Professor Edward Wong, a GreenAnt Chief Technology Officer (CTO), is a distinguished leader at the forefront of sustainable finance and technology.  Leveraging his expertise in blockchain technology, he empowers users and revolutionizes environmental practices.

Before joining GreenAnt, Professor Wong co-founded QuantDART, a pioneering crypto investment firm. This experience demonstrates his long-standing interest in the potential of emerging technologies for positive impact. His dedication to sustainability extends beyond technical solutions. In addition to his contributions to GreenAnt and its Desidera.ai platform (which utilizes AI and satellite data analysis), Professor Wong actively shapes policies and best practices for carbon offset tokenization in Europe. His commitment to collaboration and innovation positions him as a key figure in building a greener future.

On the occasion of the recent recognition by European Carbon Offset Tokenization Association (ECOTA) of Edward’s expertise, I sat down with him to discuss his journey.

Interview

Didi Chadran: Congratulations on becoming an ECOTA Expert, Edward! Can you tell us what sparked your interest in carbon offset tokenization?

Edward Wong: Thank you! As co-founder of QuantDART, we explored various models within the crypto space, including governance, business applications, and the potential for social good. When I met GreenAnt’s CEO, Mario [Simmaco], and CFO, Huy [Pham], it became clear that decentralizing control over environmental sustainability was both logical and urgently needed. This recognition is what initially drew me to carbon offset tokenization.

Chadran: Sustainability has been a constant theme throughout your career. Of course, GreenAnt isn’t in the carbon offset business, but can you tell me how you integrate your values into your work at GreenAnt?

Wong: While sustainability wasn’t always my primary focus, I’ve always valued green initiatives like recycling and using public transportation. However, the urgency of climate change has significantly shifted my perspective. At IBM, I contributed to Smart City projects, which further heightened my awareness of sustainability’s importance.

As one of GreenAnt’s four CTOs, I strive to embed sustainability into our company culture. Beyond software development, we hold discussions on diverse topics like transportation, food sourcing, and energy use. For instance, I advocate for critical evaluations of technologies like Bitcoin mining and AI, recognizing the need for sustainable solutions in these areas.

Chadran: What specific contributions have you made at GreenAnt that leverage your sustainability expertise?

Wong: As CTO, I spearheaded the development of scalable infrastructure, streamlined software development processes, and built a highly skilled IT team. These efforts resulted in an NFT marketplace specifically designed for creating and trading carbon offset (CO) tokens.

Furthermore, our Desidera.ai platform integrates cutting-edge technologies like GIS, satellite and drone imagery, machine learning, and Intelligent GPT Agents. This powerful platform empowers users to actively contribute to environmental sustainability by leveraging the latest innovations.

Chadran: ECOTA emphasizes blockchain technology’s role in a more sustainable future. How does GreenAnt’s platform address this challenge?

Wong: GreenAnt’s platform leverages blockchain technology to promote sustainability through innovative tokenization. We’ve introduced three ERC-20 tokens: GA-NFT (the foundational CO token), GA-DAO (the governance token), and $GA (the platform’s “fuel,” similar to ETH on Ethereum).

These tokens collectively create a user-friendly framework that incentivizes sustainable behaviors. By leveraging blockchain, we empower individuals and organizations to actively participate in building a more environmentally conscious future.

Chadran: Looking ahead, what exciting developments do you foresee in carbon offset tokenization, and how will this impact GreenAnt?

Wong: I envision a future where individuals, governments, corporations, and technological advancements work together to address the climate crisis. Specifically, the Internet of Things (IoT) will provide precise remote sensing, monitoring, and management capabilities. Machine learning will aid in predicting scenarios and outcomes, leading to better decision-making.

Blockchain technology, with its emphasis on transparency and decentralization, holds immense potential for managing and incentivizing sustainable behaviors. However, its effectiveness ultimately depends on widespread adoption.

The emergence of quantum computing also presents intriguing possibilities for tackling complex sustainability challenges. GreenAnt is committed to remaining at the forefront of innovation, leveraging these advancements to drive meaningful change in the realm of sustainability.

Chadran: Now that you’re an ECOTA Expert, what are your goals, and how can the GreenAnt community benefit from your participation?

Wong: As an ECOTA Expert, I aim to advance carbon offset tokenization practices in Europe by fostering collaboration and advocating for supportive policies. Through my participation, the GreenAnt community can gain insights into emerging trends and innovative strategies for integrating sustainability into business operations. My involvement serves as a bridge between global initiatives and local action, empowering GreenAnt to contribute to a more sustainable future.

Chadran: Beyond technical expertise, are there any specific skills or mindsets you believe are crucial for success in the field of Regenerative Finance (ReFi)?

Wong: In addition to technical expertise, I believe certain skills and mindsets are crucial for success in the field of ReFi. Adaptability and openness to interdisciplinary collaboration are essential, as ReFi requires integrating financial principles with ecological and social considerations. Moreover, a long-term perspective and commitment to sustainability are paramount, as ReFi seeks to create lasting positive impacts on both the environment and society. Strong communication skills and the ability to navigate complex stakeholder relationships are also vital for effectively advocating for regenerative finance principles and fostering meaningful change within financial institutions and broader ecosystems.

Chadran: I find that fascinating and quite hopeful, something we all can use right now. In this vein, what advice would you give to young professionals interested in getting involved in the fight against climate change through technology?

Wong: First, stay Informed. Keep abreast of the latest developments and innovations in both technology and climate science. This will help you identify areas where technology can make the most impact.

Second, acquire relevant skills. Equip yourself with knowledge and experience in fields such as renewable energy, data analytics, machine learning, and blockchain technology. These are all crucial in developing innovative solutions to address climate challenges.

Third, I’m a strong believer in seeking collaborative opportunities. Collaboration is key in tackling such a complex issue. Seek out opportunities to collaborate with experts across disciplines and industries to leverage collective expertise and resources.

Speaking more broadly, I encourage rising environmental stewards to think globally and act locally. I know it’s been said before, but the truth behind it is inarguable. While the climate crisis is a global issue, meaningful action often starts at the local level. Look for ways to make a difference in your own community, through initiatives like renewable energy projects, waste reduction programs, or advocating for sustainable policies.

Finally, stay persistent and resilient. Progress in the fight against climate change can be slow and challenging. Stay persistent in your efforts and remain resilient in the face of setbacks. Your contributions, no matter how small, can make a difference in the long run.

Chadran: Thank you for all this guidance, Edward. I’m especially grateful for your message that we can all play a part in this. Is there anything else you’d like to share with the GreenAnt community about your vision for a more sustainable future?

Wong: Absolutely! Our journey towards a sustainable future is one we embark on together. Beyond technological advancements, our vision embraces social responsibility, environmental stewardship, and economic prosperity.

Together we have the power to pioneer transformative solutions that mitigate climate change’s impacts and foster resilience and inclusivity in our communities. By harnessing innovation, collaboration, and conscientious decision-making, we can build a world where sustainability is not just a goal, but a way of life.

Let’s work hand in hand to realize this vision, leveraging technology’s potential to create a cleaner, greener, and more equitable future for generations to come.