Young Malaysian Minds Shine Bright At FedEx Youth Business Challenge

FedEx is once again spotlighting Malaysia’s next generation of entrepreneurs with the return of the 2025 FedEx/Junior Achievement International Trade Challenge (FedEx/JA ITC).

The competition brought together some of the country’s brightest students, challenging them to think creatively about global business, and the results were truly inspiring.

Now in its 17th year, this initiative, co-founded by FedEx and JA Malaysia, offers secondary school students a glimpse of real-world international trade.

Through hands-on workshops and team-based challenges, students were encouraged to explore sustainable solutions to global issues.

This year, participants were asked to develop a business plan for the Chinese market that tackles the problem of fashion return waste, and they delivered fresh, thoughtful ideas.

Out of all the submissions, six standout students have earned the honour of representing Malaysia at the Asia Pacific regional finals in Singapore this August. Meet the winning teams:

✨ Banana Bloom – Zilyi Lim and Wong Pei Yen from SMJK Katholik presented NanaBanana, a sustainable fashion brand made from banana silk and hemp. Co-designed by the elderly, worn garments can be returned and composted to grow new banana trees – a stylish way to fight fast fashion.

✨ Clover – Tan Zheng Yu and Valerie Yong from SMJK Chung Hwa created a smart digital wardrobe powered by AI. Their app helps users organise outfits, explore thrifting, and get creative with what they already own, promoting mindful, low-waste fashion.

✨ Pure Tag – Ada Asif and Nina George from Tanarata International School developed Jing Biao, a clever clothing tag made with tamper-evident ink that detects signs of wear, preventing return fraud. The clothing is also made from recycled garments, giving new life to otherwise discarded pieces.

These students will join peers from 10 other countries for a unique international experience filled with collaboration, cultural exchange, and mentorship from industry experts.

“Helping the next generation think beyond borders is crucial,” said Tien Long Woon, Managing Director of FedEx Malaysia. “We’re proud to support programs that open doors for young people to grow, innovate and see what’s possible on a global stage.”

Since its launch in 2008, the FedEx/JA ITC program has empowered over 9,900 Malaysian students, shaping future leaders who are ready to dream big and build even bigger.