Online food delivery platform foodpanda Malaysia has partnered with the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) to roll out the From Ride to Retire programme in Sarawak, extending structured retirement and financial literacy support to 400 high-performing delivery partners across the state.
The initiative, introduced under foodpanda’s panda hearts welfare programme, marks the first time such a dedicated, on-the-ground retirement education effort has been brought directly to gig workers in Sarawak. It aims to strengthen long-term financial preparedness among delivery riders by equipping them with practical knowledge on savings and retirement planning.
foodpanda Malaysia Director of Operations Shubham Saran said the programme reflects the company’s commitment to supporting delivery partners beyond immediate earning opportunities.
“Our delivery partners are a vital part of the foodpanda ecosystem. Supporting them means looking ahead and ensuring they are equipped to plan for the future. From Ride to Retire is designed to make financial preparedness practical and relevant to their daily lives,” he said in a statement.
Saran added that the 400 participating riders are expected to act as ambassadors for the programme, encouraging more gig workers to voluntarily contribute towards their retirement savings and strengthen their long-term financial security.
The programme builds on foodpanda’s ongoing collaboration with the EPF Sarawak Region and brings EPF officers directly to riders through a series of advisory and briefing sessions held in Kuching, Sibu, Bintulu and Miri from Feb 9 to 13.
Led by EPF regional officers, the sessions focus on key topics including voluntary EPF contributions for gig workers, the long-term benefits of consistent retirement savings and the development of sustainable saving habits through schemes such as i-Saraan.
The launch of the programme was marked by a signing ceremony between foodpanda and the EPF Sarawak Region at the EPF headquarters here, underscoring the joint commitment to widening access to retirement savings for non-traditional workers.
EPF Sarawak Regional Director Aminuddin Abdul Aziz said gig workers represent an increasingly important segment as the fund seeks to expand retirement coverage nationwide.
“We encourage delivery riders to begin saving for retirement in a structured and consistent manner. Even small contributions can have a meaningful impact over time if started early. Through From Ride to Retire, our officers are able to engage directly with riders across Sarawak and guide them in making informed financial decisions,” he said.
In addition to financial education, the programme also serves as a platform for engagement between foodpanda and its delivery partners, featuring networking opportunities, briefings and appreciation activities, particularly in areas with limited physical touchpoints.
foodpanda said it plans to expand the From Ride to Retire programme to Sabah and additional cities across East Malaysia in the near future, as part of its broader effort to enhance the welfare and financial resilience of gig economy workers.
-HR HUB
