A bright future is on the horizon for Malaysian entrepreneurship. The FedEx Express/Junior Achievement International Trade Challenge 2023 (FedEx / JA ITC) Finals have crowned six student teams as winners. This competition is the collaboration between global transport titan FedEx Express and non-profit organisation Junior Achievement, which arms the leaders of tomorrow with vital business knowledge. Through hands-on group tasks and classroom education, the initiative promotes an immersive learning experience.
These six champions, rising from an impressive pool of eighteen teams, wowed the judges with their unique, eco-conscious product solutions tailored for the South African market. The crux of this year's challenge was to design a sustainable substitute for a single-use item. This mirrors FedEx's "reduce, replace, and revolutionise" philosophy to mitigate environmental harm.
The "reduce, replace, and revolutionise" philosophy is an environmentally conscious approach that encourages businesses and individuals to rethink their usage, production, and waste methods. It's a strategy that aims to drastically lessen the environmental footprint by revisiting conventional ways and adopting sustainable practices.
Amongst the winners' team were: Audric Kwan and Foong Sharlyne, MushroFoam DUO from Catholic High School, who displayed an innovative biodegradable alternative to standard packaging materials.
Lim Ann Nee and Phoemie Tan Sin Lin from SMK Convent Green Lane's team, THE PAPADAM ADDICTS, crafted a biodegradable, plant-based cling wrap for a broader consumer base.
Shavetha Gopi Chander and Aveenash Kumar of The OrbGuard team from Global Indian International School presented an ingenious toothpaste pill solution, removing the need for wasteful toothpaste tubes.
These victors are more than Malaysia's representatives; they are a testament to the future of worldwide entrepreneurship. In August, they will join forces with students from the Asia Pacific, Middle East, and Africa (AMEA) at the 2023 Asia Pacific International Trade Challenge regional finals.
This collaboration allows these future leaders to share ideas and learn from their counterparts from many nations, giving them an invaluable global viewpoint and intercultural understanding.
FedEx Express Malaysia's Managing Director, Tien Long Woon, shared his delight at the students' performance: "Their determination serves as an inspiration to us all. We are elated to continue working with JA to organise this year's competition, which ties into our vision of fostering the next generation of leaders."
Since its inception in 2008, the FedEx Express / JA ITC has left an indelible mark on more than 8,620 Malaysian students, arming them with essential business knowledge and practical skills. The programme remains committed to nurturing visionary entrepreneurs ready to tackle the complexities of the contemporary world.
For further information about the FedEx/JA ITC 2023, please visit the official JA Malaysia website at www.jamalaysia.org/.
