Desmond Yong

Mentor

Headline:

Financial compliance and regulatory professional

Programmes:

Communication Studies
School of Communication & Information

Summary

With over 14 years of experience in the public sector, payment and cryptocurrency space, I am a compliance and crypto expert who loves to start something new or work in a highly ambiguous and complex environment. As the founder of Meta Alpha, I specialize in assisting my clients in achieving three key rights that pave the way to their success in Singapore: the right to operate, the right to win, and the right to scale.

Prior to founding Meta Alpha, I was the chief strategy officer at Digital Treasures Center, the first local company to obtain six activities licenses, including the digital payment token service, from the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). I led the application process, developed the necessary policies and procedures, and acted as the spokesperson for the company. I also have experience in championing the digital transformation journey at MAS, building up the digital capabilities within the public sector, and leading multi-agencies digital marketing campaigns. I have a strong background in law and technology, information science, and business statistics, and multiple certifications in new media communications, advanced Google Analytics, and agile meets design thinking. I am proficient in English and Chinese, and have a keen interest in international relations and affairs.

Featured Skills

Regulations Compliance Financial Advisory blockchain crypto Digital Communication Strategy Public Policy

Work Experience

Founder May 2023 - Present

Meta Alpha Singapore

Social Media Marketing Public Relations Compliance Regulations Licensing Public Speaking Business Development Consultancy

Prior to founding Meta Alpha, I was the chief strategy officer at Digital Treasures Center, the first local company to obtain six activities licenses, including the digital payment token service, from the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). I led the application process, developed the necessary policies and procedures, and acted as the spokesperson for the company. I also have experience in championing the digital transformation journey at MAS, building up the digital capabilities within the public sector, and leading multi-agencies digital marketing campaigns. I have a strong background in law and technology, information science, and business statistics, and multiple certifications in new media communications, advanced Google Analytics, and agile meets design thinking. I am proficient in English and Chinese, and have a keen interest in international relations and affairs.

Chief Strategy Officer Jan 2020 - May 2023

dtcpay Singapore

Strategic Planning Marketing Strategy Business Planning Brand Development Public Affairs Fundraising Regulations Government Affairs Licensing Compliance

Working in the payment and cryptocurrency space. Led in the application for the payment license. First local company to obtain 6 activities (including DPT or commonly known as cryptocurrency) license. Develop the necessary policies and procedures for the company.

Assistant Director Jan 2018 - Jan 2020

Monetary Authority of Singapore Singapore

Public Relations Team Building Social Media Marketing Government Marketing Communications Public Policy Project Delivery Management Change Management Agile Design Thinking

• Contributed to the Payment Services Act Workgroup, responsible for policy formulation and

public/industry communication.

• Collaborated on significant media coverage related to MAS initiatives in cybersecurity, FinTech,

data analytics, and AI.

• Promoted digital transformation as a member of the pioneering product team in the

Transformation Division.

Manager Dec 2014 - Aug 2017

Sengkang Health Singapore

Team Building Marketing Strategy Budgets Social Media Marketing Public Relations Marketing Communications

• Led a team responsible for driving digital communications and public engagement initiatives.

Information Officer Jan 2009 - Nov 2014

Ministry Of Communications And Information Singapore

Change Management Vendor Management Public Relations Media Relations Corporate Communications Internal Communications Policy Proposal Writing Digital Communication Strategy

• Supported and advised various ministries on effective communication and public engagement

strategies, thereby enhancing public trust in the government.

• Developed an understanding of public health, community, youth, and sports sectors through

multiple government agency secondments.

Education

Master (Law) Jan 2023 - Present

Singapore Management University Singapore

Legal Writing Legal Issues technology law fintech law digital assets law

Master (Communication) Jan 2020 - Jan 2021

Nanyang Technological University Singapore

Public Relations Marketing Communications Media Relations Corporate Communications Strategic Communications Internal Communications

Bachelor (Communication) Aug 2006 - Dec 2008

National University of Singapore Singapore

Public Relations Media Relations Social Media Social Media Marketing Corporate Communications Strategic Communications

Other Skills

Entrepreneurship Start-ups Strategy Social Media Marketing Leadership Management Business Development Business Strategy Strategic Partnerships Public Speaking Social Networking Project Management Management Consulting Digital Strategy Training Team Leadership Entrepreneurship Start-ups Strategy Social Media Business Development Business Strategy Management Leadership Marketing Strategic Partnerships Public Speaking Social Networking Project Management Management Consulting Digital Strategy Team Leadership Training

Careers Desmond favourited

Compliance

Compliance Consultant

Chief Compliance Officer

Director of Compliance

Director of Public Affairs

Director, Government Affairs

Desmond Yong's Skill Profile

Regulations Founder @ Meta Alpha

When I was working at Meta Alpha (May 2023 - Present), I demonstrated the Regulations skill when I was responsible for advise clients on regulations. To tackle this challenge, I proactively advise clients on their regulatory requirement. As a result, I managed to achieve sales leads and deals .

Regulations Chief Strategy Officer @ dtcpay

When I was working at dtcpay (Jan 2020 - May 2023), I demonstrated the Regulations skill when I was in charge of licensing. To tackle this challenge, I proactively research on the latest development. As a result, I managed to achieve license from MAS .

Compliance Chief Strategy Officer @ dtcpay

When I was working at dtcpay (Jan 2020 - May 2023), I demonstrated the Compliance skill when I was tasked to do compliance work. To tackle this challenge, I proactively learn from colleagues and through upskilling. As a result, I managed to complete my tasks as a compliance officer.

Public Policy Assistant Director @ Monetary Authority of Singapore

When I was working at Monetary Authority of Singapore (Jan 2018 - Jan 2020), I demonstrated the Public Policy skill when I was responsible for revamping MAS website. To tackle this challenge, I proactively research and engage internal stakeholders to understand their policies and policies decsions. As a result, I managed to complete the revamp and have an understanding of the policy decisions.

Digital Communication Strategy Information Officer @ Ministry Of Communications And Information

When I was working at Ministry Of Communications And Information (Jan 2009 - Nov 2014), I demonstrated the Digital Communication Strategy skill when I was responsible for digital media communications for the ministries. To take initiative, I proactively advise and took on tasks to setup digital media capabilities in the organisations. As a result, I managed to achieve a new function within the ministries with digital media capabilties.