Chinese man with Oxford PhD turns delivery rider after 10 failed interviews in Singapore; inspiring thousands online
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Despite holding degrees from some of the world's most prestigious universities, Ding found himself unemployed after a postdoctoral stint. His story, now going viral, is not just a personal journey—it's a reflection of rising underemployment among highly educated professionals across the world. As competition stiffens, many are turning to the gig economy simply to survive.
Ding's situation mirrors a growing global trend of underemployment among overqualified individuals.
Whether in the sciences, humanities, or engineering, many highly educated professionals are finding themselves underutilised in the labour market. Economic uncertainty, shrinking academic funding, and misaligned skill demands have pushed even PhD holders into freelance or gig work.
Oxford graduate delivers food after struggling to find a job in Singapore
According to
South China Morning Post (SCMP)
until March 2023, Ding worked as a postdoctoral researcher at the National University of Singapore (NUS).
After his contract ended, he applied to numerous roles and attended over ten interviews—without success.
Faced with financial pressure and limited options, Ding chose to become a food delivery rider in Singapore, marking a stark departure from his academic roots. The decision speaks volumes about the growing relevance and necessity of the gig economy for even the most credentialed individuals. Working 10 hours daily, Ding reportedly earns about SG$700 a week.
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While many would find the shift humbling, Ding maintains a grounded outlook.
'It is a stable job. I can support my family. If you work hard, you can earn a decent living,' he shared on social media. He also noted the unexpected perk of physical fitness: 'One advantage of delivering food is that you can get your workout in at the same time.'
Source: SCMP
Oxford graduate's three prestigious degrees
Ding Yuanzhao, 39, is not your average gig worker. Born in China, he boasts a rare academic pedigree, including:
A master's degree in biodiversity from Oxford University
A master's in energy engineering from Peking University
A PhD in biology from Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore
Despite these accomplishments, he has struggled to find a job that matches his expertise.
His case underscores the troubling disconnect between elite education and career placement.
Source: SCMP
Long academic journey of Oxford graduate and why he avoided tutoring work
Ding's academic journey began in Fujian Province, China. In 2004, he achieved a near-perfect score of 700 out of 750 in China's gaokao, the country's grueling national college entrance exam. That earned him a place at Tsinghua University, where he studied chemistry. From there, he moved across borders and disciplines, proving himself a top scholar in chemistry, energy, biology, and biodiversity—a rare cross-disciplinary portfolio.
Many highly educated professionals in Asia often turn to private tutoring to make ends meet. Ding, however, chose not to.
'I felt too shy to seek customers on my own,' he admitted. His hesitance reflects how emotional and psychological factors—such as confidence, identity, and self-worth—can influence post-academic career choices, especially in unstructured environments.
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