A food delivery rider in Sengkang is being praised for his dedication as he juggles work and childcare responsibilities. A TikTok video shows the rider, dressed in a pink uniform, pushing a stroller along Compassvale Road while riding a personal mobility device. The caption reads: “Raising a young child and working as a food delivery man. Dad is very capable.” The video features a young child in the stroller and a Deliveroo thermal bag on the PMD.
Background
The video has sparked widespread admiration for the rider’s ability to balance his job and parenting duties. This incident highlights the challenges faced by gig economy workers, who often have to multitask to meet their responsibilities. The rider, identified as Teo Xiao Wei, 29, is known online as Panda King and was recently recognised for his performance at an award ceremony on July 30, where he was named ‘Public Holiday Hustler’ of 2023.
Responses
Public reactions to the video have been overwhelmingly positive, with many praising Teo for his hard work and dedication. Some commenters expressed concerns about the safety of performing both tasks simultaneously, but others defended him, suggesting he might be taking the child to a nearby caregiver.
One commenter noted, “Don’t judge him; he could be sending the child home or to a caregiver nearby.” Another added, “He’s probably multitasking during his shift. Absenteeism or rejecting orders could affect his ability to book future sessions.”
Impact on Work
Teo’s multitasking is not just a matter of convenience but a necessity. Food delivery platforms like foodpanda rank riders based on their dedication, with higher-tier batches receiving more lucrative opportunities. According to foodpanda’s website, “Batch 1 riders receive the highest dockets and are the first to book their sessions.” This system incentivises riders to remain active and committed, making it crucial for Teo to balance his responsibilities effectively.
Recognition and Future Implications
Teo’s dedication has not gone unnoticed. On July 26, SJN Rohayu Mohd Rodzi from the Southwest district police headquarters shared photos of Teo at the senior police officers’ housing complex in Sungai Dua. She noted, “I went out of my car and went straight to the father and child; it was scorching hot, and the kid was sweating.”
Teo’s story sheds light on the broader issues faced by gig economy workers, particularly those with family responsibilities. As the gig economy continues to grow, stories like Teo’s may prompt discussions about better support and flexible working conditions for these workers.
