Unable to find suitable work, Oxford graduate with PhD takes up food delivery: 'It’s not a bad job'

Ding Yuanzhao worked as a food delivery partner in Singapore and China. (Representational image: Unsplash)

A 39-year-old Oxford University graduate has sparked a debate online after he revealed that he was forced to take up the role of a food delivery person after being unable to find a suitable job in China and Singapore. Ding Yuanzhao also holds a doctorate degree, South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported. His story has prompted online commentators to discuss the diminishing value of academic qualifications in a tough job market.

Ding had achieved an almost perfect score on China's rigorous gaokao (university entrance exam) in 2004, earning him a spot at Tsinghua University for his bachelor's in chemistry. He then pursued a master's degree in energy engineering from Peking University, a PhD in biology from Singapore's Nanyang Technological University, and another master's in biodiversity from Oxford in Britain.

Despite his impressive academic background, Ding's postdoctoral research contract at the National University of Singapore (NUS) ended last March. After sending out numerous resumes and attending over 10 interviews, he was unable to secure suitable employment.

Consequently, he registered as a food delivery worker in Singapore, earning approximately Rs 47,000 weekly by working 10 hours a day. "It is a stable job. I can support my family with this income. If you work hard, you can earn a decent living. It’s not a bad job," Ding shared on social media, also noting the added benefit of getting a workout while delivering. He also revealed that he could not become a private tutor because he felt shy to approach clients, SCMP reported.

Months later, Ding returned to China and is now a food delivery worker for Meituan in Beijing. His story highlights the severe pressure on China's job market, where the youth unemployment rate (ages 16-24, excluding students) stood at 14.9 percent in May, according to the National Bureau of Statistics.