Nina Rong of BNB Chain: Fostering Development and Driving Global Expansion

As the cryptocurrency sector advances into its next phase, the emphasis is shifting towards developers, user engagement, and global reach. Under Nina Rong's leadership, BNB Chain is prioritizing ecosystem-centric growth.

Key Takeaways

BNB Chain aims to onboard the next billion Web3 users through its strong developer support and community engagement.
Nina emphasizes a "win-win" mindset to empower all participants of the ecosystem, including developers, retailers, and infrastructure providers.
BNB Chain is expanding globally with a focus on regional community management.
The company recognizes the importance of adaptability and monitoring emerging trends in the crypto space.
Nina advocates for self-learning and proactive ownership among Web3 builders, especially in a largely unregulated landscape.

BNB Chain interview

Nina Rong of BNB Chain on building for developers and global growth - 1

The current trend in the crypto world is to focus on robust developer support and genuine user demand while promoting sustainable global growth. Today’s networks are evaluated not just on their technological capabilities but also on how effectively they assist builders in launching, scaling, and reaching users worldwide. To further explore these priorities, we spoke with Nina Rong, the Executive Director of Growth at BNB Chain, during the Binance Blockchain Week in Dubai.

The Vision of Nina Rong at BNB Chain

Q: First of all, congratulations on your new position at BNB Chain. What excites you the most about becoming the Executive Director of Growth?
Nina: This role is genuinely thrilling. BNB Chain has enormous potential to onboard the next billion Web3 users. I emphasized in my keynote yesterday how our engineering team is exceptional. As an engineer myself, I have a passion for technological innovation. BNB Chain is one of the most reliable networks in crypto, having improved its performance over the last five years—reducing gas fees by 300 times and increasing throughput by 40 times. The exceptionally skilled team and established partnerships within the ecosystem, combined with a robust community of supporters among both retailers and developers, greatly excite me.

Building Stronger Developer Relations

Q: You have previous experience leading partnerships at the Arbitrum Foundation. How have those experiences influenced your approach to ecosystem growth?
Nina: My time at Arbitrum was crucial in developing strong relationships with the community, especially with developers. I learned the significance of a win-win mindset; it’s vital for an ecosystem to empower everyone. This perspective shapes my career philosophy. My engineering background has helped me in communicating complex ideas clearly. I spent four to five years mastering technical subjects, which taught me how to make technology more accessible to retail users. I believe it’s crucial for them to appreciate the technology that drives our industry forward.

Expanding Developer Programs

Q: BNB Chain plans to enhance its developer programs. What can we expect?
Nina: BNB Chain has always been committed to supporting developers. We conduct multiple hackathons annually, featuring top mentors and founders to share insights. This year, we’re launching a new initiative called BNB Trenches to help hackers transform their ideas into market-ready products. This program fills the gap between hackathons and incubators, ensuring developers have the resources they need to succeed. We also manage YZi Labs, which has $1 billion allocated to supporting various projects. Our goal is to connect developers with BNB Chain’s extensive user base early in their projects.

Global Expansion Strategy

Q: How is BNB Chain approaching global growth as we move forward?
Nina: We are expanding our presence globally, with community managers now in Korea, India, and Argentina. It is essential to have local ambassadors who understand their community's culture—each region has unique characteristics. For instance, Argentina has a developer-centric community, while South Korea has a stronger trader orientation.

Seizing Crypto Opportunities in Asia

Q: How do you see the expansion of crypto in Asia? What trends are you looking forward to?
Nina: Historically, Asian companies excel in adopting tech and bringing concepts to mass audiences. We plan to collaborate closely with Asian entrepreneurs to promote crypto offerings. While Asia is our primary market, we are also branching into North America, South America, and Europe.

Trends to Monitor

Q: What emerging trends in the industry do you find less encouraging?
Nina: It’s vital to remain open-minded about trends, including AI in crypto. I prefer to observe and monitor developments rather than dismiss them prematurely, as the landscape can change rapidly in this space.

The New Wave of Web3 Builders

Q: What traits are emerging among the next generation of Web3 builders?
Nina: The lack of formal Web3 degrees can be seen as a blessing, as this fosters self-motivation and independent learning. Current builders are resourceful, often acquiring their knowledge through non-traditional channels. At BNB Chain, we encourage a mindset akin to that of a founder—taking ownership and initiative.

Navigating Market Volatility

Q: Given the recent turbulence in the crypto market, what do you foresee for its evolution in the coming years?
Nina: The market is unpredictable; there’s no certain way to forecast its trajectory. As an ecosystem builder, our focus is on being prepared for various market conditions.

Championing Diversity in Web3

Q: As a leader in a male-dominated industry, how has your experience shaped your perspective?
Nina: I have always advocated for more women in tech, running a group in Beijing called Ladies Who Tech. At BNB Chain, I continue this advocacy and encourage women to seize their opportunities. The industry is tough, but focusing on performance and actions can help drive real change.

Nina's Leadership Motivation

Q: Lastly, what drives you as a leader, and what impact do you intend to have at BNB Chain?
Nina: I find motivation in seeing various ecosystem participants collaborate like an orchestra. Ecosystem builders have the unique ability to unify developers, infrastructure, retail users, and institutions toward a common goal. Empowering everyone to achieve their full potential is central to my vision for success.

This article sheds light on Nina Rong's vision and strategies for BNB Chain, highlighting her dedication to fostering a supportive developer environment and expanding the network globally.