In this episode of the Web3 Marketing Association Podcast, hosts Lars and Suresh sit down with Ray Chan, CEO and co-founder of 9GAG and MemeLand. Known for his sharp wit and bold vision, Ray shares the story of building one of the internet’s most iconic meme platforms and why he’s now leading its transition into Web3.

Ray reflects on his personal journey—from law school to TV anchoring, to launching 9GAG with friends during the early days of Web 2.0. He explains how community has always been at the heart of 9GAG, making the shift to Web3 a natural progression. With MemeLand, Ray is experimenting with NFTs and decentralised ownership, giving power back to communities while reinventing the brand for the future.

The conversation covers the challenges of building in Web3: managing fast-changing communities, sustaining engagement beyond hype cycles, balancing trust with delivery, and staying true to long-term vision in a volatile space. Ray stresses the importance of being “community-informed but not community-driven,” likening leadership in Web3 to running a mini public company with thousands of vocal shareholders.

For marketers, Ray offers clear advice: Web3 is not just a marketing stunt or a cash grab. True value lies in creating genuine utility, rewarding loyalty, and treating community members as stakeholders rather than consumers. He encourages CMOs to learn directly from operators who have successfully launched projects and to think beyond gimmicks to long-term value creation.

This episode is packed with practical insights on community-building, brand reinvention, and the evolving relationship between businesses and their audiences in the Web3 era.