Shaping Tomorrow’s Business Leaders: 2024 FedEx/JA International Trade Challenge, Malaysian-Singaporean Duo Crowned Winner

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, September 6, 2024 – 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. The team, consisting of one student from Malaysia and another from Singapore, was crowned champions in the competition.

This year’s competition attracted over 4,500 students from 10 markets including Hong Kong SAR, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, and Vietnam.

60 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 -Julia Jasmine Binti Jufri from Malaysia and Cheryl Lim Xin Yi from Singapore. They impressed the judges with their innovative idea of creating biofilm from seaweed.

“We are incredibly proud of the achievements of our local teams and specifically the Malaysia winner at this year’s competition. It has been five years since a Malaysian has made it to the top three,” said Woon Tien Long, managing director, FedEx Malaysia. “FedEx is committed to providing more opportunities to empower the next generation of entrepreneurs. The students have demonstrated the spirit of creativity and determination we hope this program will inspire and be a critical step in their journey to become our future business leaders.”

Julia Jasmine and Cheryl Lim of Team CJ said, “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.”

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.

“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.