SHANGHAI (SCMP): A man in China has been dubbed “the food delivery worker with the highest education level” due to earning degrees from several prestigious global universities, including Oxford.
The story of 39-year-old Ding Yuanzhao has reignited intense discussions surrounding the devaluation of academic qualifications against the backdrop of a challenging job market, as reported by the news portal 163.com.
Ding, a native of southeastern Fujian province, sat for China’s national university entrance exam, known as gaokao, in 2004. He gained admission to the esteemed Tsinghua University with an impressive score of nearly 700 out of a total of 750.
After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry, Ding pursued further studies at another prestigious institution, Peking University, earning a master’s degree in energy engineering.
Ding later earned a PhD in biology from Nanyang Technological University, a leading institution in Singapore, and also obtained a master’s degree in biodiversity from Oxford University in the UK. — Photo: Douyin
He later received a PhD in biology from Nanyang Technological University, a top school in Singapore. Additionally, he obtained a master’s degree in biodiversity from Oxford University in Britain.
Before his role as a food delivery rider, Ding worked on postdoctoral research at the National University of Singapore (NUS), where his contract ended in March last year. Despite sending out numerous resumes and attending over 10 interviews, he was unable to secure a suitable job.
As a result, he registered as a food delivery worker in Singapore, earning about SG$700 (US$550) per week 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.
Ding enjoys his job as a delivery rider, finding that it allows him to combine work with his passion for fitness, as he is also a dedicated running enthusiast. — Photo: DouyinDetails about his family have not been disclosed in the report.
“One advantage of delivering food is that you can get your workout in at the same time,” added Ding, who is an avid running enthusiast.
Ding expressed that he chose not to work as a private tutor for young students because he feels “too shy to seek customers on his own.”
A few months later, Ding relocated back to China, where he is now a food delivery worker for Meituan in Beijing, a leading shopping platform.
Recently, he garnered significant attention online after posting a video encouraging students who had just completed the gaokao exam.
Taking place annually in early June, China’s gaokao exam sees results released at the end of the month.
“If you haven’t achieved good results, don’t be pessimistic or discouraged. If you’ve done well, keep in mind that most people’s work doesn’t make much difference in the grand scheme of things,” Ding advised.
His story has sparked considerable discussion across mainland social media.
“So what’s the point of education?” questioned one internet user.
Another user agreed, noting: “He studied extensively but still ended up doing food delivery work.”
Many online commenters have raised questions about the worth of education when highly qualified individuals like Ding struggle to secure suitable employment. — Photo: Shutterstock / SCMP
On the other hand, a commenter defended his choices, stating: “There’s nothing wrong with his decision. At least he didn’t give up during a low point in his life.”
About 13 million students have taken the gaokao test in China each year for the past three consecutive years.
The job market has been experiencing significant pressure lately, with the youth unemployment rate, covering those aged 16 to 24 in urban areas and excluding students, standing at 14.9 per cent in May, according to the National Bureau of Statistics. – SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST
