More Filipino youth have been inspired to become the next generation of global entrepreneurs after participating in the FedEx Express/Junior Achievement International Trade Challenge (ITC) program.
Sponsored by FedEx Express, a subsidiary of FedEx Corp. and the world’s largest express transportation company, and organized by Junior Achievement (JA) Philippines, the 2012 ITC program kicked off with the International Trade Seminar held at Treston International College. 240 secondary school students from 20 schools gained insights on international trade and entrepreneurship from industry executives and members of the academia. They were also engaged in workshops facilitated by FedEx mentors to provide them with the essentials of market entry strategy development.
Following the seminar, the students will be developing international market entry proposals in teams of two, applying what they have learned during the International Trade Seminar. In July, six teams will be shortlisted to take part in the local International Trade Challenge competition, where they will be presenting their market entry plans to a judging panel. The top three teams will have the opportunity to represent the Philippines in the regional finals to be held in Hong Kong from August 26-29. They will be competing with students from Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Rhicke Jennings, FedEx Express Managing Director for the Philippines and Indonesia said, “We believe that young people’s understanding of business and trade in a globalized world is fundamental to the country and region’s economic success. Through the FedEx/Junior -Achievement International Trade Challenge, we hope to provide our youth access to opportunities and tools to help them realize their potential as future global leaders and catalyst of positive change in their communities.”
The FedEx/JA ITC program aims to educate and inspire the young people in the Asia Pacific countries to help them understand how entrepreneurship can improve the quality of their lives and the communities they live in. The program provides secondary school students a first-hand experience of managing international trade and an opportunity to develop their sense of teamwork and self-confidence.
Now in its fourth year in the Philippines, the FedEx/JA ITC program has benefitted about 400 students, including11 students who were given the opportunity to represent the country in the regional finals. FedEx employees actively support the program by volunteering as mentors and workshop facilitators to help the students gain a better understanding of international trade and enhance their presentation skills.
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