Team Spicy Noodles—Jamie Smith from Republic of Korea and Kathy Nguyen from Vietnam—took first place with their concept for an eco-friendly upcycling brand turning discarded textiles into custom embroidered artwork. Two teams tied as runners-up: Team Innovement (Janelle Anika S. Tan from the Philippines and Royden So from Hong Kong SAR), who developed a smart wall panel using textile waste; and Team ReTex (Panasarn Traithavil from Thailand and Lan Anh Phan from Vietnam), who proposed residential solar panels.
Reflecting on their experience during the challenge, Jamie Smith and Kathy Nguyen stated: “Competing alongside such talented peers from across Asia Pacific has been transformative. This challenge pushed us beyond textbook theories into real-world problem-solving, where we learned that successful international trade requires not just business acumen, but cultural sensitivity and genuine collaboration. This experience has given us the confidence to pursue entrepreneurial ventures that can make a meaningful impact across borders.”
Maziar Sabet, president and CEO of JA Asia Pacific added: “Every time we bring young people together from across the Asia Pacific region, we see not just talent, but vision, drive, and the courage to build a better future for all. The FedEx/JA International Trade Challenge inspires our young leaders to collaborate with their partners, connect across borders, and grow as changemakers. At Junior Achievement, we remain deeply committed to unlocking the latent potential in our children and youth. When shown the trust and given the opportunity they don’t simply step out into the world - they create a better one.”
FedEx is offering this year’s APAC winners exclusive opportunities for further learning by visiting FedEx operations facilities in their home countries to gain insights into logistics and supply chain management.
The FedEx / JA International Trade Challenge program is jointly organized by FedEx and JA Asia Pacific—a member of JA Worldwide—and over its 19-year history has introduced more than 50,000 students in Asia Pacific to business concepts through both classroom learning and teamwork activities. In addition to this initiative supporting young entrepreneurs through JA ITC programs each year since its inception nearly two decades ago (https://about.van.fedex.com/newsroom/global-english/fedex-international-trade-challenge-celebrates-15-years-of-empowering-young-entrepreneurs-across-apac/), FedEx also organizes initiatives like its Small Business Grant Contest for SMEs in Asia Pacific.
Judges praised both student efforts and organization quality during this year’s competition:
“The JA judging experience was very meaningful - it gave me a renewed sense of optimism; the future is the next generation - and I was thoroughly impressed by the effort and proposals by youth.” said Nivedita Venkateish (Founder of Aire).
“I was impressed by energy creativity caliber student presentations feel excited about next generation entrepreneurs APAC.” Belina Tan (Vice President Corporate Communications The Walt Disney Company).
“The ideas presentations all done only 48 hours were amazing There’s so much learn youths hope valuable experience continue shape them entrepreneurs throughout lives.” Kloe Ng (Co-founder Out Box Edu).
“It’s always inspiring see brilliant younger generation navigate different languages/cultures time pressures present such creative cogent business pitches Kudos JA FedEx organizing challenge year after year.” Ze Ming Chan (Head Growth Innovation Foodpanda).
“I found FedEx/JA student competition model helping prepare our next generation future leaders entrepreneurs hope students benefited know judges did such heartfelt day sharing experiences work life group students across Asia they were all amazing.” Rodney Geres (Senior Director ICE).
“The partnership between FedEx JA creates launchpad where next generation learns ideas can travel far imagination Judging Challenge front-row seat impact.” Camille R Blair Camille (Founder Chief Executive Officer Francis LLC).
“The achievement potential our next generation Asia inspire confidence our future.” Daniel Yeung (Director Tigris Water Company).
“10 years ago winning JA’s Social Innovation Relay spark started my journey down entrepreneurship rabbit hole It’s been honor have opportunity sit other side table review tremendously well-crafted presentations all participating students today hope they can carry spark guide own journeys find passion voice.” Kristoffer Jacek Soh Zhi Wei (Co-Founder CEO Beep).
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