Singapore, January 1, 2025 — Singapore-based AI and Web3.0 startup, LingoAI Foundation Pte Ltd (LingoAI), has announced the appointment of former Appen Client Executive Sijun Lai as its Global Head of Sales. Appen is the world’s largest company in AI data labeling, alongside Scale AI, both providing training data to AI model companies such as Microsoft, OpenAI, and NVIDIA through Web2.0 methods.

The data labeling industry has become one of the hottest fields in the data sector since the AI boom. Scale AI recently completed a $1 billion funding round with a valuation of $13.8 billion. Meanwhile, Appen’s valuation is three times that of Scale AI.

Sijun Lai began his career as the first employee of Appen’s Singapore branch.

Born in Singapore, Sijun stated, “I have always believed that technology is the driving force that can make the world a better place. With a Master’s degree in Technopreneurship and Innovation and a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from Nanyang Technological University, I have been passionate about leveraging technology to solve real-world problems and shape a brighter future.”

“My journey began as the first employee at Appen in Singapore, where I gained first-hand experience in the challenges of hiring labellers and annotators for AI projects. I quickly realized how inefficient and complex the data collection and labeling processes could be. Driven to improve the industry, I ventured out to establish my own company. That experience reinforced my understanding of the obstacles businesses face, from ensuring fair labor practices to managing costs while maintaining efficiency.”

“Joining LingoAI feels like the culmination of all my experiences and aspirations. I’m incredibly excited about the potential of Web3.0 to revolutionize the way we work and create opportunities for people around the globe. Imagine a future, where workers engage with smarter AI tools and systems, and where fairness and balance are ingrained in every aspect of the AI-driven workforce.”

“At LingoAI, I see the chance to build something transformative — a tokenized and decentralized workforce where data and work flow seamlessly, efficiently, and equitably. Together, we can harness the power of AI and Web3.0 to create a fairer system for both workers and businesses, ensuring that the technology we build serves everyone.”

While Appen and Scale AI continue to support AI with data labelling and annotation through traditional Web2.0 methods, LingoAI is tackling the data market from a higher dimension with Web3.0. Compared to some startups, which aim to reshape data annotation through blockchain from an AI-centric perspective, LingoAI’s collaboration with MetaLife.Social approaches the issue from a fundamental human connectivity level. This makes it the only effective native solution to break down Data Wall.

LingoAI enables individuals to own their native data sovereignty and provides mechanisms for monetising data value, effectively becoming a Universal Basic Income (UBI) for everyone in the AI era. Its network of DAOs focused on minority languages in Asia, Africa, and Latin America ensures AI benefits the Global South. Additionally, it facilitates developed nations’ involvement in the Global South’s economic growth through AI. By redefining the relationship between people, data, and AI, LingoAI addresses industry pain points through connectivity and intelligence.

LingoAI Co-founder and CEO Una Wang welcomed Sijun to the team, stating:

“We are thrilled to have Sijun join LingoAI. As the first employee of Appen’s Singapore branch, he has a deep understanding of the data annotation industry’s challenges and knows how to drive revenue. With his rich experience in technological entrepreneurship, innovation, and AI data, as well as his sharp insights and execution skills, he will undoubtedly bring significant customers and revenue to the company. Sijun’s passion for Web3.0 and its transformative potential, combined with his clear vision of building an efficient and fair decentralized workforce system, means LingoAI is set to create a vast community and address foundational income challenges in the AI era. His addition will undoubtedly drive greater innovation as we move toward a fairer and more intelligent future.”

Sijun, excited to join LingoAI on New Year’s Day 2025, concluded: “Let’s work hand in hand to shape a future where innovation, equity, and opportunity go hand in hand!”