Reflecting on an Eventful Year at ACCESS: Half-Year Wrap-Up 2023
As we pass the midpoint of 2023, it's the perfect time to look back and recap the exciting developments that have taken place at ACCESS, the Singapore Cryptocurrency and Blockchain Industry Association. From engaging gatherings to groundbreaking reports and notable partnerships, ACCESS has been at the forefront of driving innovation and fostering collaboration in the blockchain and cryptocurrency space. Let's dive into the highlights:
Kicking off the year, ACCESS organized a festive Christmas gathering, bringing together industry professionals, enthusiasts, and thought leaders. This gathering was a celebration of achievements and a platform for networking and exchanging ideas. Notably, Grace Chong from Gibson Dunn and Crutcher, along with her working group (Virtual Assets Payments Group or VAPG), dedicated their efforts to prepare detailed feedback on Digital Payment Tokens (DPT) and stablecoins for the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). Their valuable contributions have significantly influenced the regulatory landscape in Singapore.
March - TZ APAC, headed by Katherine Ng, Releases Industry Report on Web3 Incubators
The TZ APAC team published the Web3 industry's first-ever report exploring the impact of incubators in Asia. This comprehensive report delves into the role of incubators in nurturing blockchain and Web3 projects, providing insights into the ecosystem's growth and potential. You can access the report here to gain valuable knowledge about the evolving incubator landscape in the region.
March - Zann Kwan Sheds Light on Web 3.0, Digital Asset Management, and Cryptocurrency
Our Board Member Zann Kwan shared her expertise in an interview with CNA, shedding light on Web 3.0, digital asset management, and the transformative potential of cryptocurrencies. Her insights offered valuable perspectives on the intersection of technology, finance, and innovation. You can read the interview here to gain deeper insights into these exciting topics.
ACCESS commemorated Bitcoin Pizza Day, a historic event that marked the first-ever real-world transaction with Bitcoin, showcasing the journey and evolution of cryptocurrencies. The event received tremendous support from industry-leading companies, including Crypto.com and CakeDeFi, who continue to play an instrumental role in advancing the adoption and usability of digital assets.
In May, ACCESS was once again in the spotlight as a featured community partner at the inaugural Wikiexpo conference held in Singapore. The event provided a platform for blockchain enthusiasts, innovators, and industry professionals to connect, exchange ideas, and explore the latest advancements in the crypto space. ACCESS's active participation demonstrated its commitment to fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing within the blockchain community.
Crypto.com obtained a major payment institution license from the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). This milestone reinforced the growing recognition and acceptance of cryptocurrency-related services in the financial industry. The license granted to Crypto.com demonstrated Singapore's progressive approach to embracing digital assets and its commitment to fostering innovation. Read their announcement here.
ACCESS actively participated in the Point Zero Forum, a renowned event focused on tokenization and the future of finance. This engagement allowed ACCESS to contribute to insightful discussions, share expertise, and foster meaningful connections within the industry. Notably, ACCESS's regulatory lead, Grace Chong, spoke on "DLT's Sustainability in the Financial Sector" at the Bank of Italy Panel.
Stay tuned as ACCESS continues to drive innovation, foster collaboration, and make significant contributions to the thriving blockchain and cryptocurrency ecosystem in Singapore and the world.
Marcus Au
Membership Operations
ACCESS