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.

On September 5th, the Pikom Digital Excellence Awards (PDEA) 2024 took place at Sunway Lagoon Resort. Over 1,000 industry leaders, including CEOs and CTOs, gathered to celebrate Malaysia’s digital innovators. YB Tuan Gobind Singh Deo, Minister of Digital, honored the event with his presence.

This year, 34 awards were presented, recognizing the nation’s key contributors to the digital ecosystem. We are thrilled to celebrate our AMCHAM members, K Raman of Microsoft as well as Raymond Siva and Gopi Ganesalingam of Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), who were recognized for their outstanding contributions. Your achievements are helping to shape and drive Malaysia’s digital future!

To our members recognized: You’re not just building technology—you’re building the future. Your relentless pursuit of innovation and excellence continues to power Malaysia’s digital transformation.

Here’s to more groundbreaking achievements and an even brighter digital tomorrow!

On September 5th, AMCHAM welcomed representatives from the United States House China Select Committee Delegation. This committee is tasked with overseeing and investigating various aspects of the relationship between the U.S. and China.

The Delegation, consisting of Caroline Vik, Senior Advisor; Xiyue Wang, Professor Staff Member; and Daniel Berman, Speechwriter, engaged in a closed-door briefing with AMCHAM members.

The discussion focused on the strategic relationship between the US and Malaysia, emphasizing the importance of understanding the current dynamics and maintaining strong business ties. The session provided a platform to explore how Malaysia continues to be an attractive investment destination, even amidst ongoing geopolitical challenges, due to its abundant resources, well-developed infrastructure, and highly skilled, adaptable workforce.

We extend our gratitude to the Committee and our esteemed attendees for their valuable time and insights.

On 29 August, AMCHAM’s CEO, Dato’ Siobhan Das, attended the relaunch of Boeing’s manufacturing facility in Malaysia. This site marks Boeing’s first wholly owned manufacturing facility in Southeast Asia and is powered by an all-Malaysian workforce of approximately 1,000 employees.

During the event, Boeing also announced a RM44,000 higher education grant to the Institut Kemahiran Belia Negara (National Youth Skills Institute) in Jitra, Kedah. This grant will support the training of 30 students in machining technology and fabrication, paving the way for future employment opportunities in the aerospace industry.

Boeing’s relationship with Malaysia dates to 1947 when Malayan Airways Limited acquired its first Douglas DC-3. Today, Boeing has a corporate office in Kuala Lumpur, a Commercial Airplanes field service office at Kuala Lumpur International Airport, a manufacturing facility in Kedah, a satellite office in Selangor and a global support center in Cyberjaya. Boeing investments in Malaysia have helped grow the local aerospace sector, creating jobs and driving innovation.

Boeing’s 77-years partnership with Malaysia supports the development of aerospace and defense capabilities through safety training, sustainability workshops, supply chain development, university collaborations and community impact initiatives.

Congratulations to Boeing!

KEDAH, Malaysia, Aug. 29, 2024 — Boeing [NYSE: BA] today recognized the capabilities of Malaysia’s aerospace industry through a series of initiatives including:

• Relaunched its manufacturing facility as Boeing Composites Malaysia in the presence of Dato’ Hairil Yahri Yaacob, Secretary General of the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), Malaysia; the United States Ambassador to Malaysia, Edgard D. Kagan; Boeing employees, representatives from the Malaysian government and Boeing’s partners in Malaysia.
• Announced a 44K Malaysian Ringgit higher education grant to the Institut Kemahiran Belia Negara (National Youth Skills Institute) in Jitra, Kedah to train 30 students in machining technology and fabrication, while guiding them toward employment possibilities in the aerospace industry.

In December 2023, Boeing fully acquired Aerospace Composites Malaysia, a joint venture with Hexcel Corporation. The renamed Boeing Composites Malaysia facility provides composite products and subassemblies for all Boeing commercial airplane models including the 737 MAX and 787 Dreamliner and is Boeing’s first wholly owned manufacturing facility in Southeast Asia. The site employs an all-Malaysian workforce of approximately 1,000 people.

“Malaysia needs both speed and scale to accelerate manufacturing practices and proactively develop the country’s aerospace industry,” said YBhg. Dato’ Hairil Yahri Yaacob, Secretary General of Malaysia’s Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry. “MITI, through MIDA and NAICO Malaysia, is committed in creating an environment that supports rapid industrial growth, particularly in high-value sectors like aerospace. I am confident that Boeing has found Malaysia more than capable to support the sophistication required to manufacture quality parts for their global customers.”

“Our advanced facility and talented team in Kedah play a vital role in Malaysia’s thriving aerospace industry,” said Penny Burtt, president, Boeing Southeast Asia. “We are honoured to collaborate with the Malaysian Investment Development Authority and recognize Boeing Composites Malaysia’s exceptional safety and quality record.”

Datuk Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim bin Sikh Abdul Majid, CEO of MIDA, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “We are proud to see Malaysia so successfully contributing to Boeing’s global operations. This is a strong testament to our skilled workforce and our strategic position in the aerospace industry. MIDA is fully committed to supporting Boeing Composites Malaysia’s continued success in the global aerospace supply chain.”

Boeing’s 77-years partnership with Malaysia supports the development of aerospace and defense capabilities through safety training, sustainability workshops, supply chain development, university collaborations and community impact initiatives.