As the founder of Meta Alpha and a veteran contributor to national initiatives like SG50, Desmond Yong is guiding conversations that matter, especially when it comes to regulation, digital assets, payments, and Singapore’s role in the global fintech ecosystem.
With over four decades in Singapore and hands-on roles across compliance, legal, and cryptocurrency, payments sectors, he offers deep, actionable insight into the evolving landscape of digital transformation.
In this SG60 Showcase feature, Desmond talks about what makes Singapore uniquely poised to lead in the Web3 economy and why digital asset regulation is no longer optional. Read on to explore the future of work, fintech, and policy through the eyes of one of Singapore’s trusted digital strategists.
Highlights
Building the Framework for a Smart Nation
Q: Can you tell us about an initiative you’ve been part of that has supported Singapore’s development?
A: I was privileged to be part of the SG50 and Pioneer Generation Working Committee. These initiatives were about celebrating the heritage while preparing for the future. They laid the groundwork for a more cohesive society and set the tone for future-facing strategies, like those we now see in fintech, digital identity, and smart infrastructure.
Q: What is your core value-add when it comes to Singapore’s future?
A: To begin with, I bring a global view. More importantly, I understand how Singapore can—and should—position itself in the digital asset and payment space.
Having worked closely with regulatory and compliance teams at a crypto firm and with the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), I’ve seen firsthand how our strengths—stability, governance, and agility—can be turned into competitive advantages.
Q: Who have you collaborated with recently in Singapore?
A: I worked with the local payments and digital assets space in Singapore, and have had the privilege to collaborate with the youngest and brightest in pushing innovation in this space in Singapore and putting Singapore on a global stage.
Training for the Future of Digital Finance
Q: What’s your signature topic or program, and why is it impactful?
A: My flagship topic is Understanding Singapore’s Unique Proposition in the Global Digital Assets and Payments World. It’s about helping professionals, especially C-suites and mid-level leaders globally, recognize where the real value lies—and how to future-proof their organizations. Specifically, we explore everything from regulation and risk to cross-border competitiveness.
Q: How do you stay informed and relevant in this fast-evolving industry?
A: I’m constantly engaging with industry professionals, legal experts, and global thought leaders. In fact, a testimony to this is the recent recognition by Regulation Asia—we received Digital Asset Advisory Firm of the Year 2024—which reflects my commitment to staying ahead of the curve.
Final Thoughts: Singapore’s Digital Edge
Desmond Yong’s approach to digital strategy is precise, pragmatic, and always forward-facing. As Web3, tokenization, and digital finance reshape economies, voices like his are essential in helping Singapore not only adapt but lead. Ultimately, with one foot in policy and the other in practice, he’s quietly helping to shape the infrastructure of tomorrow.
Highlights
This article is part of the SG60 Showcase series—spotlighting leaders, changemakers, and visionaries shaping Singapore’s next 60 years. Stay tuned for more.
Read the Chinese article here, or listen to the podcast here.
