Is Southeast Asia on the verge of bursting onto the global NFT stage? The Jackson Sharkz NFT giveaway, which started on April 15th, 2025, from Jackson.io, could be the spark. Over 10,000 participants in three days? That’s not merely a giveaway—it’s a symbolic statement. A declaration that the region was starving for opportunity, starving for Web3, and starving to make its imprint.

Giveaways are giveaways. Hype is hype. At the end of the day, what counts is if this will actually make a difference in real life to the artists and users out there. Will this turn out to be yet another flash in the pan, or will it really prove to be ushaas that raves her a new generation of creators?

Bridging The Digital Divide, Finally?

And the draw of the Sui blockchain, praised for its speed and low fees. Zero royalties on secondary sales? Soaring melodies to the ears of artists who have been forced into tight corners by legacy distributors. How attractive is the Sui blockchain to an average Vietnamese or Filipino living in rural areas? Do they have the bandwidth? The devices? The knowledge?

We can no longer be under the false impression that everyone has the same level of access. Scaling the effort We have to intentionally overcome the digital divide. So we have to think about how we’re translating resources, educating people, onboarding users in a culturally competent and linguistically appropriate way. Are you reaching out to these communities?

Think of it like this: It’s like offering a scholarship to Harvard but requiring the application to be in Latin. Great opportunity, yes, but realistically, who benefits?

As someone who has produced more than 20 hackathons around Southeast Asia, I’m accustomed to this environment. I’ve witnessed this artist/apprentice talent at the commanding level, the fire passion, the phenomenal potential. The artists making this work today are creating amazing art—again, on the smallest of budgets and scant recognition.

Southeast Asian Voices, Amplified Now?

I have friends producing amazing digital artwork that draws from old myth and legend. I can introduce you to other musicians creating this music that fuses traditional instruments with high-tech electronic beats. Like experienced animators creating impactful stories that threaten norm. They’re already innovating on NFTs, but they need a platform, a community, and a megaphone.

  • Traditional art markets are often exclusionary.
  • Web3 promises democratization, but…
  • …it's only a promise if we make it real.

Picture artists from Yogyakarta finding new collectors in New York, selling their digital iteration of batik directly to them, without a gallery or market maker in between. Or consider a Cambodian musician using NFT sales to finance their next album without needing to compromise on artistic choices. This is the potential we're talking about.

The Jackson Sharkz giveaway, while seemingly a simple marketing tactic, could be a gateway for these artists to connect with a global audience, build their portfolios, and gain the recognition they deserve. It requires more than just airdrops. It requires support.

We need more workshops, mentorship programs, and dedicated grant opportunities for artists from Southeast Asian backgrounds. It is on us to elevate their voices, continue to highlight their work, and help build a more inclusive and equitable Web3 ecosystem.

The giveaway ends April 22nd, 2025. That's now. It’s all too easy to brush off this initiative as yet another NFT drop. I see it as a challenge. A call to action for the Web3 community to come aboard and help build the future of Southeast Asian art.

Urgency, Opportunity, Responsibility, Take Action!

We encourage you to think deeply about these issues, but don’t stop here. Get involved. Make a difference. Let’s make this highly unusual giveaway into a positive, proactive true catalyst for change. So let’s go prove to the rest of the world just how much talent Southeast Asia has to offer.

  • What can you do?
  • Reach out to artists in the region.
  • Offer mentorship and guidance.
  • Support their work.
  • Advocate for policies that promote inclusivity.

The future of Web3 isn't just about technology. It's about people. It's about empowering communities. It’s about hard work towards a more equitable and inclusive world. And Southeast Asia is poised to show the world how it can be done. Are you ready to join them? Are you really?

Because here’s the truth: The future of Web3 isn't just about technology. It's about people. It's about empowering communities. It's about creating a more equitable and inclusive world. And Southeast Asia is ready to lead the way. Are you ready to join them? Are you really?

Don’t let this opportunity slip through your fingers.