At the recent BNB Day 5th anniversary celebration in Hong Kong, BNB Chain rolled out the red carpet for a special guest: Changpeng Zhao, better known as CZ, the founder of Binance. This wasn't just any meetup—it was a lively AMA session where CZ fielded questions from the community on everything from DeFi integrations to the wild world of meme coins. If you're into blockchain and looking to stay ahead of the curve, this recap is your ticket to the highlights.

The event, hosted by BNB Chain's Chinese Twitter account, drew a crowd eager to pick CZ's brain. He shared his unfiltered views on bridging traditional finance with DeFi, Hong Kong's role in fostering innovation, and why he's shifting his focus from meme surfing to bigger plays like real-world assets (RWA), AI, and biotech. Let's break it down question by question, with simple explanations for the tech jargon along the way.

Bridging Traditional Finance and DeFi

One of the first questions dove into advice for bridging institutions and DeFi products—DeFi, short for decentralized finance, is basically financial services built on blockchain without middlemen like banks. CZ emphasized that while partnering with big names like securities firms can tap into huge user bases, the real key is building a solid product. For lending platforms, that means competitive interest rates and good liquidity (how easily assets can be bought or sold without tanking the price). He sees this as a massive market, but success hinges on showcasing value and gaining traction in the ecosystem.

Hong Kong's Push for Innovation in AI, Biotech, and Beyond

CZ has been vocal about Hong Kong's potential, and here he expanded on how government attitudes toward business can make or break innovation. A supportive environment for one sector, like Web3 (the decentralized internet powered by blockchain), often spills over to others such as AI (artificial intelligence, machines that learn and think like humans) and biotech (using biology for tech advancements, like new medicines). He noted that these fields interconnect—AI needs data privacy solutions from blockchain, and biotech relies on AI for progress.

Hong Kong's efforts to attract talent and investment in these areas could position it as a hub, especially as a testing ground for mainland China. However, CZ pointed out challenges like limited local data for AI training, suggesting bigger countries like China or the US might lead there. Overall, he's optimistic about Hong Kong's open stance on new tech.

From Meme Coins to RWA: CZ's Current Obsessions

This one's gold for meme enthusiasts. CZ admitted he's dialed back on Twitter (now X) surfing, especially after getting "sniped" (outmaneuvered in trades) while playing with memes on BNB Smart Chain (BSC), BNB Chain's layer for smart contracts. Memes are fun, he said, but their longevity is questionable. Instead, he's eyeing RWA—tokenizing real-world assets like real estate or art on the blockchain for easier trading.

He highlighted challenges like regulatory hurdles (assets might be classified as securities, requiring strict compliance) and liquidity issues. But solving these could be "interesting," especially with collaborations like those involving BlackRock. Lately, CZ's been deep into AI and biotech investments, and he's traveling more, advising governments on Web3 regulations. Oh, and that kite-surfing profile pic? It's all about embracing new adventures post-Binance.

Building Liquidity for RWA

On making blockchain the go-to for RWA settlements (finalizing trades), CZ predicted a shift toward retail users over time, but it starts small. Liquidity builds gradually, just like Bitcoin did in its early days. Focus on core users first, keep costs low, and prioritize easy-to-tokenize assets like stablecoins (crypto pegged to fiat currencies for stability). It's about realistic expectations—no one's jumping straight to trillion-dollar volumes.

The Fun Side: Kite-Surfing Mishaps

Lightening things up, CZ joked about drinking "enough sea water to dry up the ocean" while learning kite-surfing. He prefers water sports over snow ones for safety reasons—falling on water hurts less than on slopes. If you're curious, he recommends giving it a try for that adrenaline rush.

Data Infrastructure for RWA

CZ sees huge potential in data platforms for RWA, where traditional assets like property lack reliable pricing history. Blockchain could make everything transparent and 24/7 tradable, creating a virtuous cycle: better data leads to more trades, which boosts liquidity. For data-focused tools, this is a traffic goldmine as the sector matures.

Why Companies Don't Tokenize Stocks Directly

Diving into stocks on-chain, CZ explained the big barrier: compliance. Public companies face strict rules from regulators like the SEC, and issuing tokens could clash with that. Middlemen like Robinhood handle it to avoid risks, but this often means tokens don't fully mirror stock benefits, like dividends. The ideal future? Regulations evolve to allow direct token issuance, enabling global, seamless trading.

The Tattoo Reveal

In a quick, fun moment, CZ confirmed his tattoo is real, even showing it off to the crowd.

DeSci: Merging Decentralization with Science

Wrapping up, CZ endorsed DeSci (decentralized science, using blockchain for funding and collaborating on research). The challenge? Science's long timelines clash with Web3's quick-win mentality. But tokenizing future research profits could fund thousands of scientists. He's invested in related projects via his ventures and believes a breakthrough case, like an AI-driven cancer cure, could ignite the space.

This AMA underscores why CZ remains a powerhouse in crypto—his blend of practical advice, forward-thinking, and humor keeps the community engaged. For meme token fans, it's a reminder that while memes are entertaining, the real game-changers might lie in RWA and emerging tech. If you want the full thread in Chinese, check it out here. What's your take on CZ's shift from memes to biotech? Drop your thoughts in the comments!