SINGAPORE — Innovation, sustainability, and cross-cultural collaboration took center stage as six students from across Asia Pacific emerged victorious at the 2025 FedEx/JA International Trade Challenge (ITC) Asia Pacific finals. Among them was a proud representative from the Philippines, proving once again that Filipino youth are ready to take on the global stage.
The competition, co-organized by Federal Express Corporation (FedEx) and Junior Achievement (JA), drew over 4,700 students from nine markets across the region including Hong Kong SAR, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, Republic of Korea, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. After rigorous national rounds, 54 finalists gathered in Singapore for the culminating challenge: to develop a market entry strategy for an eco-friendly product that upcycles discarded textiles into sustainable consumer goods, with France as the target market.
Working in cross-border pairs, the students were tasked to pitch their strategies before a panel of seasoned entrepreneurs and business leaders. The exercise not only tested their entrepreneurial acumen but also underscored the importance of cultural sensitivity and collaboration in today’s interconnected economy.
This year’s top honors went to Team Spicy Noodles, composed of Jamie Smith from the Republic of Korea and Kathy Nguyen from Vietnam, who impressed judges with their eco-friendly upcycling brand that transforms discarded textiles into custom embroidered artwork.
Two runner-up teams also stood out:
- Team Innovement, composed of Filipino student Janelle Anika S. Tan and Hong Kong SAR’s Royden So, for their sustainable smart wall panel made from discarded textile waste.
- Team ReTex, with Thailand’s Panasarn Traithavil and Vietnam’s Lan Anh Phan, who proposed a solar-powered solution integrating upcycled materials.
Now in its 19th year, the FedEx/JA ITC has introduced more than 50,000 students across Asia Pacific to the world of business, economics, and international trade. The program uniquely blends classroom learning with real-world problem-solving, inspiring students to approach global challenges with creativity and purpose.
“For nearly two decades, FedEx has proudly championed this program, empowering young entrepreneurs to think beyond borders and create solutions that address real-world challenges. In today’s interconnected economy, innovation goes hand in hand with building smarter, more resilient supply chains, and the next generation of business leaders will be at the forefront of this transformation. By fostering their creativity, determination, and global mindset, we’re investing in the future of commerce, one that is more connected, sustainable, and equipped to navigate the complexities of global trade,” said Kawal Preet, president, Asia Pacific, FedEx.
