Web3 firms in S’pore aim to grow talent pool

SINGAPORE: Ahead of Budget 2024, Web3 and digital asset firms here say they hope for help to grow the sector’s talent pool, lower barriers for blockchain adoption and build up Singapore’s defences against cyber threats and crypto crime.

Some players based in Singapore counted the lack of skills as a key impediment to growing the sector.

They said it is vital to reskill or upskill developers so that they have the abilities needed in Web3, which is the next iteration of the Internet that is decentralised and uses blockchain technology.

To cement Singapore’s position as a hub for innovative blockchain projects, Dr Danny Lim, who is a core contributor at decentralised exchange MarginX, said the Budget should support Web2 developers as they transition into the Web3 sector, especially those facing retrenchment or seeking new career paths.

Web2 refers to the current Internet that is dominated by tech giants like Google and Facebook.

It has moved from the previous basic and static webpages to user-generated content, including the growth of social media.

Lim added that targeted incentives and educational programmes through platforms like SkillsFuture Singapore would promote a thriving blockchain community.

Others like Elaine Zhu, general manager at Parity Asia, a firm that incentivises developers to build on the Polkadot network, hopes to see further investment in blockchain education. — The Straits Times/ANN