Korea-Vietnam student team wins top prize at FedEx/JA International Trade Challenge

The winning team, named "Spicy Noodles," consisted of Jamie Smith from Korea and Kathy Nguyen from Vietnam. Their idea centered on an upcycling brand that transforms discarded textiles into custom embroidered art pieces. Judges commended their approach for its creativity and environmental focus.

Second place went to two teams: "Innovement," comprising Janelle Anika S. Tan of the Philippines and Royden So of Hong Kong, who proposed smart wall panels made from textile waste; and "ReTex," formed by Panasarn Traithavil of Thailand and Lan Anh Phan of Vietnam, who suggested solar panel products for residential use.

Jamie Smith and Kathy Nguyen stated, “Competing alongside talented peers from across Asia Pacific allowed us to move beyond textbook theory to real problem-solving. We learned that successful international trade requires not only business skills but also cultural understanding and genuine collaboration, giving us confidence to drive meaningful change across borders.”

FedEx highlighted its commitment to mentorship as part of developing future leaders. The company plans to offer special experiences for this year’s winners, including visits to FedEx facilities in their regions where they can interact with employees and observe global logistics operations firsthand. These activities are intended to deepen students’ understanding of international commerce and supply chain management.

Kawal Preet, president of FedEx Asia Pacific region, said, “For more than 20 years through ITC programs we have supported young entrepreneurs in presenting creative solutions beyond borders. In today’s interconnected economy, innovation is linked closely with smarter and more resilient supply chains—and next-generation leaders will drive these changes.” He added: “Nurturing their creativity, spirit of challenge, and global mindset lays the foundation for future commerce in a complex trade environment.”

Maziar Sabet, JA Asia Pacific president & CEO commented: “Whenever youth gather across Asia Pacific we see not just talent but vision, passion—and courage toward a better future. ITC inspires youth to collaborate beyond borders as agents of change.” He continued: “JA will continue supporting young people so they can help create a better world.”

The ITC program has run for 19 years in partnership between FedEx and JA Asia Pacific—a member organization under JA Worldwide—with over 50,000 student participants learning about business and international trade through team projects during that time.

More than 2,900 Korean students have taken part in the program so far.