Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 30 July, 2026 - Federal Express Corporation, one of the world’s largest express transportation companies, continues its long-standing commitment to youth empowerment through the 2026 FedEx/Junior Achievement International Trade Challenge (FedEx/JA ITC), which has once again drawn ambitious young entrepreneurs from across Malaysia. This year, six of them have earned the chance to represent the country regionally, sharpening their business ideas and global trade strategies before heading to the Asia Pacific regional finals in Singapore this August.
Now in its 18th year, the FedEx/JA ITC program in Malaysia is designed to build entrepreneurial thinking and a sense of global business among secondary school students. It is run together with JA Malaysia, a non-profit organization dedicated to preparing young Malaysians to succeed in a global economy and gives students a practical look at international trade through hands-on workshops and team-based challenges.
This year’s competition challenged students to develop a Market Entry Strategy Plan (MESP) for artificial intelligence (AI)-powered warehouse drones aimed at improving inventory accuracy and accelerating fulfilment speed in Vietnam’s rapidly growing e-commerce sector. Their ideas showcased critical thinking, creativity and a deep understanding of technology-led business solutions relevant to today’s global landscape.
The six students representing Malaysia at the 2026 regional finals are:
| 1. | Team: | Calibre |
| Names of students: | Bernice Wang Li Ching Calista Foo Wing Sum | |
| School: | SMJK Katholik | |
| Product name: | OptiDrone | |
| 2. | Team: | Cryo Launch |
| Names of students: | Sara Nileshkumar Jasani Thaenusyaa A/P Thavaraj | |
| School: | Tanarata International School | |
| Product name: | FrostFly AI | |
| 3. | Team: | Niners Team |
| Names of students: | Mysha Hayley Majawat Binti Mohd Hafizi Asha Nur Hannah Binti Mohd Shafiz | |
| School: | SMK Seksyen 9, Shah Alam | |
| Product name: | Namwa Drone |
At the regional finals, the Malaysian team will work alongside students from across Asia Pacific including Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. Competing internationally pushes students further than the classroom alone, giving them the chance to present their ideas before peers from a wide range of markets. Finalists will also meet FedEx leaders and industry practitioners, adding a real-world dimension to what they have learned.
“Young people today are entering a business world that rewards those who can think beyond their own market,” said Tien Long Woon, managing director of FedEx Malaysia. “The FedEx/JA ITC gives students that wider view early. It is a chance to solve real trade problems, work across cultures and build the confidence to act on their ideas. Year after year, Malaysian students show us just how much they can do when given that opportunity.”
Since 2008, the FedEx/JA ITC program has reached over 10,840+ Malaysian students, nurturing a generation of forward-thinking youth with the drive to innovate and lead. Over the years, Malaysian participants have made their mark on the regional stage - including two students placing in the Top 3 in 2019 and a standout first-place win at the 2024 regional finals. These achievements reflect the strong, ongoing collaboration between FedEx and JA Malaysia in fostering innovation and preparing tomorrow’s leaders.