Second shot at higher learning for gig workers

NILAI – For food delivery rider Gopinath Ramakasinan, getting into a university has been a far-fetched ambition.

The 41-year-old has dreamed of higher education in the past 24 years to repay the tirelessness and dedication of his father who raised him and his four other siblings at their home in Batu Caves.

“After I finished my SPM in 1999 with Grade 2 results, it has always been on my mind to be in a higher institution of learning to alleviate [the burdens faced by my family and I],” he told The Vibes.

However, due to numerous obligations and financial constraints, it was apparent that his ambition to pursue tertiary education would be impossible and remain a dream.

“My father worked as a driver in a car plant in Segambut for so long, and it was not an easy journey for him to support the family – while our mother is a full-time housewife raising five of us.”

Over the years, Gopinath had to work in between jobs, including as a security guard at a factory and at the Royal Selangor Club some 13 years ago.

He moved up the ranks and held the position of operation manager within the security services firm until 2018, with a last drawn salary of RM2,800.

Then, he switched to a food delivery platform in 2019 for flexibility, consistently working up to 13 hours a day with just a day off per week.

“Rain or shine, I have been working hard day in day out to deliver food to customers and I am able to earn up to RM1,000 per week,” he said. “Even though that is more than what I used to get in a security company but I still feel incomplete, I feel I could do something more.”

In spite of everything, Gopinath had always been on the lookout for ways to increase his education level in order to pursue his goal of someday starting a restaurant.

So when foodpanda announced a two-year scholarship education programme for its riders five months ago, Gopinath did not hesitate for a second.

The single father to two daughters, aged 12 and 13, had to compete with 59 other riders to be selected for the diploma in business management course at Manipal International University (MIU). 

In the end, he was successfully picked together with four other riders and Gopinath is already into the second semester, attending two days of classes in a week.

“I have another four semesters to go and I must ensure that I can cope well,” he said.

“I am a student on Monday and Tuesday, but I am still doing the (food delivery) jobs in the Klang Valley for the rest of the week to provide financial support for my family.”

‘Golden chance upon us’

Gopinath’s fellow pink compatriot and classmate Kamarul Ariffin Ismail described the reality of becoming a university student as surreal.

“I can’t believe this opportunity is real. When I complete this journey, I’ll be ready to explore new careers that I never thought possible,” he said cheerfully in an interview with The Vibes.

“I am fortunate that my family supports me in everything I do. They want me to take this opportunity to learn and grow.

“I have two kids at home, and their happiness and dreams continue to push me to become a better person. It isn’t easy because I have so many commitments at home, and my kids still need my attention, but I’m determined to succeed,” he pointed out.

As an adventure lover, the 38-year-old iss determined to set a good example to other gig economy workers.

“This journey is important for me, and I hope my journey will inspire them to follow their dreams,” said Kamarul.

It is learned that foodpanda’s scholarship programme aligns with the company’s commitment to the government’s initiatives.

No bond to tie recipients 

Following a recent dialogue with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, foodpanda has pledged to support upskilling, training schemes and other steps to enhance the social safety net for the gig economy community.

Last Thursday, the company inked a partnership for the programme with MIU through a memorandum of understanding.

“We are honoured to welcome the foodpanda riders into our campus and provide them with such a unique opportunity to transform their lives. This partnership exemplifies the power of education to drive positive change,” said MIU’s vice-chancellor Prof Jason Fitzsimmons.

Foodpanda Malaysia’s head of logistics Shubham Saran explained that the collaboration aims to provide delivery riders with the chance to pursue tertiary education, enhancing their skill sets and opening avenues for career progression.

To assist in their academic focus, foodpanda provides them with laptops and is also sponsoring hostel accommodations during the duration of their course.

Asked if there is any bond to tie the riders after their graduation, Shubham replied: “No bond, as we are dedicated to their well-being and [the] future path of our delivery partners.”

“And we definitely have a plan to expand this programme,” he added. – The Vibes, August 22, 2023