Decentralized network architecture distributes workloads among several machines, instead of relying on a single central server.

Blockchain an online distributed system that stores information, based on interconnected blocks open to the masses. A blockchain is essentially a digital diary/ledger/spreadsheet of transactions, distributed across the entire network of computer systems on the chain (all participants get a copy) The decentralized database managed by multiple participants is known as Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) - there is no central place for it to be stored; therefore it is stored in computers or system across all the networks.

How does blockchain work? Taking a closer look, each black contains data, hash, and the hash of the previous block. The data stored is dependant on the type of blockchain. (i.e. bitcoin blockchain stores details about the transaction, sender, receiver, and amount etc.) A hash is the fingerprint of a block. It is always unique to identify the block - changes made to the block will create a new hash, new block The hash of the previous block is what effectively creates a chain of blocks

Not only blockchain is secured with the use of hashing and proof-of-work mechanism; peer-to-peer networks also help blockchain to verify that everything is still in order. P2P interaction with our data can revolutionize the way we access, verify, and transact with one another.

How can blockchain change society (TedTalk)

Blockchain by Investopedia (Investopedia)
How does cryptocurrency work?

What is cryptocurrency mining?
Dissertation topics on cryptocurrency: 
https://blockduo.com/cryptocurrency-dissertation-topics/
Blockchain Use Cases
https://www.channels.theinnovationenterprise.com/articles/24-hot-blockchain-topics

- Cryptocurrency is best thought of as digital currency (it only exists on computers). It can be transferred between peers w/o going through a financial institution (banks). Transactions are recorded on a digital public ledger (blockchain), and transaction data and the ledger are encrypted using cryptography.

- Funds are transferred between peers using their digital wallets. The wallet software transfers balances from one account to another. When a transaction is made, a new block is created to record this event and added to the public ledger. The transaction amount is public, but participants of the transaction are encrypted (transactions are pseudo-anonymous). 
- Each transaction leads back to a unique set of keys. Whoever owns a set of keys, owns the amount of cryptocurrency associated with those keys

- All users of a given cryptocurrency have access to the ledger if they choose to access it; by downloading and running a copy of the software called a “full node” wallet (instead of holding their coins in a third party wallet like Coinbase).

- Cryptocurrency mining refers to the process of solving cryptographic puzzles and digitally adding transaction records to the blockchain (the public ledger holding the history of every bitcoin transaction). Mining is a record-keeping process executed through immense computing power.

- Each Bitcoin miner around the world contributes to a decentralized peer-to-peer network to ensure the payment network is trustworthy and secure; they are rewarded a block of coins as an incentive to mine.

- Once all Bitcoin has been mined the miners will still be incentivized to process transactions with fees.

- Double spending is a problem in a decentralized network. The record of transactions is distributed (no central authority) and digital tokens can be easily copied and spent multiple times.

- Solving cryptographic puzzles attaches each block to a proof of work. The main purpose of the proof of work is to avoid double-spending.

- It is commonly known that traditional currencies have value because they can be used as a store of value and a unit of exchange. Successful currencies have six key characteristics: scarcity, divisibility, utility, mobility, durability, and counterfeitability.

- Cryptocurrency has value because it holds up very well when it comes to these six characteristics. In Bitcoin’s case, the upper limit was set by its creator, Satoshi Nakamoto, at exactly 21 million. For other cryptocurrencies, this cap can vary considerably—ranging from as low as 18.9 million for Monero (XMR) and Dash to as high as 100 billion for the likes of XRP and Tron (TRX).

2. Blockchain Technology Can Reduce Instances of Corruption in Malaysia's Government Sector - underlying power dynamics, bribery, backtracking flow of funds(?)
3. The current infrastructure, communication channel, political system and is outdated - inefficiency, decelerating development (?) | The Blockchain Can Streamline the Everyday Operations of the Malaysian Government
4. Direct crowdfunding system rather than taxes - domestic aids, public services, natural wealth, closing the inequality gap(?) | The Blockchain Can Improve the Delivery of Aid to Malaysians Living in Poverty
5. Direct broadcast of government policy updates - legitimate information, authentic new media (?) |