FedEx Express, a subsidiary of FedEx Corp. and the world’s largest express transportation company, together with Junior Achievement (JA) Philippines, continues to foster an entrepreneurial spirit among Philippine students with the annual FedEx /Junior Achievement International Trade Challenge (ITC).
Now in its third year in the Philippines, the FedEx/JA ITC program aims to educate and inspire youth in Asia Pacific countries, to help them understand how entrepreneurship can improve the quality of their lives and the communities they live in.
The program kicked off with an International Trade Seminar held at the University of Santo Tomas, where over 180 high school students learned about the fundamentals of entrepreneurship and international trade from industry experts.
Following the seminar, students will be developing international market entry proposals in teams of two, applying knowledge and strategic skills acquired during the International Trade Seminar. Eight teams will be shortlisted to present their plans in the local International Trade Competition in July.
To help students gain a better understanding about international trade and enhance their presentation skills, FedEx employees will be acting as mentors to the students throughout the program.
Rhicke Jennings, FedEx Express Managing Director for the Philippines and Indonesia said, “FedEx recognizes the potential of our youth in bringing about positive change in our society. By supporting the FedEx/Junior Achievement International Trade Challenge, we are providing our youth access to opportunities and help them realize their potential as future business leaders.”
Top three winning teams will have an opportunity to compete in the regional finals to be held on August 23-26 in Thailand. The Philippine teams will be competing with students from seven other countries, including Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, Korea, and Thailand.
“Through this program, FedEx hopes to develop more young entrepreneurs in the Philippines, equipping them to succeed in the competitive global marketplace and to drive the country and region’s economic growth,” Mr. Jennings added.
Last year, teams from the Philippines competed in the FedEx/JA ITC regional competition in Singapore. Students Germaine Kaw and Sharmaine Yap from St. Jude Catholic School in Manila won third place with their market entry strategy for a vuvuzela MP4 music player.