Fostering an entrepreneurial spirit among students offers numerous future benefits, nurturing innovation, problem-solving abilities, and an entrepreneurial mindset. This equips students with invaluable tools to seize opportunities, fostering self-reliance, independent thinking, and proactive problem-solving. Ultimately, it empowers students to become proactive, innovative, adaptable individuals, well-prepared to embrace future prospects.
Recently, FedEx Express / Junior Achievement International Trade Challenge (FedEx / JA ITC) Malaysia concluded its local finals on June 20. The event advanced six winners to the upcoming regional finals in August, where they’ll collaborate and compete with students from other Asia Pacific, Middle East, and Africa (AMEA) markets.
Now in its 15th year, the FedEx / JA ITC imparts vital knowledge, hands-on experience, and crucial business and project management skills. It nurtures students into visionary entrepreneurs primed for future opportunities. The program has positively impacted over 6,200 students in Malaysia.
“Participants gain long-term benefits for future career prospects and global mindset development through the FedEx / JA ITC,” said Tien Long Woon, Managing Director of FedEx Express Malaysia. He noted the significance of selflessness and creating impactful ventures.
This year’s challenge tasked students with devising sustainable alternatives to single-use products for the South African market. This aligns with FedEx’s goal of achieving carbon-neutral operations globally by 2040. Representing Malaysia at the regional finals are MushroFoam DUO (Audric Kwan and Foong Sharlyne), THE PAPADAM ADDICTS (Lim Ann Nee and Phoemie Tan Sin Lin), and OrbGuard (Shavetha Gopi Chander and Aveenash Kumar).
Let’s hear directly from the winners:
- Experience in the FedEx / JA ITC:
- MushroFoam DUO (Foong Sharlyne): Participating was challenging yet enjoyable, offering insights into international trade and market entry strategies.
- OrbGuard (Shavetha Gopi Chander): The challenge was exhilarating, teaching adaptability, critical thinking, and effective communication.
- THE PAPADAM ADDICTS (Phoemie Tan Sin Lin): The competition motivated me to develop new skills and challenge myself.
- Impact on Understanding of International Trade and Entrepreneurship:
- MushroFoam DUO (Audric Kwan): Appreciation for planning in production and shipping, understanding challenges faced by entrepreneurs.
- OrbGuard (Shavetha Gopi Chander): Gained experience in market research, global trends analysis, trade regulations, cultural differences, and competition. Emphasized innovation, adaptability, and problem-solving.
- THE PAPADAM ADDICTS (Lim Ann Nee): Enhanced math skills, deeper knowledge in distribution, sales, pricing, promotion, and competition.
- Developed Skills:
- MushroFoam DUO (Foong Sharlyne): Developed entrepreneurial, research, communication, holistic thinking skills.
- THE PAPADAM ADDICTS (Phoemie Tan Sin Lin): Enhanced math, gained knowledge in distribution, sales, pricing, promotion.
- OrbGuard (Shavetha Gopi Chander): Gained business knowledge, honed analytical, problem-solving, communication, teamwork skills.
- Memorable Moments:
- MushroFoam DUO (Foong Sharlyne): Winning was a standout, cherished memories include collaboration, brainstorming, constructing presentation.
- OrbGuard (Shavetha Gopi Chander): Presenting to judges, camaraderie within the team, collaborating with talented students from diverse schools.
- Advice for Future Participants:
- MushroFoam DUO (Audric Kwan): Persevere, have confidence in your ideas.
- OrbGuard (Aveenash Kumar): Embrace uncertainties, think outside the box, cultivate unique ideas.
- THE PAPADAM ADDICTS (Lim Ann Nee): Embrace challenges, find the right partner, conduct extensive research.
- Utilizing Gained Knowledge and Skills:
- MushroFoam DUO (Audric Kwan): Guide for future entrepreneurial endeavors and product development.
- MushroFoam DUO (Foong Sharlyne): Apply in club activities, projects, professional development, and share with others.
- OrbGuard (Shavetha Gopi Chander): Explore global business opportunities, launch ventures, embrace innovation.
- OrbGuard (Aveenash Kumar): Develop profitable business, create sustainable products.
- THE PAPADAM ADDICTS (Phoemie Tan Sin Lin): Participate in more competitions, deepen knowledge in trade and entrepreneurship.
- THE PAPADAM ADDICTS (Lim Ann Nee): Seek more opportunities for practice and learning.
In the ITC regional finals, students from Malaysia will collaborate with peers from other countries. This will enrich their understanding of international trade and communication skills. Senior FedEx executives and program facilitators will provide insights, enhancing their industry understanding. Best wishes to all participants in the 2023 Asia Pacific International Trade Challenge Regional Finals.
