Why this Oxford scholar with three elite degrees became a delivery rider, his "unexpected" journey is inspiring users online

In a world where even the most prestigious degrees no longer guarantee stable jobs, the story of Ding Yuanzhao is both shocking and relatable. According to a report by the South China Morning Post (SCMP), Ding, a 39-year-old Oxford graduate, is now working as a food delivery rider in Singapore after struggling to find a job despite holding three elite degrees.

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.

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