Six outstanding Malaysian students have secured a place at the 2026 FedEx/Junior Achievement International Trade Challenge (FedEx/JA ITC) Asia Pacific Regional Finals, reinforcing the country’s growing reputation for nurturing young entrepreneurs with global business ambitions.
Organised by Federal Express Corporation (FedEx) in collaboration with JA Malaysia, the programme continues to equip secondary school students with practical entrepreneurial skills, international trade knowledge and real-world business experience. The regional finals will be held in Singapore this August, where Malaysia’s representatives will compete against students from across the Asia Pacific region.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs
Now in its 18th year in Malaysia, the FedEx/JA International Trade Challenge has become a key platform for developing entrepreneurial thinking and global business awareness among young people.
The programme, conducted together with JA Malaysia, a non-profit organisation dedicated to preparing young Malaysians for success in the global economy, provides students with hands-on exposure to international trade through practical workshops and team-based business challenges.
Designed to bridge classroom learning with real-world business applications, the competition encourages students to develop innovative solutions to contemporary business challenges while strengthening critical thinking, teamwork and presentation skills.
Solving Real-World Business Challenges with AI
This year’s competition challenged participants to develop a Market Entry Strategy Plan (MESP) for artificial intelligence (AI)-powered warehouse drones designed to improve inventory accuracy and increase fulfilment efficiency within Vietnam’s rapidly expanding e-commerce sector.
The students presented innovative market entry strategies that demonstrated strong commercial thinking, creativity and an understanding of how AI-driven technologies can address real operational challenges in international business.
Their proposals reflected the growing importance of technology, logistics and digital transformation in global trade.
Six Students to Represent Malaysia
The six students selected to represent Malaysia at the Asia Pacific regional finals are:
Team Calibre
Students:
- Bernice Wang Li Ching
- Calista Foo Wing Sum
School: SMJK Katholik
Business Concept: OptiDrone
Team Cryo Launch
Students:
- Sara Nileshkumar Jasani
- Thaenusyaa A/P Thavaraj
School: Tanarata International School
Business Concept: FrostFly AI
Team Niners Team
Students:
- Mysha Hayley Majawat Binti Mohd Hafizi
- Asha Nur Hannah Binti Mohd Shafiz
School: SMK Seksyen 9, Shah Alam
Business Concept: Namwa Drone
The finalists will join students from Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam at the regional competition, where they will refine their business ideas and compete on an international stage.
Preparing Students for Global Business
Beyond the competition itself, the regional finals provide participants with valuable exposure to international business practices and cross-cultural collaboration.
Students will have the opportunity to present their ideas before peers from across the Asia Pacific region while engaging directly with FedEx leaders and industry professionals, giving them practical insights into global commerce and entrepreneurship.
According to Tien Long Woon, Managing Director of FedEx Malaysia, today’s young people are entering an increasingly globalised business environment where international thinking is essential.
“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,” he said.
Building Malaysia’s Future Business Leaders
Since its introduction in 2008, the FedEx/JA International Trade Challenge has reached more than 10,840 Malaysian students, helping cultivate entrepreneurial mindsets, innovation and leadership among the country’s youth.
Malaysian participants have consistently performed well at the regional level, including producing two Top 3 finishers in 2019 and securing an impressive first-place victory at the 2024 Asia Pacific Regional Finals.
These achievements reflect the long-standing partnership between FedEx and JA Malaysia in developing globally competitive young entrepreneurs equipped with the skills needed to succeed in an increasingly interconnected economy.
As the 2026 finalists prepare to compete in Singapore, they carry with them not only innovative AI-driven business ideas but also the opportunity to showcase Malaysia’s emerging entrepreneurial talent on the regional stage.
