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Lava Genie re-invents the guitar for a new generation of players

Lava Genie by Lava Music, China

Global – Lava Genie, a revolutionary stringless sampler guitar, is transforming how musicians interact with the instrument. Ideal for on-the-go artists, this foldable, detachable guitar splits into two parts, making it compact enough to fit in a carry-on bag. Instead of traditional strings, the Lava Genie features a TapPad that allows users to play by gliding their thumb, while a customisable fingerboard supports up to 21 chords.

Equipped with a powerful onboard bass-powered speaker and a dual-driver audio system, the Lava Genie can fill a room with wide-ranging frequencies, even without external audio equipment.

Designed for beginners and seasoned musicians alike, the instrument’s interactive lights guide users on which chords to press, while a companion app provides access to thousands of licensed songs and interactive tutorials.

Lava’s AI-based system even transcribes original compositions into lyrics and chords. With a six-hour battery life, the new guitar promises an intuitive, portable music experience. We previously delved into the changing nature of the music industry in Web Summit 2023: Music Futures.

Strategic opportunity

Re-imagine traditional products through tech-enabled customisation, creating portable, accessible solutions that cater for today’s mobile and adaptable consumer lifestyles

Adventure-based immersive zoological park to open in Singapore

Rainforest Wild Asia by Mandai Wildlife Group, Singapore

Singapore – In March 2025, Rainforest Wild Asia, Singapore’s latest 13-hectare zoological park, will open at Mandai Wildlife Reserve. Designed for immersive adventure, the park features elevated walkways, forest trails and adaptable habitats where 29 free-roaming species, including Malayan tigers, reside. Thousands of Southeast Asian trees and shrubs enrich the lush surroundings.

Key highlights include The Karsts, scenic jagged limestone formations; The Canopy, showcasing treetop life; and The Cavern, inspired by Southeast Asia’s famous Mulu Caves. Adventure activities such as high traverses, caving and free-fall jumps offer additional excitement.

The park’s immersive habitats and adventure-focused designs aim to inspire a connection to Southeast Asia’s biodiversity.

In our Singapore: A Gateway to Asia-Pacific report, we explored Singapore’s evolving cultural scene, burgeoning youth culture, increased international tourism and the consequent opportunities waiting for brands in the region.

Strategic opportunity

Use urban green spaces to introduce city dwellers to conservation through immersive experiences that simulate natural eco-systems, fostering awareness and action

Egypt's Ministry of Education to launch AI-powered digital learning platform

Egypt – The Ministry of Education and Technical Education in Egypt is set to unveil a new educational platform designed to centralise all key academic resources in one digital hub.

Minister Mohamed Abdel Latif announced that the platform will integrate curricula, assessments and learning materials, aimed at increasing self-sufficiency among students.

‘This initiative will equip students with the tools they need to thrive in their educational journeys,’ said Minister Abdel Latif. ‘Students will no longer need anything else.’

The platform will use artificial intelligence to offer personalised learning experiences and streamline teaching. AI-based homework submission will also be introduced gradually across educational districts to enhance how assignments are managed and evaluated.

The Ministry plans to collaborate closely with educational institutions to ensure a smooth implementation of the platform. This digital shift is expected to modernise Egypt’s approach to education and better support both students and teachers in achieving academic success.

In our macrotrend report The Synthocene Era we discuss how Gen Alpha or Gen Quantum’s tech-driven world is set to reshape learning, creativity, relationships and emotional engagement.

My First AI by Modem Works imagines a future when children will learn from intelligent, personalised tutors. Imagery by Wang & Söderström, Amsterdam

Strategic opportunity

Education providers should look to collaborate with tech companies to develop and integrate AI-powered tools and services that personalise education, enhance resource accessibility and streamline student-teacher interactions

Stat: Rogaine aims to shift stigma around men’s hair loss

Photography by Karolina Grabowska, Poland

US – Rogaine has launched National Hats Off Day, a campaign aimed at changing the conversation around men’s hair loss from stigma to support.

The initiative is accompanied by new US survey findings revealing that 51% of men experiencing hair loss have never discussed it, despite 83% of all surveyed men expressing a desire for more peer support. This highlights an untapped opportunity for cosmetics and personal care brands to foster open dialogue and create supportive product messaging.

The survey also uncovered insights on treatment attitudes across ethnic groups, with Black/African-American men (37%) less likely to delay treatment than white men (47%).

By understanding these nuanced consumer experiences, brands can better address diverse needs in their product offerings and communications in the Beauty sector.

Strategic opportunity

Players in the men’s beauty market should lead the way in promoting transparent and empathetic conversations about personal care challenges in order to gain consumers’ trust