A Recap Of Asia’s Premier Crypto Event TOKEN2049 – Highlights And Insights

In case you needed to see how Web3 technology has influenced the world, you should’ve been at the TOKEN2049 in Singapore. Held between September 13 and 14 at the world’s most recognizable Marina Bay Sands, this Web3 event broke not only barriers but also records. 

This year’s TOKEN2049 turned out to be Asia’s premier global event, with over 10,000 attendees. But for all those who missed out, CoinGape brings a roundup of all key announcements and news. Let’s get into it:

Huobi Rebrands to HTX As New Global Brand after 10 years

One of the most popular crypto exchanges, Huobi, rebranded to HTX as a part of its tenth anniversary celebrations. The announcement was shared on the stage of Token2049 Singapore, which is the premier crypto event in Asia this year. The Huobi advisor and iconic crypto celebrity, Justin Sun, also attended the said event.

Telegram Launches a Crypto Wallet Based on TON blockchain

Telegram, crypto enthusiasts’ most preferred messaging service, finally launched the most-awaited crypto wallet. The announcement came during Token2049 that the new crypto wallet will be based on the Open Network blockchain, and all 800 million users will be able to access it. After 3 years of hard work and a waiting period, the wallet comes as part of a new integration in the Telegram app.

Vertu Unveils Preorders for MetaVertu 2, Second Web3 Phone

Vertu shared the first glimpse of its second smartphone dedicated to Web3 and blockchain ecosystems during TOKEN2049. MetaVertu 2 will have the same iconic features as the first one, such as a switching system that goes from Web2 to Web3. But along with it, there will be some new additions as well. The preorders for MetaVertu 2 have already begun at $0. The official release will take place in October 2023.

Preorder at $0

Islamic Coin and CoinDesk Indices (CDI) Sign an MoU

Mohammed AlKaff AlHashmi, the founder of the world’s first Shariah-compliant cryptocurrency, Islamic Coin, gave a speech during TOKEN 2049 in Singapore. Later, he announced signing a memorandum of understanding with none other than CoinDesk Indices, which has been the top digital asset index provider since 2014. The proposed relationship will enable the two parties to align their interests in crypto and inclusive finance, where the global Islamic finance market is forecast to surpass $3.69 trillion by 2024.

Darewise Entertainment to Launch BTC-Based Metaverse Token

For the first time ever, there is a metaverse token in the making for the Bitcoin blockchain under Animoca’s game studio, Darewise Entertainment. The goal of this token would be to make Bitcoin’s ecosystem fit for gaming, brands, and other real-world experiences. Darewise Entertainment sees Bitcoin as more than just a store of value; it is crucial for powering the metaverse ecosystem.

Circle’s New Pilot for Web3 Wallets Within the Grab Superapp

Circle, the operator behind both USD Coin and Grab SuperApp, revealed during TOKEN2049 a pilot version of the Grab Web3 wallet. Grab SuperApp is currently used for ride hailing, food delivery, and making digital payments. The new Web3 version would enable the use of vouchers and NFTs to earn rewards, including collectibles. With 180 million users, Grab has become one of the first popular consumer apps in Southeast Asia to have access to Web 3.

Astar and Polygon’s Layer-2 zkEVM Targeting Web3 App Adoption

Astar and Polygon Labs are collaborating on a new layer-2 scaling solution built on zero-knowledge proof technology called zkEVM. The goal of this is to achieve greater adoption of Web3 applications in the Japanese market and more. Astar has been working with leading Japanese companies like Toyota and Sony, but with Polygon Lab’s infrastructure, it’s possible for them to launch blockchain initiatives in Japan.

OKX Debuts Web3-Themed “Stealth Mode” Livery With McLaren

OKX is best known as the world’s top Web3 tech company, but it has recently impressed the industry during the Token2049 event. The big debut of the Web3-themed “stealth mode” livery just before the start of the Singapore Grand Prix put OKX on the map. In partnership with McLaren Racing, the debut was held at one of the most impressive side events hosted at an exclusive media event at the Fullerton Bay Hotel.

Zeebu Introduces the First On-Chain Invoice Settlement Platform.

Attendees of this year’s Token2049 witnessed a number of launches, advancements, and announcements. One of these was the demo by Zeebu to change the telecom carrier industry’s B2B invoice settlement with an on-chain solution. The co-founder and CMO of Zeebu, Dr. Raghavendar Hunasgi, said that traditional systems have become far too inefficient and that using blockchain could improve them. This demo put the spotlight on Zeebu as it surpassed its $15 million hard cap target and secured $25 million in presale funding.

Closing thoughts

For a crypto event like Token2049 to be this successful in the middle of a “quiet bear market” is nothing short of extraordinary. More importantly, it makes investors and enthusiasts wonder if it is time to be “bullish”?