The winners of the 2025 FedEx/JA International Trade Challenge Asia Pacific finals have been announced, with Team Spicy Noodles taking the top spot. The competition, held in Singapore, saw 54 students from nine markets, including Hong Kong SAR, Indonesia, and Vietnam, tasked with creating a market entry strategy for an eco-friendly product aimed at the French market. The challenge focused on upcycling discarded textiles into sustainable consumer goods.
Team Spicy Noodles, comprising Jamie Smith from the Republic of Korea and Kathy Nguyen from Vietnam, impressed judges with their concept of transforming discarded textiles into custom embroidered artwork. The runner-up teams included Team ReTex from Thailand and Vietnam, proposing residential solar panels, and Team Innovement from the Philippines and Hong Kong SAR, who developed a smart wall panel from textile waste.
Kawal Preet, president of Asia Pacific at FedEx, highlighted the importance of fostering creativity and a global mindset among young entrepreneurs. “By fostering their creativity, determination, and global mindset, we’re investing in the future of commerce,” she stated.
The competition, organised by FedEx and Junior Achievement (JA), aims to inspire young leaders to collaborate and innovate. Maziar Sabet, president and CEO of JA Asia Pacific, emphasised the transformative experience for participants, stating, “This challenge pushed us beyond textbook theories into real-world problem-solving.”
For the first time, winners will visit FedEx operations facilities to gain insights into global logistics, enhancing their entrepreneurial journeys.
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