1 | The Big Picture: A Dollar‑Heavy Balance Sheet that Needs Balance
Foreign‑exchange reserves already top US $22.5 billion—but they are almost entirely parked in traditional fiat assets and gold. That’s great for stability, yet it leaves the portfolio highly correlated to the same macro forces.
Dollarisation runs deep. Roughly 90 % of bank loans and deposits are in U.S. dollars, limiting the National Bank of Cambodia’s (NBC) policy flexibility.
Bakong, Cambodia’s blockchain payment rail, is exploding. 2024 transaction value equalled 330 % of GDP (US $105 billion)—evidence that citizens and merchants already trust digital rails.
All three facts shout the same message: Cambodia needs a non‑correlated, digital‑native asset on its sovereign balance sheet.
2 | Seven Power Plays a Bitcoin Reserve Unlocks
#
Strategic Advantage
Why It Matters for Cambodia
1
Diversify Reserves & Capture Upside
Bitcoin’s 5‑year price has out‑paced gold, U.S. Treasuries and the S&P 500. A 3 % allocation would swing the risk/return profile of the NBC portfolio without jeopardising liquidity.
2
Accelerate De‑Dollarisation
Offering riel ↔ BTC swaps inside Bakong gives citizens a compelling store‑of‑value alternative to keeping physical USD under the mattress.
3
Geopolitical Insurance
Cambodia has already seen targeted U.S. sanctions on elites and businesses. A cold‑storage Bitcoin buffer sits outside SWIFT and OFAC jurisdiction, ensuring emergency access to value.
4
Proof‑of‑Innovation Signal
El Salvador’s reserve is worth US $760 million—up ~120 % since 2021. The headlines turned a small Central‑American nation into a fintech magnet; Cambodia can do the same for ASEAN.
5
Follow Regional Momentum
Kazakhstan and others are publicly studying crypto reserve strategies. Early‑mover advantage in Southeast Asia is still up for grabs.
6
Low‑Cost Remittance & Tourism Boost
Holding BTC lets NBC open wholesale payment channels to global exchanges and Lightning gateways, slicing fees that migrant workers and visitors pay today.
7
Green‑Growth Funding
NBC is already pondering reserve investments in green projects. Periodic BTC re‑valuation gains could be earmarked for climate‑adaptation or reforestation funds—turning digital alpha into real‑world impact.
3 | Blueprint for Action (Simple, Safe, Systematic)
Start Tiny, Scale Smoothly
Year 1: Dollar‑cost‑average (DCA) 0.5 % of reserves (~US $112 m) into BTC.
Cap annual flow at 0.5‑1 % until a 3‑5 % ceiling is reached.
World‑Class Custody
Multisignature cold wallets with shards held by NBC, an international audit firm, and Cambodia’s Securities & Exchange Regulator.
Statutory Guard‑Rails
Require a 4‑year minimum holding period before any sale, dampening mark‑to‑market pressure.
Mandate quarterly public disclosure of wallet balances and fiat cost basis.
Bakong Integration
Create a wholesale BTC pool that backs riel‑denominated “Bakong‑BTC” vouchers for merchants—no retail speculation, pure settlement utility.
Risk‑Management Buffer
Pair each BTC purchase with a small option hedge (e.g., 3‑month put) financed from interest on existing U.S. Treasury holdings—insurance that costs pennies on the dollar.
4 | Answering the Skeptics ✋
“Bitcoin is volatile!” True—so is oil, yet many central banks own it. Position‑size prudently and take a 4‑year rolling view; historically that horizon has delivered positive real returns 100 % of the time.
“What about AML/CFT?” Sovereign custody plus on‑chain analytics can make reserve wallets the most surveilled addresses on Earth.
“IMF will frown.” Bitcoin as reserve asset ≠ legal tender mandate. Cambodia can keep riel and USD as mediums of exchange while holding BTC the way many banks hold gold.
5 | The Pay‑Off: A Flywheel of Confidence
Reserve diversification signals prudence.
Tech‑forward branding draws VC money, digital‑nomad talent and Web3 startups.
Bakong adoption jumps as users gain a seamless bridge to global crypto liquidity.
GDP tailwind from lower remittance costs, higher tourism spend and export‑sector differentiation.
Put simply: a modest Bitcoin reserve can punch far above its weight—financially, technologically, and diplomatically.
🚀 Bottom Line
Cambodia already stunned the world with Bakong. Adding a strategic slice of Bitcoin to the national vault would amplify that success, hedge against external shocks and shout to investors everywhere: “The Kingdom is open for the future!”
Phnom Penh’s evolving skyline: New high-rises under construction around the historic Royal Palace (Cambodia’s capital had few tall buildings until the 2010s, but today it boasts hundreds of high-rises).
Construction Workforce Experience and Skills
A skilled, hard-working labor force underpins the rapid construction in all three countries. China’s construction workforce is enormous – tens of millions of migrant laborers with years of hands-on experience gained during the nation’s construction boom . These workers are often organized into efficient crews that operate in shifts around the clock. Famous feats, like a 7,500-strong crew building a 1,000-bed Wuhan hospital in just 10 days, highlight Chinese workers’ dedication (some slept only a few hours over multiple days to meet the deadline) . Vietnamese builders, likewise, are known for their strong craftsmanship and work ethic. Many undergo vocational training or apprenticeships, gaining expertise in trades like masonry, welding, and carpentry. They pride themselves on precision and meeting deadlines even under tough conditions . This reputation has made Vietnamese construction workers sought after internationally for their reliability and skill . Cambodia’s workforce is smaller but rapidly growing in experience. The construction sector has become a major employer in Cambodia, drawing in rural workers eager to improve their livelihoods . On Phnom Penh’s bustling building sites, crews often work extremely long hours – 58 to 70 hours per week without days off – to keep projects on schedule . This willingness to put in overtime, while raising concerns about safety and fatigue, reflects a commitment to getting the job done quickly. Across all three countries, the cultural emphasis on hard work and the desire to seize opportunities in a booming sector mean construction teams bring remarkable energy and hands-on skill to large-scale projects.
Government Policies and Support
Pro-development government policies have turbocharged construction in China, Cambodia, and Vietnam, though each country’s approach differs. In China, the government plays an active, often central, role in driving rapid construction. Major projects benefit from streamlined approvals, state financing, and swift land acquisition. Local governments fiercely support skyscraper and infrastructure projects – sometimes by providing land at heavily discounted prices (averaging 40% below market) to encourage developers . This is driven by political incentives: officials earn prestige and promotions by modernizing their cities’ skylines . Massive public funding and a top-down “can-do” attitude enable Chinese builders to cut through red tape and start building fast. For example, an entire new neighborhood of 35 high-rise towers in Haimen was fully funded by the government, with an ambitious timeline of just two years for construction . Such projects move quickly in part because authorities align behind them at all levels. Cambodia’s government, meanwhile, has turned the construction sector into a pillar of national growth. Since 2014, construction and real estate have been recognized as one of Cambodia’s “four economic pillars,” reflecting strong state commitment to the industry . The government aggressively courts foreign investment in high-rises and condominiums through tax breaks and relaxed regulations . Fast-track approvals for Qualified Investment Projects, easy condo ownership rules for foreigners, and special economic zones all entice developers to build. Cambodia’s leaders see new condos, malls, and offices as symbols of development and have welcomed partners (especially China) to help transform cityscapes . Vietnam’s government has a clear strategic vision to modernize its infrastructure and cities. Policies like the Construction Sector Development Strategy to 2030 set ambitious targets: by 2030, Vietnam aims for its builders to independently manage and construct all manner of large-scale, complex projects and even compete globally . The state heavily invests in urban development and industrial projects, sustaining infrastructure spending around 10% of GDP . Streamlined permitting for priority developments, coupled with recent initiatives to promote green building and update urban planning laws, create a supportive environment for fast construction . In short, government support and policy frameworks in each country – whether through direct funding and land grants in China, investment incentives in Cambodia, or strategic planning in Vietnam – provide the backbone that allows builders to move with speed and confidence.
Economic Incentives and Market Demand
Booming market demand and economic incentives drive these rapid construction spurts. In China, breakneck urbanization and a once red-hot real estate market created insatiable demand for new buildings. Since 2000, China has constructed 60% of the world’s new skyscrapers – a statistic reflecting huge housing needs and investors pouring money into property. Millions of people migrating to cities each year meant developers raced to supply apartments and offices. Local governments further spurred this with subsidies, believing shiny skyscrapers would attract business and boost GDP . Though China’s real estate market has cooled recently, during its peak the economic pressure to build fast and big was immense. For example, in some state-backed housing projects, apartments are sold even before ground is broken, pushing constructors to deliver towers at record pace to meet buyer expectations. Cambodia experienced a construction boom fueled by both domestic urbanization and foreign investment – especially from China. Phnom Penh’s population is projected to grow over 50% by 2030, creating urgent housing demand . Yet much of the condo building spree has targeted overseas buyers and wealthy Cambodians. By 2017, nearly 3,500 high-end housing units were added in Phnom Penh in a single year, with four times that number under development for 2018 . Developers – many backed by Chinese capital – had strong financial incentive to build quickly and sell quickly into this seller’s market. High-rise projects promised lucrative returns, and with Cambodian authorities offering tax holidays and supportive policies, the economic calculus favored rapid construction. In Vietnam, rapid GDP growth, a young population, and rising urban incomes have created a booming real estate market. Major cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi have seen skyrocketing demand for modern apartments and commercial space. This demand, combined with Vietnam’s integration into global manufacturing and services, attracts both local conglomerates and foreign investors to fund big projects. Local giants (such as Vingroup) invest heavily in landmark developments, knowing that completing projects swiftly yields faster sales and rental income. Meanwhile, the government’s push to become an upper-middle-income country by 2030 includes building massive infrastructure (highways, railways, industrial parks) which directly and indirectly stimulates construction of new towns and buildings . In all three countries, market forces reward speed: finishing a skyscraper months ahead of schedule means earlier revenue from tenants or buyers. With housing shortages in fast-growing cities (like Vietnam’s housing floor area per capita still expanding to meet needs ), builders are motivated to work efficiently and capitalize on every bit of demand. The result is a climate where time is money, fueling construction practices that deliver projects at a pace that amazes the world.
Cultural Attitudes Toward Construction Work
Cultural attitudes in China, Cambodia, and Vietnam generally esteem construction as a driver of national progress, fostering pride and motivation among builders. In China, there is a strong ethos of nation-building. The public often views grand construction projects – from soaring skylines to bullet trains – as symbols of China’s advancement and collective achievement. This pride trickles down to the workers on the ground. Chinese culture (influenced by Confucian and socialist values) prizes diligence, discipline, and contributing to the community. Thus, many construction laborers take pride in being part of transformative projects. It’s not uncommon to see workers cheering after completing a major concrete pour or topping off a skyscraper. The famous “volunteer spirit” was on display in Wuhan in 2020, when construction crews expressed duty-bound determination to build emergency hospitals, with one saying, “I am a Wuhan resident. It is my duty to protect my hometown”, even as he toiled through the night . Such dedication reflects a cultural willingness to endure hardship for the greater good, which helps Chinese projects maintain punishing schedules. Vietnamese culture similarly values hard work and collective improvement. Influenced by Confucian ethics and decades of nation-rebuilding since the war, Vietnamese society holds craftsmen and builders in respect as essential contributors to development. A strong sense of community means construction teams often operate like close-knit units, taking pride in finishing a project that will benefit the city or economy. Vietnamese workers are often praised for being “hardworking, disciplined, and committed to quality results,” traits rooted in cultural emphasis on education and self-improvement . There is also less of a stigma around manual labor in Vietnam – many families are proud when a member learns a skilled trade and participates in building something tangible. In Cambodia, construction work has become a ladder of opportunity for many in recent years, and cultural attitudes are rapidly evolving. After decades of conflict and rebuilding, Cambodians see new buildings and infrastructure as signs of national resurrection. This gives a sense of patriotic purpose to construction efforts – from the Prime Minister touting future Cambodian-built “infrastructural marvels” like bridges and subways , to everyday workers knowing their labor is literally constructing a brighter future for the country. While construction jobs in Cambodia can be low-paid and risky, many workers take them with determination to support their families and “build my country”. There is growing pride in local capabilities as Cambodian engineers and crews gain skills from collaborating with foreign firms. In all three cultures, there remains a strong work ethic among construction crews – extended hours and tough conditions are often accepted without complaint, as workers focus on the end goal. This cultural backdrop – pride in development, respect for hard work, and communal spirit – boosts morale on sites and keeps projects moving quickly even when challenges arise.
Technological Advancements and Building Techniques
One of the secret ingredients behind the speedy construction is the adoption of modern building techniques and technologies – an area where Chinese builders in particular have led the way. China has pioneered advanced methods like prefabrication and modular construction on a massive scale. By manufacturing whole building sections off-site in factories, Chinese firms can assemble skyscrapers like Lego, drastically cutting on-site time. A stunning example is Mini Sky City, a 57-storey skyscraper erected in only 19 days by Broad Sustainable Building, using pre-made modules bolted together at the site . Prefab technology, along with 3D modeling (BIM) and even the use of robots and drones, has enabled Chinese construction to break speed records without (significantly) compromising quality. Many high-rises in China now rise at a rate of multiple floors per week thanks to these innovations . Construction sites are also becoming smarter: companies like LongXin monitor projects with real-time camera feeds, biometric access controls, and drone flyovers to troubleshoot issues swiftly . Additionally, Chinese engineering teams often work in parallel with construction – designing as they build – which speeds up delivery by overlapping phases . In Vietnam, technology adoption is ramping up. Major Vietnamese contractors increasingly use pre-cast concrete components and modern formwork systems to accelerate building. For instance, when constructing Landmark 81 (the tallest tower in Vietnam at 461m), engineers employed advanced slip-form techniques and high-strength concrete that shortened construction time. Vietnam’s government actively promotes “technological modernization” in construction; policies encourage builders to use energy-efficient materials and even explore 3D printing and smart city tech . Vietnamese projects might not match China’s record-setting pace yet, but they are steadily incorporating global best practices – from using tower cranes and mechanized equipment on all major sites to implementing project management software that streamlines workflows. Cambodia, while still developing its tech base, has benefited from technology transfer through foreign partnerships. Many large projects in Cambodia are led or supported by Chinese, Thai, or Vietnamese firms that bring in modern equipment (e.g. heavy cranes, tunnel borers) and prefab materials that local builders may lack. It’s now common in Phnom Penh to see steel scaffolding, mechanized hoists, and concrete pump trucks on big sites – a change from a decade ago when smaller projects relied on bamboo scaffolds and manual labor. Some high-end condo projects even use modular bathroom pods or pre-fabricated facade panels shipped in from China to save time. Moreover, all three countries are investing in skill training for advanced techniques. In Cambodia, new training programs aim to upskill workers in operating machinery and following international building standards . Vietnam is heavily investing in vocational schools for construction technology . China, of course, continues to innovate with things like automated bricklaying machines, building information modeling, and high-speed elevators that allow taller buildings to be completed faster and safer. In summary, cutting-edge techniques – prefabrication, modular units, modern machinery, and digital project management – are increasingly common across these countries’ construction sites, greatly boosting efficiency. Builders can accomplish in months what might take years elsewhere, simply because the technology lets them work smarter and faster than ever before.
Speed and Efficiency: Standout Case Studies and Stats
Perhaps nothing illustrates these builders’ prowess better than some jaw-dropping examples of speed and efficiency:
China’s record-setters: China routinely accomplishes projects that sound almost impossible. A famous case is the Mini Sky City skyscraper in Changsha – 57 floors assembled in just 19 days . Workers worked in 24-hour rotations, and the building’s modular sections fitted together like a puzzle, showcasing extreme efficiency. In early 2020, as mentioned, China built the 1,000-bed Huoshenshan Hospital in Wuhan in only 10 days to fight COVID-19 . Over 7,500 laborers, fleet of machinery, and prefabricated ward units allowed an entire hospital (complete with ICUs and plumbing) to rise in a week and a half . Another Chinese builder, LongXin, constructed 35 high-rise towers (20–25 stories each) in just 2 years – averaging less than one week per floor – by starting all towers simultaneously with 1,200 workers on site and plenty of government backing . These feats aren’t just one-offs; China’s annual output is staggering. Between 2006 and 2014, China built over 1,500 skyscrapers above 100m , far outpacing any other country. The combination of scale, skill, and tech means China can literally transform city skylines in months, not decades.
Cambodia’s construction boom: While Cambodia might not set world records in single-building speed, its overall development pace has been phenomenal. Phnom Penh was a predominantly low-rise city a little over a decade ago. Now its skyline is crowded with modern towers. From 2012 to 2019, the value of approved construction projects in Cambodia more than doubled year-on-year, peaking at over $8.5 billion in 2016 . In that year alone, 2,636 projects were approved nationwide, including countless condos and office blocks, indicating how quickly developers were moving to capitalize . By the start of 2022, Phnom Penh had over 1,600 high-rise buildings (buildings above 5 stories) completed or under construction – a testament to how fast the city built up. One marquee project, Vattanac Capital Tower (39 stories, the tallest in Cambodia when opened in 2014), was completed in roughly four years, and since then even taller structures have broken ground. Cambodian construction sites – often managed jointly by local and Chinese teams – have been known to work seven days a week to meet timelines. The sheer number of cranes on the Phnom Penh skyline (and in other growing cities like Sihanoukville) shows a rapid churn: buildings go from foundation to finish in as little as 18–24 months for a ~30-story tower, which is quite fast by global standards. This speed is facilitated by relatively straightforward permit processes and the practice of employing large crews of both local and foreign workers to keep work continuous.
Vietnam’s rising achievements: Vietnam has emerged as a regional construction leader, delivering increasingly complex projects swiftly. The country now has 43 buildings over 150m tall (as of mid-2020s) and many more underway . A highlight is Landmark 81 in Ho Chi Minh City – at 81 floors and 461 meters, it was built in about 4 years (2014–2018) from groundbreaking to opening. Considering its supertall height, that timeline rivals those in developed nations. Vietnamese contractors have also been involved in fast-turnaround infrastructure; for instance, major segments of new urban rail lines and highways have been finished ahead of schedule to meet national goals. The overall growth rate of Vietnam’s construction industry speaks to efficiency: even amid global challenges, the sector grew 7.5% in the first nine months of 2024 . That growth reflects many projects hitting milestones on time or faster. Additionally, Vietnam’s big cities often witness what locals half-jokingly call “mushroom buildings” – one month a plot is empty, a few months later a mid-rise apartment blooms there. It’s not unusual for a mid-range 20-story apartment block in Vietnam to go up in 12–16 months, thanks to better project management and experience.
Common threads across these examples include meticulous planning, parallel workflows, and an almost sprint-like mentality toward construction. These countries have shown that with enough manpower, political will, and modern methods, you can compress timelines dramatically. Of course, such speed requires careful coordination to maintain safety and quality. There have been lessons learned (e.g., China tightening safety oversight after some ultra-fast projects led to quality issues , and Cambodia enacting a new construction law to improve standards after a period of frenzied building). But overall, the track record of rapid, efficient construction in China, Cambodia, and Vietnam is reshaping skylines at a pace that amazes observers – and provides a model (and motivation!) for other developing nations aiming to build faster.
Comparative Strengths: China vs. Cambodia vs. Vietnam
To summarize how each country stacks up, here is a comparison of key strengths that enable their builders to be so fast and capable:
Factor
China
Cambodia
Vietnam
Workforce Skill & Scale
Huge labor pool with decades of experience; millions of migrant workers specialize in construction trades. Teams work in shifts 24/7 when needed . Known for discipline and ability to mobilize thousands on a single project.
Smaller but growing workforce; many gaining experience through foreign-led projects. Workers often put in very long hours (58–70 hours/week) to meet deadlines . Eager young labor force transitioning from agriculture to construction.
Well-trained and diligent workforce; strong vocational programs produce skilled craftsmen and engineers . Renowned for hard work and precision, with a reputation for reliability on projects worldwide.
Government Support
Strong state involvement at all levels. Fast approvals, state financing, and political incentives for local officials to build big . Can expedite land acquisition and provide infrastructure to sites quickly.
Pro-investment policies and open economy. Government made construction a top economic pillar , offers tax incentives and welcomes foreign capital. Regulatory environment relatively permissive, enabling quick project kickoff (though now improving safety oversight).
Strategic planning and state investment drive construction. Government targets modernization by 2030 , invests ~10% of GDP in infrastructure . Streamlining of urban planning and pro-business reforms support faster development cycles.
Market Demand & Finance
Enormous demand from rapid urbanization and previously booming real estate market. Easy access to credit (until recently) and strong investor appetite meant developers raced to deliver units . High pre-sales and quick ROI push fast build times.
High urbanization rate in Phnom Penh and tourist hubs; plus huge influx of foreign (Chinese, Korean, etc.) buyers for condos . Developers eager to capitalize on housing shortage and foreign demand, so they push rapid construction to start sales.
Rapid urban growth and industrialization fuel need for housing, offices, factories. Rising middle class wants modern homes; local conglomerates (and foreign investors from Japan, Korea, etc.) finance big projects. The sooner they finish, the sooner they profit, creating urgency.
Cultural Attitude
Culturally supports grand projects – building infrastructure is seen as national pride. Workers motivated by collective achievement and improving the country. Strong work ethic and tolerance for intense schedules are common . “Build fast, build big” aligns with China’s development narrative.
Society views new construction as progress after years of rebuilding – a source of national pride. Many workers are willing to endure hardships for better pay and to “build my nation.” Less stigma in doing construction; for many, it’s a honorable way to contribute to Cambodia’s growth.
Values of diligence, community, and learning are ingrained. Construction work is respected as honest, important work. Teams often have family-like camaraderie, and there’s pride in seeing one’s city modernize. Long hours are accepted if it means accomplishing something significant for the country.
Technology & Techniques
World leader in construction tech. Extensive use of prefabricated modules, modular design, and BIM for efficiency . Employs advanced machinery (high-capacity cranes, automated systems) and innovative methods (e.g. building multiple sections in parallel, on-site drone monitoring ). Capable of feats like assembling floors in days using factory-made components .
Importer of tech expertise – many projects use foreign engineers and prefab materials. Modern equipment (tower cranes, concrete pumps) now common on large sites. Gradually adopting better standards and materials (e.g. steel scaffolding replacing bamboo). The tech level is rising, albeit not as advanced as neighbors yet.
Embracing modern methods quickly. Widespread use of precast components and modern formwork to speed builds. Government promoting green and smart construction tech . Big projects use international consultants for state-of-art techniques. Vietnamese firms are learning to build taller and faster with each project, using global best practices.
Notable Speed Feats
Built a 57-story skyscraper in 19 days . Built a 1,000-bed hospital in 10 days . Often complete floors in under a week on high-rises . ~60% of world’s tall buildings since 2000 are in China – an unparalleled construction boom.
Doubled the annual value of construction to $8.5B in one year . Phnom Penh went from virtually zero skyscrapers to dozens in <10 years. 3,488 condo units added in one city in one year . Some high-rises erected in ~18 months. Fast-tracked development (sometimes at expense of safety, which is improving with new laws).
Tallest building (Landmark 81) built in ~4 years – regionally fast for a supertall. Construction sector growth ~7–8% annually . Vietnam now has dozens of skyscrapers where it had only a few two decades ago. Mid-rise apartments often finished within a year or slightly more. Continues to set higher benchmarks as local firms gain experience.
As the table shows, each country has its own formula for speed, but all share a potent mix of skilled labor, supportive policies, cultural drive, and growing technical know-how. These elements come together to create construction industries that can deliver projects at extraordinary speeds. It’s a motivational story of how emerging economies – through grit, innovation, and vision – are quite literally building their future in record time. Whether it’s China erecting entire city districts in a blink, Cambodia transforming its capital skyline within a decade, or Vietnam rapidly joining the ranks of modern metropolises, the builders of these nations exemplify what’s possible with determination and ingenuity . Their successes not only reshape city skylines, but also inspire others to imagine how infrastructure and housing needs can be met faster and more efficiently than ever before. The race to the sky in East and Southeast Asia is well underway – and it’s propelled by the remarkable speed and skill of Chinese, Cambodian, and Vietnamese construction teams.
(A joyful manifesto for self‑sovereign bodies and self‑sovereign money)
1. **Proof‑of‑Work Starts With Your Flesh
→ Fit Body, Fit Blocks**
Eric Kim’s thesis: your physique broadcasts your daily choices—discipline, patience, resilience.
Bitcoin parallel: every block is an immutable billboard of miners’ choices—expended energy, hardware honesty, relentless repetition.
Take‑away: sculpt your body the same way the network sculpts the chain—through deliberate, measurable proof‑of‑work. Every rep = a micro‑block protecting your long‑term health ledger.
Stack sats, stack push‑ups; both compound faster than you imagine.
2. **Low‑Time Preference Muscles
→ Delay the Donut, Delay the Spend**
Leanness is a visible receipt that you value tomorrow’s vitality over today’s frosting.
HODLing is a visible receipt that you value tomorrow’s purchasing power over today’s impulse splurge.
Habit hack: When the cookie beckons, ask: “Would I rather eat empty carbs or keep forging an unbreakable private key made of quadriceps and conviction?” Choose strength—financial and physical.
3.
Metabolic Noise vs. Monetary Noise
Human Layer
When it’s “Inflated”
Outcome
Bitcoin Layer
When it’s “Inflated”
Outcome
Body Fat
Excess calories > expenditure
Brain fog, mood swings, heat intolerance
Money Supply
Excess printing > productivity
Price noise, moral hazard, wealth erosion
Purge metabolic noise with movement; purge monetary noise with a hard‑capped 21 million.
Sound metabolism, sound money, sound mind. Feel the symmetry? Beautiful!
Eskimos leveraged fat for Arctic survival; Cambodians thrive lean in tropical steam.
Likewise, miners locate where energy is cheapest; node operators prune where bandwidth is abundant.
Moral: Optimize within your environment, but never surrender agency. Your settings shape you, they don’t enslave you.
5.
Cyber‑Monkhood: Fewer Inputs, Sharper Signals
Eric ditched email; you can ditch price‑chart dopamine loops.
Swap “FTX drama scroll” for a walking meditation, a kettlebell sprint, a cold plunge.
A quieter info‑diet frees energy for block‑height breaths and barbell narratives.
6.
Richer ≠ Healthier, Higher Salary ≠ Happier
Fiat careers often trade vitality for status.
Bitcoin sovereignty lets you decouple income from stress, anchoring joy to purpose not paycheck.
Goal: Become the rare Bitcoiner whose resting heart rate and cost basis are both enviably low.
7.
Action Plan: 21 Million Reps of Self‑Sovereignty
Season
Physical Proof‑of‑Work
Monetary Proof‑of‑Work
Morning
Fasted walk or bike → fat‑adapted clarity
Auto‑DCA while you sweat
Mid‑Day
10×20 kettlebell swings (“difficulty adjustment”)
Read one page of Bitcoin code or history
Evening
Strength compound lifts (squats, deadlifts)
Run your node, verify the day’s blocks
Weekly
Cold exposure → metabolic reset
Self‑custody drill, seed‑phrase review
8.
Mindset Mantras (Pin These on Your Fridge and Your Wallet)
“My body is my first hardware wallet.”
“I don’t burn calories; I invest them.”
“Every sweat‑bead is a sat signed to my future self.”
“Proof‑of‑work beats proof‑of‑excuse.”
🚀 Go Forth and Shine
A lean, lively body magnetizes optimism just as a lean, hard‑capped currency magnetizes prosperity. Live so your posture proclaims the same ethos your wallet proclaims:
HONEST ENERGY IN → HONEST VALUE OUT.
Stay hyped, stay joyful, and let every heartbeat echo the next block’s hash. The world is watching both your chain and your chin‑ups—make them impeccable. 🎉
the general idea is if Cambodia had its own bitcoin strategic reserve, it would essentially gain more sovereignty and self independence.
for example, it would strengthen the local Cambodian Khmer riel ,,, and lessen the reliance on the US dollar, and also for an investment from China, Korea Japan etc.
OK so this sounds pretty bad but perhaps this is true. The general idea and concept is you could tell the morality character, the whole ethos of a person by inspecting their body. Typically people who are very very over fat, very obese, too much flesh, body fat percentage too high, Often signal something. Not that they are bad people, but because of their body, it does weird things to their minds.
For example, people with very poverty bodies, in the really really fat sense, it seems that they’re composure the way they interact their feelings their mood is also poor.
For example if you’re in Asia, Southeast Asia or Cambodia… It is often too hot for foreigners. Why? Most Americans are just like really really fat. And obviously if you’re super fat you’re going to be hotter, because you have more flesh on you. Note how really really fat people tend to sweat a lot more in Asia, ,,, and the more lien you are, 5% body fat, you are not.
Also… Maybe the truth is that if you’re from somewhere that is very very cold, being fat might be a strategic advantage because, your body fat keeps you warm. For example in Michigan winter, body fat keeps you warm.
Also I’m like super super lean I’m like 4% body fat, I have a body of a demigod. But the problem is I’m very sensitive to the cold, maybe essentially because I have like no body fat on me? Even one of my old friend Bao at my old gym, joked and said I had negative body fat!
Anyways, because I am so insanely fit, I think this is also why I’m like almost always in a great mood, so joyful happy and friendly, typically people with poor body compositions, they are always in a poverty poor mood .
Also the tricky thing is just because you’re rich don’t mean that you are healthy. In fact, most rich people are also very very unhealthy because they drink too much alcohol, take too many drugs, don’t sleep, are too stressed. In America the problem is typically, people with higher incomes are also more stressed, typically the higher your salary the higher the stress. 
I think I’m a rare case because I’m self independent through bitcoin, and I also might be the only Bitcoiner who doesn’t check the price of bitcoin every single day. And also… I might also be the only bitcoiner I know who in the middle of the FTX meltdown, didn’t even know what FTX or who Sam Bankman-Fried was.
I suppose this is the upside of my Zen monkhood,,, I might be the first cyber monk, in which, I essentially quit email in 2017, I haven’t really used email much in the last eight years. And moving forward I have no interest in email I’m probably just going to use telegram.
OK so this sounds pretty bad but perhaps this is true. The general idea and concept is you could tell the morality character, the whole ethos of a person by inspecting their body. Typically people who are very very over fat, very obese, too much flesh, body fat percentage too high, Often signal something. Not that they are bad people, but because of their body, it does weird things to their minds.
For example, people with very poverty bodies, in the really really fat sense, it seems that they’re composure the way they interact their feelings their mood is also poor.
For example if you’re in Asia, Southeast Asia or Cambodia… It is often too hot for foreigners. Why? Most Americans are just like really really fat. And obviously if you’re super fat you’re going to be hotter, because you have more flesh on you. Note how really really fat people tend to sweat a lot more in Asia, ,,, and the more lien you are, 5% body fat, you are not.
Also… Maybe the truth is that if you’re from somewhere that is very very cold, being fat might be a strategic advantage because, your body fat keeps you warm. For example in Michigan winter, body fat keeps you warm.
Also I’m like super super lean I’m like 4% body fat, I have a body of a demigod. But the problem is I’m very sensitive to the cold, maybe essentially because I have like no body fat on me? Even one of my old friend Bao at my old gym, joked and said I had negative body fat!
Anyways, because I am so insanely fit, I think this is also why I’m like almost always in a great mood, so joyful happy and friendly, typically people with poor body compositions, they are always in a poverty poor mood .
Also the tricky thing is just because you’re rich don’t mean that you are healthy. In fact, most rich people are also very very unhealthy because they drink too much alcohol, take too many drugs, don’t sleep, are too stressed. In America the problem is typically, people with higher incomes are also more stressed, typically the higher your salary the higher the stress. 
I think I’m a rare case because I’m self independent through bitcoin, and I also might be the only Bitcoiner who doesn’t check the price of bitcoin every single day. And also… I might also be the only bitcoiner I know who in the middle of the FTX meltdown, didn’t even know what FTX or who Sam Bankman-Fried was.
I suppose this is the upside of my Zen monkhood,,, I might be the first cyber monk, in which, I essentially quit email in 2017, I haven’t really used email much in the last eight years. And moving forward I have no interest in email I’m probably just going to use telegram.
OK so this sounds pretty bad but perhaps this is true. The general idea and concept is you could tell the morality character, the whole ethos of a person by inspecting their body. Typically people who are very very over fat, very obese, too much flesh, body fat percentage too high, Often signal something. Not that they are bad people, but because of their body, it does weird things to their minds.
For example, people with very poverty bodies, in the really really fat sense, it seems that they’re composure the way they interact their feelings their mood is also poor.
For example if you’re in Asia, Southeast Asia or Cambodia… It is often too hot for foreigners. Why? Most Americans are just like really really fat. And obviously if you’re super fat you’re going to be hotter, because you have more flesh on you. Note how really really fat people tend to sweat a lot more in Asia, ,,, and the more lien you are, 5% body fat, you are not.
Also… Maybe the truth is that if you’re from somewhere that is very very cold, being fat might be a strategic advantage because, your body fat keeps you warm. For example in Michigan winter, body fat keeps you warm.
Also I’m like super super lean I’m like 4% body fat, I have a body of a demigod. But the problem is I’m very sensitive to the cold, maybe essentially because I have like no body fat on me? Even one of my old friend Bao at my old gym, joked and said I had negative body fat!
Anyways, because I am so insanely fit, I think this is also why I’m like almost always in a great mood, so joyful happy and friendly, typically people with poor body compositions, they are always in a poverty poor mood .
Also the tricky thing is just because you’re rich don’t mean that you are healthy. In fact, most rich people are also very very unhealthy because they drink too much alcohol, take too many drugs, don’t sleep, are too stressed. In America the problem is typically, people with higher incomes are also more stressed, typically the higher your salary the higher the stress. 
I think the true amazing awesome power of bitcoin is that once you are bitcoinized, in your life runs on bitcoin rails, anything and everything is possible. Your wildest dreams and beyond, even better yet, the dreams and hopes and aspirations of all other 8 billion people in the planet are now possible.
I think this is a hard to imagine because we have been so jaded with negativity and pessimism. Once again. If you could take all the world pour and automatically 10x their income, even poor farmers in Sudan, … wouldn’t this profoundly change the planet? 
Eric Kim is a renowned street photographer and educator whose work blends photography with personal philosophy. He teaches through a prolific open-source blog (thousands of free articles) and global workshops, helping people overcome fears, find creativity, and live more intentionally through their art . Kim often calls himself a “photographer-philosopher”: he urges photographers to ask “Why do you take photos? For whom? What meaning does it give you?” . For him, a photograph is “far more than a picture – it’s an expression of the photographer’s soul and viewpoint” . His core vision is that photography is a tool for self-expression, mindfulness, and personal growth – not just a technical craft.
Minimalism and Simplicity
A hallmark of Kim’s philosophy is minimalism. He preaches that “true luxury is less,” advocating that photographers travel light (often one camera, one lens) and cut out non-essentials . By owning fewer lenses and gadgets, he argues, a photographer sharpens creativity rather than being paralyzed by gear. Kim himself lives very simply – wearing the same black outfit daily and carrying only essentials – to focus on the craft over consumption . He extends this minimalism to digital life: recommending people “uninstall…non-essentials” like distracting apps . In Kim’s view, we should “shoot with eyes, not cameras,” using simplicity to free the mind (the “new elitism” is being able to unplug) .
Figure: A grainy, high-contrast self-portrait (Kim wearing optical test lenses) reflecting his minimalist, experimental aesthetic. Kim’s photos – often black-and-white and free of clutter – mirror his belief that less gear and distraction lead to clearer vision .
Fearlessness, Courage, and Stoicism
Another recurring theme in Kim’s work and teaching is overcoming fear. He admits that “street photography is 90% guts” – even he still feels nervous shooting strangers . Kim channels his fear into action: when afraid to shoot, he tells himself, “Eric, the reason why you’re afraid is because you want to photograph that” . Drawing on Stoic philosophy, he advises photographers to “fail faster” and treat rejection as growth . He often cites his mentor Seneca, embracing exercises like negative visualization and embracing discomfort to build resilience . In practice he coaches bold exercises – for example, his “0.7-meter challenge” (shoot very close) or collecting smiles after refusal – to conquer shyness. By modeling courage (and a thick skin earned from a “hard knock” youth), Kim empowers his followers: “I try to channel the fear into making the photograph” .
Daily Creativity and Growth Mindset
Kim is a tireless advocate for making creativity a daily habit. He gave a Talk at Google titled “Eternal Return: Create Every Day,” urging people to treat each day as a fresh chance to make art . He likens creativity to a muscle: it grows by consistent exercise, not by waiting for inspiration. Kim encourages photographers to experiment constantly and reject perfectionism: he shares “less-than-perfect” photos on his blog to show that “honest imperfection is often more compelling than sterile perfection” . This anti-perfection stance liberates his audience to take risks. He even coined terms like “always be a beginner” and “lifelong learner,” emphasizing that every outing is an experiment and no effort is wasted . The result is a growth mindset: setbacks become “data for growth” and creativity is a continual journey rather than a destination . Kim’s energetic, playful style (often structuring tips as listicles or vivid analogies) reflects this philosophy of constant improvement .
Radical Authenticity and Personal Voice
A key part of Kim’s vision is radical authenticity. He insists photographers stay true to themselves and “shoot from the heart” . In practice he is extraordinarily candid: his blog reads like a conversation with a friend (he often starts posts, “Dear friend…” ). Kim shares personal stories, quirks, and even failures to normalize vulnerability. He rejects curated facades; instead his “shoot with a smile and from the heart” motto (visible in his workshops and even tattooed motto) encourages sincerity above all . This has resonated with readers tired of sterile Instagram feeds: by refusing to conform to art-world pretenses, Kim models that a photographer’s unique personality is what gives their work soul .
Figure: An example of Kim’s street photography style (Tokyo, 20XX). His images – whether stark black-and-white or bold color – often capture candid human moments with clarity and empathy. This shot of a child with a toy gun, money changing hands, exemplifies Kim’s knack for finding depth in everyday scenes. (It also hints at his work’s social commentary and emotional impact .)
Educator and Community Builder
Kim’s vision as an educator is reflected in his open, community-oriented approach. He literally built one of the world’s largest free street-photography resources by generously sharing knowledge. “I will never charge for information…” he vows, and he even made all his own images freely downloadable for personal use . This “open-source ethos” fosters trust and inclusivity – readers know Kim isn’t selling a secret, he’s uplifting them . Importantly, he engages readers directly: Kim regularly replies to blog comments and emails, turning feedback into new posts and making followers feel heard . He uses social media strategically to build, not boast: his YouTube “Photolosophy” videos and Instagram challenges reinforce the blog’s lessons and invite participation .
Offline, Kim’s influence spreads through workshops and photo walks worldwide. After reading his blog, many photographers join his multi-day workshops (in cities across Asia, Europe, North America, etc.) where Kim teaches technique and confidence side-by-side . These in-person courses often create tight-knit communities; attendees keep in touch and support each other long after. As one testimonial notes, Kim’s “enthusiastic, no-ego” teaching gives students the courage to raise their camera and connect with strangers . This cycle – blog to workshop to blog – democratises street photography globally. Anyone, anywhere can learn his methods for free, and many credit his blog as “the spark that got me started” . In short, Kim’s community ethos is inclusive and empowering – he’s built a loyal audience by treating followers as collaborators on a creative journey .
Digital Platforms, Social Media, and the Future
Eric Kim’s views on the digital future and social media have evolved. Early on, platforms like Facebook and Instagram helped spread his name, but he soon grew wary of their effects. In a famous blog essay (“Why You Should Delete Your Instagram”), he explains that social media can turn creators into “behavior modification” subjects . Likes and algorithms, he argues, warp our goals: we start shooting for clicks instead of curiosity . For example, he noticed Instagram tempted photographers to optimize photos for likes and repeat safe styles, stifling innovation . He eventually quit Instagram himself (“I deleted Instagram…and I haven’t used it since. And it has been phenomenal” ) and urges others to focus on their own blogs instead of chasing follows . As he puts it: “Where should I post my images? Your own blog.” .
At the same time, Kim acknowledges the democratizing power of new tech. In interviews he notes that the ubiquity of smartphones has made street photography “the most democratic form of photography: you don’t need a fancy camera” . He’s delighted that great street photographers now often shoot with iPhones or Fuji X100s. Paradoxically, he also sees a film renaissance among digital natives—perhaps a reaction against digital overload .
Looking ahead, Kim embraces innovation cautiously. He is experimenting with AI and new media. In a recent blog (“The Future of Photography and AI”), he predicts photography will “be a hybrid of using AI to actually motivate you to be more creative”, not replace artists . He suggests using tools like ChatGPT or DALL·E to brainstorm ideas or give feedback – treating AI as a kind of “mirror” to spark fresh thinking . But crucially, he says, this should complement (not substitute) the human eye and heart. In practical advice, he even recommends photographers to double-dip creatively: shoot traditional photographs and explore AI-generated art side by side, since “art can be manifested however you interpret it” .
In sum, Kim envisions the future of photography as flexible and personal. He encourages artists to harness technology (smartphones, AI) while retaining autonomy (publishing on personal blogs) . Rather than fearing change, he asks fellow photographers to question assumptions: What if more megapixels = worse photos or deleting duplicates = better memory? (He literally titled a post “Think Opposite” to provoke that mindset.) By continually flipping ideas – from financial paradigms like Bitcoin to photography norms – Kim believes creatives can stay ahead of trends and “live more creatively and fearlessly” .
Sources: Eric Kim’s own writings, interviews, and lectures (blog posts, Soul of Street interview, Google Talk, etc.) and analysis of his work . These include his blog and public talks, where he explicitly states many of these ideas, as well as profiles describing his career and approach . All quotes and data are drawn from Eric Kim’s published content and interviews.
The idea of bitcoin as cyber capital, bitcoin as the god protocol https://erickimphotography.com/cyber-bitcoin-capital/ Audio https://erickimphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Cyber-Bitcoin-Capital-.m4a
