Asia Pacific (English)

Student Entrepreneurs from South Korea Clinches FedEx Access Award at 2018 JA Asia Pacific Company of the Year Competition

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HONG KONG, April 6, 2018 — Teenage entrepreneurs of the student company CYCLO from South Korea have won the FedEx Access Award at the 2018 JA Asia Pacific Company of the Year Competition finals in Beijing, China. Sponsored by FedEx Express (FedEx), the world’s largest express transportation company, the FedEx Access Award celebrates the power of global connectivity and the next generation of innovators. This year, 22 student companies representing 14 markets (Brunei, Mainland China, Guam, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, Turkmenistan and Vietnam) competed for the Award.

Each year, the award goes to the team whose outstanding business idea is driven by innovation, connectivity to new markets, community development, and sustainability and social responsibility.

Team CYCLO impressed the judges with their idea for an eco-friendly flower pot that can be customized to different sizes and patterns using 3D designs. The company demonstrated a good understanding of global connectivity in their business model.

Alongside the FedEx Access Award, the winners of the Asia Pacific JA Company of the Year Award were announced. Team Entrepezo Nature Indonesia from Indonesia took first place for their sustainable natural air freshener in form of an USB. Team Prima Facie from the Philippines came second with their unisex white sneakers with waterlily leather and recognition of their strong environmental sense. Third place went to Team Harness from Hong Kong, who designed a natural fragrance box to generate positive energy featuring 12 sophisticated designs.

Launched in 2011, the Asia Pacific JA Company Program provides secondary/high school students the opportunity to operate an actual business under the guidance of business advisors. Workshops to hone students’ business skills were also provided.

“In today’s globalized world, FedEx believes strongly that opportunities for growth come through ease of access and connectivity to new customers and new markets. The FedEx Access Award supports our belief that a connected world benefits communities and recognizes the business idea that best exhibits the principles of global connectivity and innovation,” said Karen Reddington, president, FedEx Express Asia Pacific. “We are proud to once again be part of the JA Company Program in Asia Pacific, which prepares young people to step into their future with the skills and knowledge that can help them become responsible and successful entrepreneurs.”

“Each year I am always impressed by the passion, curiosity and business-mindedness of the students taking part in our flagship Company Program,” said Vivian Lau, president, JA Asia Pacific. “It is heartening to see the enthusiasm, confidence and knowledge this program creates in students running a business in our hyper-connected world.”

More photos of the JA Asia Pacific Company of the Year competition are available at https://share.agencyroad.com/message/oUhG5BhCq0YQxrUbSCtuNz.