1. Team Disruptor: Buhm Kwon and Jamie Smith from Chadwick International presented a circular fashion brand transforming returned clothes into whole garment knitwear.
2. Team NexTrade: Ju Eun Lee and Do Yeon Han from Sangil Girls’ High School developed EcoID, a physical tag that tracks personal fit and sizes for shopping.
3. Team NextVibe: Min Suh Kang and Ji Hwan Kim from Suffield Academy and Seoul Foreign School created biodegradable packaging for collecting and recycling used clothing.
This year’s challenge required students to devise a market entry strategy targeting China with an eco-friendly product aimed at reducing fast fashion waste from returns.
Wonbin Park, managing director of FedEx Korea, stated, “At FedEx, we believe that shaping the future begins with nurturing the potential of young innovators today.” He emphasized their commitment to empowering students through global perspectives and essential skills development.
The regional finals in Singapore will feature participants from Hong Kong SAR, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. This event provides Korean students with a platform for collaboration and idea exchange with peers across diverse cultures.
Since its inception, over 2,900 Korean students have participated in this competition. Previous years saw winners at the regional finals alongside partners in 2018, 2021, and 2023.
For more information about the FedEx/JA International Trade Challenge visit their Facebook page.