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Manila Bulletin devider Lifestyle devider Youth devider Young innovators shine at the 2025 FedEx/JA International Trade Challenge in Singapore

Young innovators shine at the 2025 FedEx/JA International Trade Challenge in Singapore

Published Oct 1, 2025 06:09 pm
Future entrepreneurs from across Asia Pacific gathered in Singapore for this year’s FedEx/Junior Achievement (JA) International Trade Challenge Asia Pacific finals, where students were challenged to design market entry strategies for eco-friendly products made from discarded textiles. France was chosen as the target market, making the task timely against the backdrop of growing global conversations on sustainability.
From more than 4,700 students across nine markets—including the Philippines—only 54 made it to the regional finals. Students were paired with peers from different countries, encouraging collaboration across cultures before presenting their ideas to a panel of Singapore’s business leaders.
The winning concept came from Team Spicy Noodles, represented by Jamie Smith (Republic of Korea) and Kathy Nguyen (Vietnam). Their eco-upcycling brand, which turns textile waste into custom embroidered artwork, stood out for its creativity and practicality.
Two teams shared the runner-up spots:
Team Innovement: Janelle Anika S. Tan (Philippines) and Royden So (Hong Kong SAR), who proposed smart wall panels made from textile scraps.
Team ReTex: Panasarn Traithavil (Thailand) and Lan Anh Phan (Vietnam), who developed a concept for residential solar panels.
For Filipino student Janelle Tan, the experience was more than just a competition—it was an opportunity to learn how business ideas can cross borders. “Working with teammates from different cultures really showed us that global trade isn’t just about economics—it’s about collaboration, respect, and innovation,” she shared.
Kawal Preet, president of FedEx Asia Pacific, emphasized how programs like these prepare students for the realities of international trade: “Innovation goes hand in hand with building smarter, more resilient supply chains. By fostering their creativity and determination, we’re investing in the future of commerce.”
For the first time, winners will also get the chance to go behind the scenes of FedEx facilities in their home countries, giving them hands-on exposure to the inner workings of global logistics and supply chain management.
Now in its 19th year, the FedEx/JA International Trade Challenge has introduced over 50,000 students across Asia Pacific to the fundamentals of entrepreneurship and international business. It remains a platform where young people not only learn about trade, but also about collaboration, sustainability, and the possibilities of shaping a more connected future.

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