A Colombian In Singapore

Whether it’s dinner from a favourite restaurant or a top-up of household essentials and groceries via Pandamart, food delivery giant Foodpanda is a go-to for many EL readers. We chat with the company’s Director of Operations, Colombia-born expat Jorge Rubio, to find out what it’s like to move across the globe to work for the company.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I was born in Barranquilla, a seaside city in the Caribbean; it’s also the city where Shakira was born! Singapore’s weather is very similar to our hometown so we feel at home, even though Colombia is far from Singapore. I always say that you can dig a hole crossing the earth all the way and you will find Colombia.

I came to Singapore with my family: my wife Catalina and my kids, four-year-old Valentina and two-year-old Jorge Andres. We have been here for one and a half years now, so my kids are almost more Singaporean than they are Colombian.

What made you move to Singapore?

I’ve been in the tech industry for some years now, and my previous experience includes working for Uber and Rappi in Latin America. One day, someone from Foodpanda contacted me and that was the moment this journey began. Back then, the company had plans to build more verticals and offer services beyond food delivery, and I was provided an opportunity to support that growth. I’ve been with Foodpanda for close to two years now. Hopefully, I can stay here for many more years. The work environment is amazing, and I’m constantly impressed by the team and their experiences.

For me and my family, moving was the biggest adventure of our lives. We had never been in Asia and we knew coming here was going to be an amazing experience for us – even more so for our kids. We’ve not been disappointed so far. Even with COVID, we’re delighted with the country, the multicultural environment, the food and the people.

Tell us about a day in your life.