Shaping Tomorrow’s Business Leaders: 2024 FedEx/JA International Trade Challenge, Asia Pacific Winners Announced
Federal
Express Corporation, one of the world's largest express transportation
companies, together with
Junior Achievement (JA), announced the winners of the 2024 FedEx/JA
International Trade Challenge Asia Pacific finals held at a live event in
Singapore.
Sixty students
gathered in Singapore for the Asia Pacific finals and were tasked to create a
market entry strategy for a product that contributes to a circulatory economy,
with Turkey being the target market. With growing discourse among consumers on
how products affect the environment, and the role corporations should play in
shaping a sustainable future, the challenge was particularly relevant. Students
were paired into teams of two from different markets, to foster cross-cultural
understanding. The student teams then pitched their idea to a panel of judges
made up of Singapore’s leading entrepreneurs and small business owners.
"At FedEx we believe
that the power of innovation and connectivity can change the world. The FedEx
JA International Trade Challenge epitomizes this belief by promoting global entrepreneurship
among the youth,” said Kawal Preet, president, Asia Pacific, FedEx. “These
brilliant young minds are not just learning about international trade; they are
addressing real-world problems with creativity and insight. As these young
leaders break down barriers and build bridges across borders, they are
exemplifying the FedEx ethos of connecting people and possibilities.”
The first-place winners were Team
CJ, consisting of Cheryl Lim Xin Yi from Singapore and Julia Jasmine Binti
Jufri from Malaysia. They impressed the judges with their innovative idea of
creating biofilm from seaweed.
The two runner-up teams were Team
Circuvate and Team ONE. Team Circuvate, which included Wesley Ng Yu De from
Singapore, developed bioplastic plates funded entirely through advertisements
for football stadiums. Team ONE, composed of Rysa D. Sumalinog from the
Philippines and Clarisse Chee Qian Ying from Singapore. They proposed turning
food waste into traditional Turkish carpets.
“We are thrilled to be selected as the winners of the
competition. It’s a great honor and privilege to contend with top talent in the
region. Taking part in the competition has truly been an eye-opening experience
– it helped us understand that any great venture needs bold thinking, thorough
planning and great collaboration with peers and industry experts. Winning this
competition gives us the confidence to continue exploring what’s possible on
our path to becoming future entrepreneurs,” said Cheryl Lim Xin Yi from Singapore, and Julia Jasmine
Binti Jufri from Malaysia of the winning team CJ.
"I am deeply inspired by
the belief that every young person possesses inherent potential and the
capacity to contribute meaningfully to society. The FedEx/JA International
Trade Challenge reflects that belief, empowering our youth to explore their
talents, innovate with purpose, and become the architects of a better future.
At Junior Achievement, we are committed to nurturing this potential, knowing
that today’s youth are the leaders of tomorrow, capable of creating positive
and lasting change in our world,” said Maziar Sabet, President
and CEO, JA Asia Pacific.
The FedEx / JA International Trade Challenge program is jointly
organized by FedEx and JA Asia Pacific, a member of JA Worldwide. In the last
18 years, nearly 50,000 students across Asia Pacific, have been introduced to the world of
business, economics and international trade through this program which
incorporates classroom learning and practical teamwork exercises. In addition to supporting young entrepreneurs through JA ITC, FedEx
has been organizing the Small
Business Grant Contest (SBGC) to support small-and-medium-enterprises
(SMEs) across Asia Pacific.
Judges of the competition, comprised of
entrepreneurs and business leaders, were impressed by the organization of
the competition and the efforts made by the students.
“The experience has been eye opening - to see the young minds showcasing their problem-solving skills and presenting their solutions so eloquently. It has been quite thought provoking and immensely enjoyable.” Alex Fan, Co-founder of Sunday Bedding Pte. Ltd.
“I
was incredibly blown away by the presentations and the thoughtfulness behind
each proposal, especially with the knowledge that they were all done in only 2
days. It was also great to see learning and exchange of knowledge between the
participants.” Kloe Ng
Co—founder of Out of the Box Education, Inc.
“The experience has been eye opening - to see the young minds showcasing their problem-solving skills and presenting their solutions so eloquently. It has been quite thought provoking and immensely enjoyable.” Alex Fan, Co-founder of Sunday Bedding Pte. Ltd.
“I’m so impressed by the quality of business plans the youth participants presented, all prepared within 48 hours. The fact that each participant was paired with someone they didn't know made this even more impressive. This competition is a boiler room of entrepreneurial experiences and insights. JA Asia Pacific and FedEx did a masterful job facilitating this competition and giving our youth the experience of competing at a regional level.” Reza Behnam, Founder of Digital Direction.
“Great to see such passion, creativity, and enthusiasm from every team! Truly impressed with the depth of each presentation from these young minds. Such an honour to be a part of this event addressing important themes like circular economy and join other peers in helping to give back!” Prerna Pant, Director of Genesys.
“The calibre of the teams and ideas were incredibly high. I am so impressed with their ideas and presentation. And so honoured to be able to take part in this competition. Well done FedEx and JA Asia Pacific in sustaining the ITC.” Low Chin Loo, Co-chair of CFA DEI Code Singapore.
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