Darren Fong, Airwallex: From Hoops to Hustle, Basketball Meets Business

When Darren Fong steps onto the Web3x3 basketball court, you might see a skilled player making plays, but there's much more to his story. While working at Airwallex – a fast-growing global fintech company, Darren brings the same passion he discovered watching Kobe Bryant battle the Celtics back in 2007 to everything he does.

"Hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard" - these words from his idol Kobe didn't just stick with Darren; they became his life's anthem. It's a philosophy that shows in his aggressive yet strategic playing style, whether he's driving to the hoop or driving business growth.

Ask Darren about Web3x3 and his eyes light up. "This isn't just another corporate activity," he says. His favorite match? A memorable showdown against Livi Bank, where he faced off against a defender built like a brick wall. “Trying to score on that guy brought me right back to my university days - pure intensity!"

But what sets Darren apart isn't his scoring ability - it's his mindset. "I can't control the level of talent," he'll tell you with a knowing smile, "but I can control the quality of my output." It's this attitude that's made him both a resilient player and a successful business leader.

Looking ahead to 2025, Darren's not slowing down. He's training for the grueling Hyrox Double fitness race and pursuing his WSET level 4 wine qualification. Talk about a triple threat!

To the next generation of ballers, Darren offers this wisdom: "Sure, scoring feels great, but master your defense first. And remember - individual skill might win games, but it's teamwork that builds championships." Coming from someone who lives these principles both on and off the court, that's advice worth taking to heart.