Team ReTex members reflected on their experience: “Working with teammates from different cultures challenged us to think in new ways and strengthened our ability to collaborate across borders. Representing Thailand on this stage and being recognized as a runner-up showed us that ideas born here can create impact anywhere. This experience has inspired us to keep pushing for sustainable solutions that can make a difference not only in our own countries, but around the world,” said Panasarn Traithavil and Lan Anh Phan.
During the finals, participants were asked to devise a market entry strategy for an eco-friendly product made by upcycling textile waste into consumer goods for France. Students were paired internationally to encourage cross-cultural teamwork before presenting their concepts to judges from various industries.
The judging panel included business leaders such as Nivedita Venkateish (Aire), Belina Tan (The Walt Disney Company), Kloe Ng (Out of The Box Edu), Ze Ming Chan (Foodpanda), Rodney Geres (ICE), Camille R. Blair (Francis LLC), Daniel Yeung (Tigris Water Company), and Kristoffer Jacek Soh Zhi Wei (Beep).
First place went to Team Spicy Noodles—Jamie Smith from Republic of Korea and Kathy Nguyen from Vietnam—for their brand turning discarded textiles into custom embroidered artwork. Another runner-up team was Innovement—Janelle Anika S. Tan from Philippines and Royden So from Hong Kong SAR—who created smart wall panels using textile waste.
Maziar Sabet, president and CEO of JA Asia Pacific, stated: “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 announced that APAC winners will have opportunities for further learning through visits to local FedEx operations facilities where they will interact with staff members involved in logistics and supply chain management.
Kawal Preet, president of Asia Pacific at FedEx said: “For nearly two decades, FedEx has proudly championed this program, empowering young entrepreneurs to think beyond borders and create solutions that address real-world challenges. In today’s interconnected economy, innovation goes hand in hand with building smarter, more resilient supply chains, and the next generation of business leaders will be at the forefront of this transformation. By fostering their creativity, determination, and global mindset, we’re investing in the future of commerce, one that is more connected, sustainable, and equipped to navigate the complexities of global trade.”
The program is jointly organized by FedEx and JA Asia Pacific—a member of JA Worldwide—and has introduced over 50,000 students throughout Asia Pacific over 19 years to business concepts through classroom learning combined with practical exercises.
FedEx also supports small businesses through initiatives like its Small Business Grant Contest aimed at SMEs across Asia Pacific.
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