risks.
“AI has high compliance costs and winner-takes-all dynamics,” he says. “Only big tech or governments can afford it. And if misused, the damage could be catastrophic.”
But here’s where blockchain shines: data integrity.
Blockchain’s cryptographic foundations can secure AI data pipelines—ensuring transparency in training datasets, verifying ownership, and preventing tampering. Smart contracts can automate ethical usage policies.
“AI increases efficiency—but doesn’t create widespread wealth. Blockchain enables shared value creation.”
Together, they form a powerful alliance: AI as the engine, blockchain as the guardrails.
Can Web3 Be Ethical? Balancing Innovation with Shared Prosperity
Critics argue crypto follows the Matthew Effect—the rich get richer. But Li sees evolution, not inevitability.
“Early adopters take huge risks—that’s why they earn outsized returns,” he concedes. But as institutions enter and regulation solidifies, returns stabilize around 30% or less—similar to high-growth private equity.
True innovation doesn’t steal slices of an existing pie—it bakes a new one.
“Don’t fight old industries. Create new markets where none existed.”
He urges young innovators to focus on unmet needs, use technology to solve real problems, and operate within sustainable, ethical frameworks—even in gray areas.
Because without ethics?
“You become a scam operation—fast.”
Final Wisdom: Don’t Chase Money — Let Money Chase You
Li’s most enduring advice cuts through noise:
“Don’t chase money. Let money chase you.”
Success comes not from greed, but from solving problems people didn’t know they had. Build value first; profit follows.
“You may not see returns immediately,” he admits. “But if your solution meets real market demand, eventually—the money finds you.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is blockchain still a good career path in 2025?
A: Absolutely. With RWA, DePIN, and institutional adoption rising, blockchain skills are in growing demand across finance, supply chain, healthcare, and government sectors.
Q: Can crypto ever be truly ethical?
A: Yes—if built on principles of transparency, inclusivity, and compliance. Ethical projects prioritize user protection and long-term sustainability over short-term gains.
Q: Will China ever allow public cryptocurrencies?
A: While full liberalization is unlikely soon, China may gradually permit regulated digital asset products—especially through Hong Kong’s sandbox environment.
Q: How do AI and blockchain work together?
A: Blockchain secures AI data provenance and access rights; AI enhances blockchain analytics and automation. Together, they enable trustworthy intelligent systems.
Q: What’s the biggest mistake new Web3 founders make?
A: Chasing hype instead of solving real problems. Sustainable success comes from addressing actual user needs—not just launching tokens.
Q: How can individuals benefit from blockchain without speculation?
A: Through staking, yield farming in regulated protocols, contributing to decentralized networks (like DePIN), or building solutions that serve communities.
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The digital economy isn’t coming—it’s already here. And those who lead with purpose, not just profit, will shape its next chapter.