263: From Police Officer to Web3 Builder — Rong Kai’s Journey with Reactive Network

What if smart contracts could see and react to events across multiple blockchains—automatically? In this episode, I speak with Rong Kai, co-founder of Reactive Network, a groundbreaking Layer 0.5 protocol designed to enable reactive smart contracts that operate fully on-chain. If you're a developer, founder, or anyone interested in the future of composable, automated smart contracts, this episode is for you. Key Timestamps [00:00:00] Introduction: Sam introduces Rong Kai and the concept of Reactive Network. [00:01:00] Career pivot: From Singapore Police Force to Web3 startup founder. [00:03:00] Entry into crypto: How a volunteer role at Binance led to full-time Web3. [00:04:00] What is Reactive Network: A Layer 0.5 for reactive smart contracts. [00:06:00] Problem with current smart contracts: Why they can't see or react on-chain. [00:08:00] Centralization risks: Why relying on off-chain processes is dangerous. [00:10:00] Launching Reactive: Building a sequencer and scaling multi-chain support. [00:12:00] Hyperlane & GMPs: Using general message passing to expand integration. [00:13:00] Traditional automation stack: Complexity and fragmentation of off-chain solutions. [00:17:00] Upgrading the smart contract model: How Reactive adds “sensors” to Web3. [00:18:00] Solidity-first approach: Starting with EVM, plans for non-EVM support. [00:20:00] Business model: Machines paying for gas via automated smart contracts. [00:23:00] Gas fee balancing: Keeping costs low through hard forks and efficiency. [00:26:00] $3M dev fund: Grants and bounties for builders experimenting with reactive contracts. [00:29:00] Go-to-market strategy: Developer onboarding and ecosystem partnerships. [00:31:00] Web3 dev challenges: Why the space still struggles to scale builders. [00:34:00] Ecosystem consolidation: Fewer chains, more specialization. [00:36:00] Retail stagnation: Why altcoin volume is dropping despite Bitcoin’s rise. [00:38:00] Institutions & paradigm shifts: Why the next wave may not follow past cycles. [00:40:00] Call to action: Rong’s ask to devs and projects—try Reactive Network. Connect https://reactive.network/ https://x.com/parsiq_net https://x.com/RongKaiPARSIQ Disclaimer Nothing mentioned in this podcast is investment advice and please do your own research. Finally, it would mean a lot if you can leave a review of this podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share this podcast with a friend. Be a guest on the podcast or contact us - https://www.web3pod.xyz/