Six Filipino secondary school students have been selected to represent the Philippines at the 2025 FedEx/Junior Achievement International Trade Challenge (ITC) Asia-Pacific finals, scheduled for this August in Singapore.
The students secured their positions by advancing through the national stage of the competition, which requires participants to devise innovative business concepts and global trade strategies. Co-organized by Federal Express Corp. (FedEx) and JA Philippines, the program seeks to inspire entrepreneurial thinking and develop global business skills among high school students by providing practical insights into international trade through interactive workshops and collaborative challenges.
This year’s contest urged students to create a Market Entry Strategy Plan (MESP) for a sustainable fashion solution aimed at reducing product return waste in China. Their proposals demonstrated analytical thinking, originality, and a profound grasp of sustainable business practices pertinent to today’s global scenario.
The six Filipino students selected to represent the Philippines come from three distinct schools. From the University of Santo Tomas-Legazpi, Team Discarte includes students Jarelle A. Macabe and Felize Chloe B. Gimenez. Their product, Beanstock, is a sustainable, plant-derived textile produced from rice bean fibers cultivated in Yunnan, China. The fabric is moisture-wicking, biodegradable, and ideal for environmentally-friendly fashion. By utilizing a crop that thrives in adverse soil conditions and requires minimal chemical inputs, the team aims to lessen environmental impact while aiding local farmers in China.
Representing the University of San Jose–Recoletos, Team Haraya comprises students Huela Marie Genova and Leana Francine E. Cutanda. Their submission, LOOK, is a mobile application that advocates for circular fashion by enabling users to buy, sell, and rent secondhand garments. The app also provides personalized styling suggestions, motivating users to express their individuality while reducing textile waste.
Team Idiyanale, consisting of Michel Shana Sy and Janelle Anika Tan from the Philippine Cultural College, developed (Xiǎo Yī Tóng)—a web-based platform designed for Gen Z and millennial consumers in China. The service allows users to trade pre-owned clothing, access local tailoring and upcycling services, and support environmental initiatives. Integrated with digital payment options like Alipay and WeChat Pay, and offering eco-friendly delivery via Cainiao, the platform also commits a portion of its revenue to reforestation efforts through Shanghai Roots & Shoots.
They will join other finalists from across the region, including Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam, for an engaging exchange of ideas and entrepreneurial insights. The event will act as a venue for cross-cultural cooperation, teamwork, and the cultivation of future-ready business leaders.
This structure fosters cultural collaboration, encourages diverse perspectives, and allows students to apply essential business skills in a genuine international setting. Finalists will also have the opportunity to connect with FedEx executives and industry specialists, further enriching their global learning experience.
“The FedEx/JA ITC is an outstanding platform for young Filipinos to nurture their entrepreneurial mindset, refine their practical business skills, and expand their understanding of global markets,” stated Maribeth Espinosa, managing director of FedEx Philippines. “Year after year, we observe innovative concepts with the potential to evolve into impactful, real-world solutions. We take immense pride in our commitment to empowering the future generation of leaders who will shape our nation’s future.”
Since 2009, the FedEx/JA ITC program has engaged over 10,670 Filipino students, cultivating a generation of forward-thinking youth with the enthusiasm to innovate and lead. Throughout the years, Filipino participants have distinguished themselves on the regional stage—featuring three students among the winning teams in 2021 and 2024, along with a remarkable first-place victory at the 2021 regional finals. These accomplishments reflect the strong, ongoing partnership between FedEx and JA Philippines in fostering innovation and preparing tomorrow’s leaders.
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