China delivery rider graduated from top schools like Oxford inspires others to stay positive
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.
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.
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
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.
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