Korea-Indonesia Team Wins 2026 FedEx/JA International Trade Challenge Asia Pacific Finals

Seoul, South Korea, August 25, 2026 - Federal Express Corporation, one of the world's largest express transportation companies, together with Junior Achievement (JA), announced the winners of the 2026 FedEx/JA International Trade Challenge Asia Pacific finals. A Korea-Indonesia student team emerged as the top prize winner with a sustainable heat-shield solution made from discarded packaging materials.

Held live in Singapore, the finals mark a significant milestone as the program celebrates its 20th year of empowering young people across Asia Pacific with entrepreneurial, business, and international trade skills. This year's competition attracted over 4,000 students from 8 markets including the Republic of Korea, Hong Kong SAR, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand.

48 students gathered in Singapore for the Asia Pacific finals and were tasked to create a market entry strategy for an Innovative and sustainable product that repurposes used packaging materials into a sustainable solution that delivers economic, environmental, or social value in local communities, with Cambodia being the target market. Students were paired into teams of two from different markets to foster cross-cultural understanding. The student teams then pitched their idea to a panel of judges made up of Singapore's leading entrepreneurs and small business owners.

The first-place winners were Team Ascent, consisting of Harry Jang from the Republic of Korea and Farra Santoso from Indonesia. They impressed the judges with their innovative idea of a lightweight thermal shield made from recycled industrial packaging. Designed for Cambodia's hot climate, it reduces heat entering existing minimize waste.

The two runner-up teams showcased solutions using recycled plastic waste, including flood-resilient permeable tiles made from discarded soft-plastic packaging and a modular cooling system designed to lower indoor temperatures without electricity.

"Winning the 2026 FedEx/JA International Trade Challenge has been an unforgettable experience. Working with teammates from different markets challenged us to think beyond our own perspectives and develop solutions that could succeed on a global scale. Throughout the competition, we learned how international trade, sustainability, technology, and cultural understanding come together to solve real business challenges. Being part of the program's 20th anniversary year makes this achievement even more meaningful, and we are grateful for the opportunity to learn from industry leaders and connect with talented students from across the region," said Harry Jang (the Republic of Korea) and Farra Santoso (Indonesia), members of the winning team.

"As we celebrate the 20th year of the FedEx/JA International Trade Challenge, we are proud of the lasting impact the program has had on thousands of young people across Asia Pacific. What began as an initiative to introduce students to international trade has evolved into a platform that develops entrepreneurial thinking, cross-cultural collaboration, and real-world problem-solving skills. The talent, creativity, and global mindset demonstrated by this year's finalists give us great confidence in the next generation of business leaders," said Salil Chari, president, Asia Pacific, FedEx.

"These winners, and indeed all the 48 finalists, represent the very best of the impact that the FedEx/JA International Trade Challenge was designed to achieve: young people with bold ideas, the courage to collaborate across cultures, and the ability to turn classroom learning into real-world business solutions. As the program marks its 20th year, their achievement is a powerful reminder that the future of trade and entrepreneurship in Asia Pacific is already taking shape in the hands of our youth," said Vivek Kumar, President and Chief Executive Officer of JA Asia Pacific.

FedEx believes that investing in mentorship is essential to empowering the next generation of leaders to thrive. In addition to the prizes, the 2026 APAC winners will receive an exclusive opportunity to deepen their understanding of global commerce through visits to FedEx operational facilities in their respective markets and direct engagement with FedEx team members. This immersive experience will provide valuable insights into logistics, supply chain management, and international trade, complementing the entrepreneurial skills developed through the program.

The FedEx/JA International Trade Challenge is jointly organized by FedEx and JA Asia Pacific, a Member of JA Worldwide. Now in its 20th year, the program has empowered more than 54,000 students across Asia Pacific through a blend of classroom learning, entrepreneurship education, and hands-on international business challenges.