A group of students from nine Asian markets will gather in Hong Kong to compete for the top prize in the 2012 FedEx Express/Junior Achievement International Trade Challenge (FedEx/JA ITC) Asia-Pacific Finals. The three-day competition, set to take place from August 27 to 29, is designed to educate, build and inspire entrepreneurship and business skills in young people from Asia Pacific.
This year, 54 students aged between 15-19 years from Hong Kong, Philippines, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam were selected to represent their countries and territories after competing in the local challenge in their respective home markets. During the local challenge, students devised plans detailing marketing, promotion, pricing, inventory and product distribution strategies to market a product or service to an overseas market. Winners selected for the regional finals were chosen for their understanding of the significance of market research, creativity, planning, and entrepreneurial skills in entering new markets.
The Philippines will be represented by Alyssa Anne Arcayena and Mary Joy Dimatatac of Manila Science High School; Marvin Kaiser Sy and Lance Yeung of St. Jude Catholic School; and Ma. Teresita Andrea Gonzales and Jann Ankaa Samantha Jumamil of Colegio de San Juan de Letran.
The three-day regional final competition will be judged by a panel of successful entrepreneurs and business leaders in Hong Kong. They include:
– Prof Hugh Thomas, Director, Center for Entrepreneurship, The Chinese University of Hong Kong
– Ms. Viveca Chan, Chairman & CEO, WE Marketing Group
– Dr Edmund Lee, Executive Director, Hong Kong Design Centre
– Mr. K.T. Poon, Director (Corporate Communications), The Link Management Limited
“The International Trade Challenge is a platform for young people to discover the entrepreneurial spirits within, and learn how to turn ideas into potential business realities. FedEx has been at the forefront of business innovations, and through this program, we aim to inspire the next generation to become successful business leaders,” said David L. Cunningham, Jr., president, FedEx Express Asia Pacific.
“Stepping into its 6th year, the Asia Pacific Challenge has returned to Hong Kong after its debut. JA Hong Kong is honored and excited to be hosting the largest number of student teams from 9 locations ever since the first Challenge in 2007. By partnering with FedEx Express, JA looks forward to bringing the talent pool of Asia Pacific together and inspire more young people across the region.” said Ms Vivian Lau, CEO of Junior Achievement.
FedEx Express, a subsidiary of FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX) and the world’s largest express transportation company, and JA Worldwide®, the world’s largest nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring and preparing young people to succeed in a global economy, joined forces to organize the event.
Now in its sixth year, the FedEx/JA ITC has provided more than 6,100 students in Asia Pacific a firsthand experience of world trade; enhanced their knowledge of product distribution, promotion, and sales; and developed traits of competition, teamwork, risk-taking, and self-confidence. This year, over 100 FedEx employees volunteered as mentors or to help students understand the concept of international trade and guide them in the development of their plans. For more information, please visit www.facebook.com/AsiaPacificITC.