As the world barrels forward at an unpredictable pace, futurist and trend analyst Dion Chang is urging South Africans to slow down—not to pause progress, but to understand it. In his latest book, The Future Can Change Very Quickly, Chang unpacks 80 curated global trends that are already reshaping how we live, work, shop, connect, and think.

Appearing at this year’s Kingsmead Book Fair, Chang will bring these conversations to life, using his T.R.E.N.D.S. framework—Technology, Retail, Economy, Nature, Diplomacy, and Society—to connect the dots between disruptive changes and everyday impact.

While the book has the structure of a business briefing, it’s accessible to everyone. Whether you’re a student, parent, entrepreneur, or policy-maker, Dion Chang’s bite-sized trend observations reveal opportunities hiding in plain sight. From AI companions replacing emotional connection, to Gen Z’s rejection of traditional family structures, the book shines a light on what’s unfolding globally—and locally.

A standout theme is Africa’s leapfrogging potential. While technological access remains a barrier, Chang believes the continent’s youthful population and entrepreneurial spirit can close the gap—if digital tools are made accessible.

Yet, not all trends are positive. The rise of virtual relationships with chatbots, sometimes leading to emotional trauma or worse, exemplifies the unintended consequences of rapid change. But for Chang, awareness isn’t about fear—it’s about foresight.

“The book isn’t about pessimism,” he says. “It’s about helping people understand the world so they can shape their part in it.”

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At Kingsmead, Chang will also address the future of work, challenging rigid education models and encouraging young minds to embrace alternative career paths. For anyone looking to decode the chaos of 2025, his sessions are a must-attend.

Get your tickets to Dion Chang at Kingsmead Book Fair here. Tune in to Hot Fm to find out more about latest news and updates on the Kingsmead Book fair.