Photo Credit: HT
In a story that reflects the growing mismatch between education and employment in today’s economy, a highly qualified PhD scholar in Singapore, unable to find a job despite an impressive academic record, has taken up work as a food delivery boy. According to the Hindustan Times, Ding Yuanzhao, a 39-year-old with degrees from Oxford, Peking, and Tsinghua University, now rides the streets of Singapore delivering meals—turning heads and raising questions about the global job market.
A Resume That Commands Respect—But Not a Job
Ding holds a doctorate in biology, a master’s in energy engineering from Peking University, a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Tsinghua, and has even studied biodiversity at the University of Oxford. After completing postdoctoral research at the National University of Singapore, Ding assumed he would land a permanent academic or research job. But over a dozen job interviews later—with no offers in hand—he turned to gig work to make ends meet.
Today, he wears a delivery uniform, rides through traffic, and earns a stable income. It’s not what he expected when he first arrived in Singapore with academic ambitions—but it’s a life he has chosen with dignity and realism.
A Job Market That’s Becoming Tougher for Graduates
Ding’s case is not an isolated one. Singapore’s job market, though robust in tech and finance, has grown increasingly tough for those in academia or research. According to recent statistics, full-time job placement among graduates fell in 2024, while part-time and freelance opportunities rose sharply. The competition is stiff, and the demand for certain skills has shifted.
Even with prestigious credentials, Ding found that opportunities in biology and environmental science were scarce. This job-market mismatch left him—and many others—re-evaluating what success really looks like in today’s world.
Rethinking Success: Dignity in Honest Work
Far from hiding his new occupation, Ding speaks openly about it. He describes delivery work as physically active, financially sufficient, and most importantly—respectable. He earns a comfortable income, supports his family, and enjoys the flexible hours the job offers. For someone who identifies as shy, the solitary nature of the work also suits him.
There’s a quiet pride in how he describes his day. It’s not about prestige, but about purpose and independence. In a world that often over-glorifies corporate success, Ding’s story redefines what it means to work with dignity.
When Degrees Don’t Translate into Opportunities
The emotional impact of Ding’s journey can’t be overlooked. Imagine investing years into elite education, only to discover the job market has no space for you. Many young professionals around the world are facing the same dilemma—armed with degrees but left without direction.
Ding’s story captures the essence of this global phenomenon: the widening gap between education and employability. It is a reminder that today’s job seekers need more than just qualifications—they need adaptability, resilience, and sometimes, the courage to take an unconventional route.
A Story of Resilience, Not Defeat
Despite the headlines, this is not a story of failure—it’s one of survival and redefinition. Ding chose to stay active, earn honestly, and support his loved ones rather than wait endlessly for a white-collar role. That decision takes strength, not weakness.
His humility and perseverance shine brighter than any title. He didn’t settle—he adapted. And that, in today’s volatile world, is a victory in itself.
Why His Story Matters
As economies shift and traditional job paths become uncertain, Ding’s story resonates with thousands of graduates across the globe. It underscores a powerful truth: no job is small if it’s done with integrity. The delivery boy who holds a PhD might just be the most educated person in the room—but he reminds us that what truly matters is one’s will to keep moving forward, no matter the uniform.
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