Over the years, many drivers have turned to Lalamove as a source of extra income, and some eventually made it their full-time career, drawn by the platform’s flexibility. Others see it as a practical extension of their workday, completing a few orders after office hours, earning a little extra before heading home.
But every so often, a story emerges that shifts the narrative. It is not about earnings, incentives or ride counts. It is about mental space.
Meet Saw Li Yoong, a Lalamove Ride driver whose journey stands out not because she drives the most, but because she drives with intention.
The woman behind the wheel
Li Yoong first caught attention when she was crowned the Ride category winner of the Lalamove Jom Move Challenge, completing 151 ride orders in less than two months. Her cheerful personality and easygoing nature made her instantly memorable, but what stood out more was her perspective on driving.
Unlike many who focus on volume or high targets, Li Yoong approaches the platform differently. She is not driven by competition or constant availability. Instead, she prioritises rhythm, a pace that fits naturally into her life rather than disrupting it.
A 9-to-5 hustler
During the day, Li Yoong works a conventional office job. By evening, she is behind the wheel. Her routine is simple yet intentional: after work, she opens the app and selects only the rides that align with her schedule, preferred routes and acceptable fares.
On average, she accepts just three ride orders per day.
To some, the number may seem modest. For Li Yoong, however, it is a deliberate choice, one that helps her conserve energy, avoid burnout and still earn additional income. The focus is not on quantity, but on sustainability.
She often describes the experience as beneficial to her mental well-being, noting that the freedom to choose her own jobs removes much of the pressure commonly associated with gig work.
Freedom over rigidity
Having previously tried more structured e-hailing systems, Li Yoong realised she preferred environments where she could make her own decisions. The autonomy to select pick-up points, destinations and fares offered a sense of ownership that other platforms lacked.
Since joining Lalamove in August, she has gradually leaned toward it as her primary choice for part-time driving. The platform fits her lifestyle not because it demands more hours, but because it allows her to set boundaries — an increasingly rare privilege in modern work culture.
Financial incentives certainly play a role. Lalamove Ride drivers are able to retain up to 99% of their commission per trip, which makes the earning potential undeniably attractive. However, Li Yoong often points to another motivating factor, the positive interactions with passengers.
Short conversations, appreciative smiles and simple words of thanks contribute to a sense of fulfilment that goes beyond monetary gain.
Winning the Jom Move Challenge further reinforced this sentiment. The RM2,000 prize money was divided thoughtfully, a portion set aside for donations, and the remainder used to treat family and friends during the festive season. The gesture reflected her grounded outlook and emphasis on shared joy rather than personal indulgence.
Driving with purpose, not pressure
Li Yoong’s journey illustrates a subtle but powerful shift in perspective. Instead of viewing gig driving purely as a hustle, she treats it as a controlled extension of her day, one that supports financial goals without compromising mental clarity.
Her success is not measured by the number of completed rides or hours logged. It is measured by how she feels when she closes the app each night: calm, accomplished and still in control of her time.
In a landscape where side jobs often lead to exhaustion, Saw Li Yoong’s story offers a refreshing alternative, a reminder that flexibility, when used intentionally, can transform work into something restorative rather than draining.
This On-Demand Delivery series is a collaboration with Lalamove
