Elroy Cheo is a Singaporean entrepreneur known for his work in commodities trading, large-scale property development, and blockchain technology. He is a co-founder of ARC Community, an exclusive, members-only Web3 collective that utilizes NFTs and tokens to facilitate collaboration and project development among its members in Asia. ^{[9] [2]}

Career

Cheo began his career in commodities trading before transitioning to large-scale property development. In this role, he managed significant projects, including a mega-city development in China where he oversaw the transformation of undeveloped land into urban infrastructure. He has cited this experience as foundational to his understanding of building valuable systems from the ground up. ^[2]

His entry into the blockchain sector occurred in 2016 through a project developed with his uncle, a software developer. The project aimed to resolve music copyright disputes by consolidating fragmented ownership records on-chain. This early involvement shaped his view of blockchain as a tool for accountability and value creation rather than speculation. ^[9]

In 2022, Cheo co-founded ARC Community with Kiat Lim and Singaporean musician JJ Lin. As the platform's architect, Cheo is responsible for its design and member experience. ARC is an app-based, members-only Web3 collective that uses NFTs as proof of membership, granting access to networking opportunities, events, and collaborations. The community is limited to 888 members to maintain a focus on high-quality engagement. Cheo's vision for ARC is to create a community-driven investment and incubation powerhouse. ^{[4] [9]}

Public Appearances and Views

Cheo is a frequent speaker at industry events and on podcasts, where he discusses topics related to Web3, community building, and entrepreneurship.

TEDxSingapore Talk

In a TEDx talk delivered in July 2025 titled "New rules of connection in the web3 era," Cheo argued that Web3 technologies enable more meritocratic and inclusive connections, moving away from traditional, credential-based networking. He shared a personal anecdote about forming a meaningful connection with an individual represented by a cat avatar, emphasizing that their relationship was built on conversation before their real-world identities were known. He described Web3 as a movement to dismantle intermediaries and promote a democratic exchange of ideas, similar to the original vision for the internet. Cheo explained that ARC Community operates on a merit-based system that rewards member contributions to foster shared ownership and brand loyalty. ^[5]

Interviews

Parallax’s Interviews with Founders

During a March 2024 interview on the Parallax’s Interviews with Founders podcast, Cheo discussed the philosophy behind ARC Community. He stated that ARC was created to foster a sense of belonging in a digital world, contrasting its ethos with the value-extractive models of many Web 2.0 platforms. He described the community's dynamic as a "gang" where members support one another by sharing opportunities, resources, and knowledge for collective growth. Cheo also highlighted the importance of combining digital interaction with physical gatherings, such as retreats, to strengthen relationships formed online. ^[6]

Pass the Power Podcast

In a January 2023 appearance on the Pass the Power podcast, Cheo addressed the male-dominated nature of the cryptocurrency space and advocated for greater inclusion of women through education. He spoke about his personal journey, including his battle with cancer and subsequent rebellious phase, and how his passion for community building led him to Web3. He emphasized that passion, persistence, and genuine contributions to a community are essential for entrepreneurial success. ^[3]

Panel Discussions

Gateway Korea

At the Gateway Korea conference in October 2023, Cheo participated in a panel titled "Community All-Stars Talk Bear Market Building." The discussion, moderated by Matt Medved of NFT Now, also featured Dave Krugman, Frank DeGods, and GMoney. The panelists explored strategies for sustaining Web3 communities during market downturns. Cheo and his fellow speakers emphasized that when financial incentives weaken, the focus must shift to fostering genuine connections, creating intrinsic value, and building a strong sense of belonging. They also discussed the challenges of declining creator royalties and the mental health toll that community accountability can take on founders. ^[7]

Taipei Blockchain Week

Cheo spoke on a panel about Web3 community building at Taipei Blockchain Week in May 2023. The session, moderated by Gabriel Yang of ARC Community, included panelists Annie Yi, DiscoETH, and Fredrick Fung. The discussion centered on the role of decentralization and creators in fostering engagement. Cheo and other panelists highlighted the importance of establishing trust, offering unique experiences, and using NFTs as a tool to connect creators with their audiences. They also addressed the need to balance community-led initiatives with founder-driven direction to cultivate resilient communities. ^[8]

Awards and Recognition

In 2024, Cheo was named to Prestige Singapore's "40 Under 40" list for his entrepreneurial work with ARC Community. ^[9]