Why this Oxford scholar with three elite degrees became a delivery rider, his "unexpected" journey is inspiring users online
His journey, from academic excellence to the gig economy, has gone viral, raising important questions about the global job market, underemployment, and what it means to be 'overqualified' in today's economy.
From Oxford to the Streets of Singapore: What Happened?
Until March 2023, Ding was a postdoctoral researcher at the National University of Singapore (NUS). But once his contract ended, things took a sharp turn. He applied for many jobs and attended more than 10 interviews, but nothing worked out.
With bills to pay and no job in sight, Ding turned to food delivery as a survival option. Working 10 hours a day, he earns around SG$700 per week. While the shift from labs to the streets is humbling, Ding remains positive.
'It is a stable job. I can support my family. If you work hard, you can earn a decent living,' he said on social media.
Live Events
He even joked that delivery work helps him stay fit: 'One advantage of delivering food is that you can get your workout in at the same time.'
A Brilliant Academic Journey Across Four Countries
Ding is far from an ordinary gig worker. His academic background is one of the most impressive you'll find:
Master's in Biodiversity from Oxford University
Master's in Energy Engineering from Peking University
PhD in Biology from Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore
Born in Fujian Province, China, he scored 700 out of 750 in the gaokao, China's highly competitive national entrance exam. That earned him a seat at Tsinghua University, one of China's top institutions, where he studied chemistry.
From China to the UK, and finally Singapore, Ding built a rare, cross-disciplinary academic portfolio, spanning chemistry, energy, biology, and biodiversity.
Why He Didn't Turn to Tutoring
In Asia, many highly qualified people turn to private tutoring for income. But Ding didn't.
'I felt too shy to seek customers on my own,' he said, revealing how emotions like shyness and self-doubt can play a role in job decisions, especially for people coming from structured academic paths.
His case highlights a lesser-known side of unemployment: the emotional and psychological barriers that stop people from exploring available options.
A Global Problem: Overqualified, Underemployed
Ding's story reflects a growing global issue, underemployment among highly educated professionals. Despite years of study, shrinking job opportunities, especially in academia, are forcing PhD holders and top graduates into gig jobs.
Factors like:
Economic uncertainty
Reduced academic funding
Mismatch between skills and job demand have created a job crisis where even the best-educated are left behind.
Inputs from agencies
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