From Tsinghua to Singapore: Hu Yilin's Vision of a Bitcoin-Standard World

The Singapore Transition

When Hu Yilin left his prestigious position at Tsinghua University to relocate to Singapore, it wasn’t just a career move—it was a philosophical statement. ‘Singapore offers stability,’ Hu explains over a cup of kopi at a local hawker center. ‘Like its climate, it’s predictably warm. That predictability might not foster innovation, but it creates the perfect environment for raising children and deep thinking.’

His decision reflects a growing trend among Chinese intellectuals seeking spaces where they can freely explore controversial ideas like cryptocurrency adoption without political constraints.

Philosophy Meets Blockchain

As a scholar who taught philosophy of technology, Hu brings unique perspectives to crypto discussions. ‘Bitcoin isn’t just about finance,’ he argues. ‘It’s about reclaiming what modernity took from us—our ability to store value across generations.’ He draws parallels between Heidegger’s concept of ‘being’ and blockchain’s immutable ledger: ‘Both force us to confront fundamental questions about existence and trust.’

Hu’s weekly readings of Being and Time with local expats demonstrate how deeply he connects German existentialism with decentralized systems. ‘Philosophy and crypto both require you to question your mental frameworks,’ he notes.

The Case for Bitcoin Standard

Hu presents compelling arguments for adopting Bitcoin as global reserve currency:

1. Scarcity as Stability: Unlike fiat currencies subject to political whims, Bitcoin’s fixed supply makes it ‘the most conservative investment—because it doesn’t change.’
2. Technological Imperative: As societies digitize, we need money that’s native to this new reality rather than digitized versions of paper currency.
3. Demographic Shift: With aging populations worldwide, ‘we need an asset class that appreciates naturally rather than depending on perpetual growth.’

He contrasts this with current systems: ‘The Federal Reserve can change monetary policy with a decimal point adjustment. That’s the real virtual currency.’

Crypto’s Cultural Revolution

Beyond economics, Hu sees crypto enabling cultural preservation. ‘Traditional boundaries are dissolving,’ he observes. ‘Blockchain lets communities create digital borders to protect their identities.’ His involvement with Chinese-language DAOs demonstrates how diaspora groups use crypto to maintain cultural continuity while embracing global mobility.

When asked about meme coins and Trump’s cryptocurrency ventures, Hu surprises with his tolerance: ‘They’re like protest movements—messy but necessary parts of any revolution.’ His nuanced take reflects his academic background: recognizing chaotic elements while maintaining focus on systemic change.

Looking Ahead

As our conversation concludes, Hu gazes at Singapore’s skyline—a blend of greenery and glass towers symbolizing his ideal fusion of tradition and innovation. ‘We’re still in crypto’s wild west phase,’ he muses. ‘But just as America evolved beyond its frontier days, blockchain will mature into something greater than its libertarian origins.’

For those wondering how to participate, his advice is simple: ‘Buy Bitcoin. Use decentralized apps. Live your values through technology.’ In Hu Yilin’s vision, adopting cryptocurrency isn’t just an investment strategy—it’s philosophical alignment with the future.