A viral video from WeChat account “Ding Yuanzhao Loves Studying Abroad” has sparked widespread online discussion about employment challenges facing highly educated individuals in today’s job market.
Ding Yuanzhao, born in 1985, was considered an academic star who achieved nearly perfect scores on China’s college entrance examination (gaokao) in 2004, earning admission to Tsinghua University for chemical engineering and industrial bioengineering. His educational journey continued with a master’s degree in energy and resource engineering from Peking University, followed by a PhD in biology from Singapore’s Nanyang Technological University. In 2018, he pursued a biodiversity master’s degree at Oxford University before becoming a postdoctoral researcher at the National University of Singapore.
However, when his research contract expired in March 2024, Ding faced unexpected challenges. Despite his impressive credentials, most job applications went unanswered. Unable to secure academic employment, he turned to food delivery work in Singapore, working 11-12 hours daily regardless of weather conditions. His income ranges from 50-100 Singapore dollars per day (approximately $39.2 – 78.4), with Sunday earnings reaching up to 254 Singapore dollars (approximately $200).
In his recent video addressing Chinese students who just completed the gaokao, Ding displayed his academic certificates while offering encouragement: “Regardless of exam performance, everyone should maintain a balanced mindset. Even if you don’t do well, don’t be pessimistic. Even if you do well, future jobs won’t differ much anyway.”
The video generated mixed reactions online. Some netizens commented on the “cruel reality” and questioned whether food delivery now requires doctoral qualifications, while others noted that Ding chose this work rather than being limited to it. The discussion has raised broader questions about the value of higher education in today’s competitive job market.
Source: Central News Agency (Taiwan), June 27, 2025
https://www.cna.com.tw/news/acn/202506270093.aspx