Filipino scholar emerges victorious in the 2025 FedEx/JA International Trade Competition
The 2025 FedEx/JA International Trade Challenge (ITC) Asia Pacific finals took place in Singapore, with Team Spicy Noodles from the Republic of Korea and Vietnam emerging as the victors. This competition, co-organised by Federal Express Corporation (FedEx) and Junior Achievement (JA), brought together over 4,700 students from nine markets across the region to develop market entry strategies for eco-friendly products that upcycle discarded textiles into sustainable consumer goods, with France as the target market.
The objective of the competition was to inspire students to approach global challenges with creativity and purpose. Kawal Preet, President of Asia Pacific at FedEx, highlighted this, stating that the program uniquely blends classroom learning with real-world problem-solving. He also noted that FedEx is proud to champion the program, empowering young entrepreneurs to think beyond borders and create solutions that address real-world challenges.
Team Spicy Noodles impressed the judges with their eco-friendly upcycling brand that transforms discarded textiles into custom embroidered artwork. The winning duo, Jamie Smith from the Republic of Korea and Kathy Nguyen from Vietnam, worked together to pitch their strategy before a panel of seasoned entrepreneurs and business leaders.
Other notable teams included Team ReTex, comprising Panasarn Traithavil from Thailand and Lan Anh Phan from Vietnam, who proposed a solar-powered solution integrating upcycled materials. Team Innovement, made up of Janelle Anika S. Tan from the Philippines and Royden So from Hong Kong SAR, presented a sustainable smart wall panel made from discarded textile waste.
The competition emphasised the importance of entrepreneurial acumen, cultural sensitivity, and collaboration in today's interconnected economy. Two runner-up teams were also recognised, but their identities were not specified in the provided text.
Kawal Preet emphasised that innovation goes hand in hand with building smarter, more resilient supply chains in today's interconnected economy. He stated that the next generation of business leaders will be at the forefront of this transformation. By fostering creativity, determination, and a global mindset, they are investing in the future of commerce, one that is more connected, sustainable, and equipped to navigate the complexities of global trade.
The FedEx/JA ITC has introduced over 50,000 students across Asia Pacific to the world of business, economics, and international trade. This year's competition reaffirmed the program's success in fostering the next generation of global leaders, ready to tackle the challenges of sustainability and interconnected commerce.
Read also:
- Exploring Hemp Insulation: Is This Eco-Conscious Solution Worthwhile for Your Construction Project?
- Construction fleet and urban transport emissions could see a significant reduction with the implementation of biogas as a game-changing solution.
- Fiercely battling for survival, a student hails from Ludwigsburg
- When One Pursues the Ideal Romantic Partner While Currently Wedlocked
