Cai Mingjie
Encyclopedia
Cai Mingjie is a Singaporean taxicab
driver and former biology researcher, known for his blog, A Singapore Taxi Driver's Diary. He is described variously as "Singapore's most educated taxi driver" and "the only taxi driver with a Ph.D.".
. He received his Ph.D. in molecular biology
from Stanford University
in 1990, and worked for 16 years as a researcher at the Agency for Science, Technology and Research
's Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology
. In May 2008, he was one of the first few Principal Investigators of the institute to be laid off. After several failed job applications, he chose to become a taxi driver in November 2008. With the SG$77/day rent for his Toyota Crown
, he said in September 2009 that his take-home pay comes out to between $30 and $50 per day.
Cai began blogging about his experiences as a taxi driver, acquiring a large following of fans and even offers of employment. In April 2010, he published a compilation of stories about his taxi driving.
Taxicab
A taxicab, also taxi or cab, is a type of vehicle for hire with a driver, used by a single passenger or small group of passengers, often for a non-shared ride. A taxicab conveys passengers between locations of their choice...
driver and former biology researcher, known for his blog, A Singapore Taxi Driver's Diary. He is described variously as "Singapore's most educated taxi driver" and "the only taxi driver with a Ph.D.".
Biography
Cai was born in ChinaChina
Chinese civilization may refer to:* China for more general discussion of the country.* Chinese culture* Greater China, the transnational community of ethnic Chinese.* History of China* Sinosphere, the area historically affected by Chinese culture...
. He received his Ph.D. in molecular biology
Molecular biology
Molecular biology is the branch of biology that deals with the molecular basis of biological activity. This field overlaps with other areas of biology and chemistry, particularly genetics and biochemistry...
from Stanford University
Stanford University
The Leland Stanford Junior University, commonly referred to as Stanford University or Stanford, is a private research university on an campus located near Palo Alto, California. It is situated in the northwestern Santa Clara Valley on the San Francisco Peninsula, approximately northwest of San...
in 1990, and worked for 16 years as a researcher at the Agency for Science, Technology and Research
Agency for Science, Technology and Research
The Agency for Science, Technology and Research is a statutory board under the Ministry of Trade and Industry of Singapore...
's Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology
Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (Singapore)
The Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology is an autonomous research institute of the Agency for Science, Technology and Research in Singapore...
. In May 2008, he was one of the first few Principal Investigators of the institute to be laid off. After several failed job applications, he chose to become a taxi driver in November 2008. With the SG$77/day rent for his Toyota Crown
Toyota Crown
The Toyota Crown is a line of full-size luxury sedans by Toyota. The range was primarily available in Japan and some other Asian countries, originally designed to serve as a taxi...
, he said in September 2009 that his take-home pay comes out to between $30 and $50 per day.
Cai began blogging about his experiences as a taxi driver, acquiring a large following of fans and even offers of employment. In April 2010, he published a compilation of stories about his taxi driving.