On August 23, 2024, the FedEx/Junior Achievement (JA) International Trade Challenge culminated in Singapore, showcasing the talents of bright young minds from across the Asia Pacific. This year’s event saw over 4,500 students from ten markets, including Hong Kong, India, and Indonesia, competing for recognition and developing their skills in international trade and entrepreneurial thinking.
The challenge required participants to devise innovative market entry strategies promoting circular economy principles, with Turkey as the focus market. This task aligns with the growing emphasis on environmental sustainability and corporate accountability, urging students to think critically about their ideas and the impact on real-world problems.
In the final contest, 60 students teamed up in diverse, cross-cultural groups, fostering collaboration and understanding among different markets. They presented their innovative strategies to a panel of esteemed judges comprised of Singapore’s leading entrepreneurs and small business owners. This approach not only enriched the learning experience but also highlighted the importance of teamwork in achieving business objectives.
Kawal Preet, President of FedEx Asia Pacific, noted the challenge’s role in enhancing innovation through collaboration. He stated, “The FedEx JA International Trade Challenge epitomizes this belief by promoting global entrepreneurship among the youth.” The focus on innovation is crucial, as these students are not merely engaging in theoretical exercises but are addressing tangible issues facing our planet. The panel of judges was impressed by the creativity and problem-solving abilities of the participants, evidencing the potential for future leaders to influence commerce with social responsibility.
Team CJ stole the spotlight with their winning proposal to create biofilm from seaweed, a sustainable alternative to traditional plastics. Team members included Cheryl Lim Xin Yi from Singapore and Julia Jasmine Binti Jufri from Malaysia. Reacting to their win, the students expressed their excitement and gratitude for the opportunity to learn and compete alongside top talent in the region.
The runners-up, Team Circuvate and Team ONE, also presented compelling ideas. Team Circuvate suggested developing bioplastic plates funded through advertising at football stadiums, while Team ONE proposed repurposing food waste into traditional Turkish carpets. Each concept demonstrates innovative thinking aligned with sustainability, confirming the students’ potential to be change-makers in the industry.
Maziar Sabet, President and CEO of JA Asia Pacific, emphasized the significance of nurturing young talent. He commented, “I am deeply inspired by the belief that every young person possesses inherent potential and the capacity to contribute meaningfully to society.” By fostering skills that merge creativity with practicality, programs like the FedEx/JA International Trade Challenge inspire students to envision and create a better future.
The judges echoed this sentiment, commending the showing of students such as Alex Fan, Co-founder of Sunday Bedding, who remarked on the eye-opening experience of witnessing young entrepreneurs solve problems innovatively. Kloe Ng, Co-founder of Out of the Box Education, expressed her admiration for the thoughtful proposals, which were developed within just two days, showcasing the students’ ability to think on their feet.
For the past 18 years, the FedEx/JA International Trade Challenge has introduced nearly 50,000 students to the dynamics of business, economics, and international trade through a blend of classroom instruction and hands-on experience. The ongoing commitment to youth entrepreneurship is reflected in initiatives like the Small Business Grant Contest (SBGC), which continues to empower the next generation of business leaders.
In conclusion, the FedEx/JA International Trade Challenge not only celebrates excellence among students but also emphasizes the essential roles of innovation, collaboration, and sustainability in today’s marketplace. The event simplifies the complex world of trade into an engaging learning experience, equipping students with the tools they need to succeed both now and in their future careers as responsible global citizens. As they continue to tackle real-world challenges through ingenuity and teamwork, these young leaders are paving the way for a more sustainable and interconnected future.
