AI Changes the Work Landscape, Generation Z is Asked to Strengthen Personal Foundation

Media Briefing TEDx Sampoerna University 2026 - AfterAll What Remains Beneath in Jakarta. (Dinno/VOI)

JAKARTA - Generation Z grew up in an unprecedented phase of technological acceleration. The presence of artificial intelligence (AI) today seems to be a reality that has begun to affect the way of learning, working, and building a career.

On one hand, technology opens up new opportunities, but on the other hand, there are concerns about the relevance of skills and mental readiness to face such rapid changes.

In this context, Sampoerna University again held TEDxSampoerna University 2026 with the theme "AfterAll: What Remains Beneath". This forum is presented as a space for reflection and discussion on the concerns of the younger generation regarding the future of careers and the meaning of self in the midst of technological disruption.

Vice Rector of Student Success Sampoerna University, Erik Krauss, emphasized that the implementation of TEDx is not merely a routine campus agenda, but a part of the institution's commitment in shaping students who are adaptive and capable.

"We not only want to prepare students to be ready for work, but also to be individuals who are empowered and contribute to society. The principle of TEDx is ideas worth spreading, and we are proud to provide a platform for students to convey meaningful ideas," said Erik in a press conference at the Student Union Sampoerna University, L'Avenue Building, South Jakarta, recently.

He explained that the TEDx initiative on campus began in 2021, when the Covid-19 pandemic still limited various activities. Even though it was held in a state of full limitations, the activity continued to grow and is now an annual intellectual agenda.

Gen Z's concerns about the future are not without reason. Data from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) 2025 shows that 60.6 percent of students feel unprepared for life after formal education.

Meanwhile, the Ipsos report through the Ipsos AI Monitor 2024 noted that 44 percent of respondents in Indonesia believe that AI will change the way humans work in the next five years.

The acceleration of automation and digitization is considered to create a gap between the competencies of graduates and industry needs. As a result, many young people not only question career choices, but also their self-worth and the foundation of their lives.

Project Leader TEDxSampoerna University 2026, Nathanael Aaron, said the theme AfterAll: What Remains Beneath was born from a reflection on the dynamics.

"In the midst of such rapid change, it is important for us to stop for a moment and ask what the true foundation of our lives is. When trends and achievements come and go, all that is left is ourselves," said Nathanael.

As part of the series of activities, the committee also presented a workshop entitled "Unshakeable You: Redefining Your Value in an Uncertain World" with career consultant speaker Irvandias Sanjaya. This session is designed to help students recognize personal strengths, understand their own values, and manage anxiety into a more targeted development strategy.

Apart from the campus and the committee, the press conference also featured Bumiterra's Co-Founder, Tara Susanto, who highlighted the importance of resilience and social awareness of the younger generation in facing global challenges.

The 2026 TEDxSampoerna University summit event is scheduled to take place at the Small Theater, Taman Ismail Marzuki on March 7, 2026, featuring eight curated speakers. Through this forum, the campus hopes that Indonesia's Generation Z can strengthen their mentality, human values, and courage to convey ideas in the midst of increasingly massive AI and digital transformation pressures.