Taylor said Gen Z, those born between 1997 to 2012, face unique pressures driven by rapid technology changes, global uncertainty and the long tail of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Gen Z does not have it easier. They have to be multi-faceted and able to roll and change with the times. It’s harder to prepare for your future (due to the constant changes in AI),” he told FMT.

Taylor, a BBC veteran of over 30 years, said long-term careers in one place are increasingly rare, and adaptability has become essential.

“It’s harder to expect people to have a long career in one place, in one job. There are freedoms in that, but I think people have to be very adaptable (to fit with the times),” he added.

He also said that the pandemic had a deep impact on Gen Z, disrupting education and social development.

“They were less at risk from the disease, but actually felt it more keenly through the restrictions on their education,” he added.

Taylor is in Malaysia to record World Questions, a global version of the BBC’s Question Time, at the Petaling Jaya Performing Arts Centre tomorrow night.

On journalism, Taylor said AI presents both challenges and opportunities.

He said tools like transcription services can ease newsroom workflows, but writing and editorial judgement must remain human-driven.

“AI can help us on the back end of the job, but should it be writing our news pieces? No. We don’t want that. And we need to plan to protect that human element,” he said.