ONLINE food and grocery delivery platform foodpanda Malaysia is bringing 62 delivery partners to this year’s National Day Parade in Putrajaya, marking the second year the company is participating in the national celebration.
Ahead of the parade, foodpanda Malaysia’s leadership and management team met and supported the delivery partners during their training.
In appreciation of their delivery partners’ dedication, they surprised each participating delivery partner with an exclusive pair of foodpanda x Voltra Running Shoes.
Many of the delivery partners are familiar faces, having been with foodpanda for years and consistently showing up to support community initiatives and mentor their fellow delivery partners.
The people behind the pink
Awan and Duwey have both been with foodpanda for five years. They first met while working in the Balakong area, when Awan was a single mother raising two children. They recently got married and continue to work as delivery partners.
For Awan, being selected is a proud moment and a chance to represent the delivery partner community she has been part of for the past five years.
“Sometimes people look down on delivery partners. Being selected for the National Day Parade makes me feel proud because we can show that delivery partners are also part of this country and that we are contributing meaningfully,” said Awan.
Their time on the road has also given them a shared understanding of what it takes to work safely and the importance of mutual respect.
“We hope Malaysians can understand our work and respect delivery partners on the road. When it rains, we are also trying to get home safely, so a little understanding and cooperation can make a big difference.
“At the same time, we also need to respect our customers and merchants. At the end of the day, we are all part of the same community, and we need to help and understand one another,” Duwey shared.
Casey Chuan, who has been with foodpanda since 2018, says the camaraderie among fellow delivery partners has kept her going over the years.
She also remembers the kindness of the people she meets through her work. During one delivery to a rural area, a customer who had ordered just two burgers gave her a RM10 tip at a time when she needed extra income – a gesture that touched her and stayed with her.
“I feel very lucky and excited to have this opportunity to represent foodpanda. I get to stand alongside a multiracial group of people to make this celebration a success. It is something I will remember for a long time,” said Chuan.
For Gopinath Ramakasinan, being a delivery partner has also opened up opportunities beyond earning an income.
A single father, he started with foodpanda while looking for flexible work and an additional source of income.
During his time as a delivery partner, he was given the opportunity to pursue university studies through foodpanda’s sponsorship. He has since graduated.
“As a delivery partner, I was not only able to earn a living, but was also given the opportunity to continue my education and achieve one of my dreams. Completing my studies is a milestone I’m very proud of,” said Gopinath.
Their stories may be different, but the National Day Parade gives the 62 delivery partners a moment to come together and share in the pride of being Malaysian.
This reflects the spirit of foodpanda Malaysia’s Satu Rasa Bersama Merdeka campaign, which celebrates Malaysian food and the connections it creates across communities.
Foodpanda Malaysia managing director Kenneth Soh said, “Our delivery partners form the backbone of foodpanda, powering our daily operations and enabling us to serve customers every day with reliable deliveries.
“We are proud that the contributions and commitments of our delivery partners are recognised in this important national celebration.”
The public can catch the 62 delivery partners at the National Day Parade in Putrajaya or via live broadcast.
Visitors are also welcome to show their support in person by dropping by the foodpanda Malaysia booth for interactive games, exciting rewards, photo opportunities and a chance to meet foodpanda’s iconic mascot, Pau-Pau.
As a special Merdeka Day offer, visitors can redeem a free one-month pandapro subscription at the booth. Terms and conditions apply.
