Filipino student among winners of 2025 FedEx-JA challenge

Federal Express Corporation (FedEx) and Junior Achievement (JA) named the winners of the 2025 FedEx/JA International Trade Challenge Asia Pacific finals in Singapore, with a Filipino student among the top six.

The competition attracted over 4,700 students from nine markets including Hong Kong SAR, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Philippines, Republic of Korea, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.

A total of 54 finalists advanced to the Asia Pacific stage, where they created market entry strategies for eco-friendly products that upcycle discarded textiles into sustainable goods for the French market.

Participants were paired into cross-border teams and pitched their proposals to a panel of entrepreneurs and small business owners in Singapore.

“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,” said Kawal Preet, president for Asia Pacific at FedEx.

She emphasized that innovation, resilience, and global collaboration are key to shaping the future of commerce.

The first-place winners were Team Spicy Noodles, made up of Jamie Smith from the Republic of Korea and Kathy Nguyen from Vietnam, who proposed an upcycling brand turning discarded textiles into custom embroidered artwork.

The runner-up teams included Team Innovement, with Janelle Anika S. Tan from the Philippines and Royden So from Hong Kong SAR, who designed a smart wall panel using textile waste.

Another runner-up, Team ReTex, composed of Panasarn Traithavil from Thailand and Lan Anh Phan from Vietnam, proposed a new line of residential solar panels.

“Competing alongside such talented peers from across Asia Pacific has been transformative,” said Jamie Smith and Kathy Nguyen of Team Spicy Noodles.

“This experience has given us the confidence to pursue entrepreneurial ventures that can make a meaningful impact across borders,” they added.

Maribeth Espinosa, managing director of FedEx Philippines, said the success of a Filipino student proves the capability of Filipino youth on the global stage.

“The achievements of these young leaders show that the future of global trade and innovation is in capable hands,” Espinosa said.

She added that Filipino students’ ingenuity and determination strengthen regional ties and drive inclusive growth.

For the first time, Asia Pacific winners will also tour FedEx operations facilities in their local markets to gain hands-on insights into global logistics and supply chain management.

The FedEx/JA International Trade Challenge program, now in its 19th year, has introduced more than 50,000 students in Asia Pacific to business, economics, and international trade.

Aside from the challenge, FedEx also supports small and medium enterprises across the region through its Small Business Grant Contest.