The Electric Buzz of BlockShow Asia 2017
The recent BlockShow Asia 2017 was nothing short of exhilarating, filled with networking, learning, and a sprinkle of car envy. Among the dazzling array of startups, BitCar—hailing from the vibrant city-state of Singapore—brought a unique concept to the table: peer-to-peer ownership of exotic cars. Not your typical tech talk, right? We caught up with co-founder Gov Van Ek and legal wizard Sheree Ip to explore this innovative venture and their insights about the APAC blockchain scene.
Sparking Interest with a Yellow Lamborghini
Before the conference even kicked off, BitCar managed to steal the limelight, courtesy of a striking yellow Lamborghini that was parked at their exhibition booth. This eye-catching motor wasn’t just a pretty face; it encapsulated BitCar’s aim to present exotic cars as an asset class. Gov Van Ek stated, “Right now in China there is still a ban on importing this kind of cars… thousands of millionaires are going to want to get involved in that asset class soon. It’s genuinely exciting!” Talk about revving up interest!
Why Singapore?
Gov elaborated on BitCar’s decision to set up in Singapore, calling it a smart move due to the city’s excellent education system and strong regulatory support for fintech and ICOs. “We think it’s a great environment here,” he said, making it clear that Singapore is not just a place but a thriving ecosystem for innovation.
Regulatory Perspectives
As if the allure of luxury cars wasn’t enough, the second day brought Sheree to the forefront during a panel discussion on blockchain law changes. She pointed out the struggles of fitting utility tokens into existing structures, stating, “There’s going to be a lot of changes in the laws very shortly.” So basically, if you’re in the blockchain space, it’s best to keep your eyes peeled!
Reflections from the Media Room
In one of those rare, serene moments away from the buzz of the conference, Cointelegraph’s own Lucrezia Cornèr chatted with Gov and Sheree about their views on the Singapore fintech landscape. They shared their thoughts on the stark contrasts between Singapore and Hong Kong, with Gov saying, “Singapore is progressive and it’s changing rapidly… more companies are looking to relocate here.”
The Road Ahead
When asked about their entry into the crypto community, Gov humorously recalled being treated like they were “mad” back in 2013 for trying to pitch blockchain projects. Sheree added, “It’s both mad and rational. It’s fascinating to see how technology can revolutionize industries, including the asset market with BitCar.”
Final Thoughts
As the conference came to an end, both Gov and Sheree expressed their desire for future collaborations, clearly impressed with the organization and opportunities presented at the BlockShow. With exotic cars and blockchain tech revving up together, it’s safe to say that the future of asset ownership is about to get a whole lot more exciting!
