Is an economics bachelors from Taiwan a safer career bet than mechanical engineering given AI era job worries?

Neither an economics bachelor's nor mechanical engineering in Taiwan is a universally safer bet against AI, since automation threatens each field differently. Mechanical engineering gives you a stronger physical buffer because AI cannot yet inspect a factory line or calibrate hardware on its own, while economics gives you wider flexibility to pivot across industries.

Comparing AI Risk and Career Paths

How to AI Proof Either Path

• If studying economics, learn Python, SQL, and basic machine learning tools alongside theory, and practice building models on real market data.
• If studying mechanical engineering, add mechatronics to your coursework, since the safest engineering roles bridge mechanical parts, electronics, and firmware.
• Target hardware adjacent internships either way, since Taiwan's economy is anchored heavily by firms like TSMC and Foxconn.
• Build genuinely bilingual skills, since Taiwan's push for English alongside Mandarin creates real demand for professionals who can bridge both markets.

My Advice

Pick the field that matches how you naturally like to solve problems, hands on or analytical, and then spend your first two years of college aggressively adding the digital or physical skill you lack, since a mechanical engineer who codes and an economist who understands hardware will both outlast the plain version of either degree.