HONG KONG SAR, China, July 21, 2022 — FedEx Express, a subsidiary of FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX) and one of the world’s largest express transportation companies, together with Junior Achievement (JA), announced the winners of the Hong Kong FedEx Express/JA International Trade Challenge (FedEx/JA ITC) 2022. The 10 shortlisted teams, each with a team of two students, presented their product ideas and marketing plans to reach overseas markets. Three teams won the judges over with their bold business ideas and entrepreneurial spirit. Winning teams will go on to represent Hong Kong in the FedEx/JA ITC Asia Pacific Finals and compete against 54 finalists from 10 different markets [1], which will take place on August 9 to 11 2022.
The three winning teams who will advance to the finals are:
· Team Easyology, Cindy Hui and Vincent Lam from Sha Tin Methodist College, developed a 100% natural essential oil customized for Cambodians who are blue-collar workers and parent helps repel mosquitoes while relieving pain and strengthening the immune system. The oil can be inhaled and directly applied it on skin to massage the painful area.
· Team Novellent, Nicole Wan and Zoie So from Holy Trinity College, developed a medicinal bite-sized jelly supplement, named Jelly-Well, which combines both Traditional Chinese Medicine and western nutriology for pregnant women to prevent malnutrition during early pregnancy.
· Team R², Rachel Ng and Raine Lai from Ying Wa Girls’ School, developed R Square Repellent Bar, a recyclable and organic mosquito repellent bar with refreshing aroma which can help people suffering from mosquito infestation, especially for children from agricultural families.
At the FedEx/JA ITC Hong Kong Finals this year, participants were challenged to develop a market entry strategy for a health product with Cambodia as the target market. In early July,10 shortlisted teams from 62 students among 22 secondary schools in Hong Kong were chosen to enter the finals. The teams were evaluated based on the comprehensiveness of their business plans, market analysis and creativity by a panel of professional judges.
This year’s judging panel is formed by professionals or management members from different industries including Anthony Leung, Managing Director, FedEx Express, Hong Kong and Macau, Donny Siu, Acting Director cum Head (Entrepreneurship Programs), HKUST Entrepreneurship Center and Olivier Gallimidi, Regions Chief Information Officer, Pierre Fabre Group.
“We have been collaborating with JA for 16 consecutive years to connect youth with opportunities around the world. We are glad to partner with Junior Achievement to provide a platform for local students to challenge themselves and their creativity, and to try to make a positive impact on our community.,” said Anthony Leung, Managing Director, FedEx Express, Hong Kong and Macau, “In addition, we believe that the challenge will enable local students to understand the basics of international trade and business operations, which is essential for nurturing young entrepreneurs in Hong Kong.”
“We are honored to be partnering with FedEx Express for the past 16 years to broaden the international perspective of our students and nurture the entrepreneurial spirit of the young generation through workshops, mentorship and the competition. The students not only share a keen sense on global business, but also are well-equipped to adapt to the “new normal” by making good use of digital technology and being flexible. We hope that more young people in Hong Kong will keep an open mind to happenings over the world and grasp opportunities in this fast-changing global economy! “ said Vivian Choi, chief executive officer of JA Hong Kong.
This year marks the 16th year of FedEx’s collaboration with JA in the FedEx/JA ITC program. FedEx is committed to fostering global corporate citizenship and entrepreneurship and also inspiring the younger generation to seize global opportunities.
Since the program began in 2007, it has inspired over 25,000 students from Asia Pacific over the years, with more than 4,000 students from Hong Kong.
Please visit here for more photos of 2021-22 FedEx Express/Junior Achievement International Trade Challenge.
[1] The Philippines, South Korea, Malaysia, Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand and India