Celebrating 20 Years of Empowering Young Entrepreneurs 2026 FedEx/JA International Trade Challenge Asia Pacific Winners Announced

6 Students from across the region emerge top amongst 48 finalists

 

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 held at a live event in Singapore. The event marks 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 Hong Kong SAR, Indonesia, Japan, the Republic of Korea, 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. With growing discourse among consumers on how products affect the environment, and the role corporations can play in shaping a sustainable future, the challenge was particularly relevant. 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.

 

“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.

 

The first-place winners were Team Ascent, consisting of Farra Santoso (Indonesia) and Harry Jang (the Republic of Korea). 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 buildings without electricity, helping lower factory energy costs, protect workers from heat, and reduce waste.

 

The two runner-up teams were Team Baksei, comprising Masato Hirozane (Japan) and Sara Nileshkumar Jasani (Malaysia), who developed a solution that transforms discarded soft-plastic packaging into durable, flood-resilient permeable tiles. Team Ventra, consisting of Minette Cabaluna (Philippines) and Rayden Cleverson Suhardi (Indonesia), proposed a modular cooling solution made from recycled plastic waste that helps reduce 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 Farra Santoso (Indonesia) and Harry Jang (the Republic of Korea), members of the winning team.

 

“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.

 

The finals introduced several new elements to commemorate the program’s 20th year. For the first time, the program incorporated findings from a region-wide student survey that gathered more than 4,000 responses across 10 Asia Pacific markets, providing valuable insights into workplace readiness, entrepreneurial capability, global trade literacy, and perceptions of artificial intelligence. In addition, alumni from across the program’s 20-year history participated as mentors, judges, and speakers, creating meaningful connections between past and present participants while demonstrating the program’s enduring impact.

 

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. The program equips young people with practical skills in business, economics, global trade, teamwork, and problem-solving, helping prepare them for success in an increasingly interconnected global economy. In addition to supporting young entrepreneurs through the JA ITC, FedEx has been organizing the Small Business Grant Contest (SBGC) to support small-and-medium-enterprises (SMEs) across Asia Pacific.

 

What Does It Take To Sustain Philippine Pickleball’s Boom?

As Philippine pickleball enters its next stage of growth, RacketPro is bringing its internationally recognized Level 1 Coach Certification Tour to help develop the next generation of Filipino coaches.

Philippine pickleball is no longer an emerging sport. It is becoming one of the country’s fastest-growing sporting movements.

 

Courts are filling up. New clubs are forming. Local tournaments are drawing bigger fields. Players from different age groups and sporting backgrounds are discovering the game, turning what was once a recreational pastime into one of the country’s fastest-growing sporting communities.

 

According to the Philippine Pickleball Federation (PPF), the Philippines now has 492 affiliated pickleball clubs, more than 46,400 registered players, and 427 playing venues nationwide. The sport’s reach continues to expand through 86 dedicated pickleball courts across 29 malls, making the game more accessible to communities across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

As participation continues to accelerate, the Philippines is attracting significant investment from across the global pickleball ecosystem. Robinsons Land and Kosmas Athletic Ventures are investing up to ₱1 billion to develop the Helios Pickleball Center—Asia’s first tournament-grade pickleball facility featuring 25 professional-grade courts and a 2,000-seat stadium court. At the same time, UPA Asia has confirmed plans to bring multiple PPA Tour Asia events to the venue beginning in 2027, while JOOLA continues to strengthen its presence in the region through strategic partnerships with the tour.

While these investments are accelerating participation and expanding the sport’s footprint, long-term growth depends on more than infrastructure and competition. The next challenge is developing qualified coaches who can raise playing standards, strengthen clubs, and build a sustainable coaching ecosystem for the years ahead.

As global organizations continue investing in tournaments, infrastructure, and player participation, RacketPro (RPO) APAC’s contribution is centered on coaching quality in the Philippines. Through RacketPro APAC’s Philippines Tour across Manila, Cebu & Davao, which takes place from the end of July to the beginning of August, the organization focuses on equipping local coaches with internationally recognized education, structured coaching methodologies, and a long-term professional development pathway that supports the sustainable growth of the sport.

As an official partner of PPA Tour, RPO conducted on-court coaching clinics during the PPA’s Asia stop, providing players with hands-on instruction from RPO’s coaching team.

Founded to raise coaching standards worldwide, RPO believes that great players begin with great coaches. The organization has certified more than 1,500 coaches across 22 countries while working alongside leading facilities, federations, and industry partners to advance pickleball through structured education and professional development. Through RPO APAC, the organization continues to bring globally recognized coach education to emerging pickleball communities across Asia, including the Philippines.

 

RPO APAC is bringing its internationally recognized Level 1 Coach Certification Tour to the Philippines, with workshops in Manila on July 29, Cebu on July 31, and Davao on August 2. The tour is expected to certify more than 100 Filipino coaches, further strengthening the country’s coaching ecosystem with internationally recognized credentials.

 

Designed for aspiring coaches, current instructors, and experienced players looking to transition into coaching, the program offers participants the opportunity to earn an internationally recognized certification while learning directly from some of the sport’s most respected educators.

 

Leading the Philippine workshops are Collin Johns, one of the world’s most accomplished pickleball professionals and RPO’s Technical Director, Connor Nguyen, Managing Director of RPO APAC, and veteran coach Derek Sawer. Together, they will guide participants through a blended learning experience that combines virtual coursework, online assessments, and intensive on-court instruction focused on coaching beginner and intermediate players.

 

What distinguishes the program is its emphasis on developing coaches rather than simply teaching the game.

 

Developed by Collin Johns, the Level 1 curriculum blends elite competitive experience with practical coaching methodology. Participants learn player assessment, lesson planning, communication strategies, and effective on-court instruction through a curriculum that continues to evolve alongside the professional game. The certification also serves as the first step in RPO’s broader coach development pathway, allowing coaches to continue advancing their education and credentials as the sport evolves.

 

“The Philippines is one of the most exciting pickleball markets in Asia, and we’re seeing tremendous enthusiasm from players across the country,” said Connor Nguyen, Managing Director of RPO APAC. “As participation grows, we believe investing in coaches is one of the most important ways to ensure the sport continues to thrive. Our goal is to equip Filipino coaches with world-class education, internationally recognized certification, and a clear pathway for continuous professional development.”

 

As the Philippine pickleball ecosystem continues to expand through new facilities, international tournaments, and growing participation, coaching quality is becoming an equally important pillar for the sport’s long-term development. Through the Philippine stop of its APAC Tour, RPO aims to complement this momentum by investing in the people who will shape the next generation of players, clubs, and communities.

 

 

 

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BPI makes interbank transfers permanently free

Make sure your BPI app is up to date to enjoy the latest features and enhancements.

 

As part of its push for financial inclusion and in celebration of its 175th anniversary, the Bank of the Philippines Islands (BPI) announces that fund transfers to other banks and e-wallets via InstaPay and PESONet on the BPI app, online banking, VYBE, BanKo, and BizKo will be permanently free, effective July 1, 2026.

 

The move is also aligned with BSP Circular No. 1238, Series of 2026, which calls on BSP‑supervised financial institutions to adopt reasonable and fair, market‑based pricing for person‑to‑person electronic fund transfers.

 

Previously, BPI app users were charged ₱10 for InstaPay transactions and ₱50 for PESONet transfers when sending funds through the BPI app. Transfers to other banks and e-wallets remain free for all verified VYBE users.

“As we mark our 175th year, BPI remains committed to removing barriers to financial access and making banking more inclusive for all Filipinos. Making interbank transfers free is a meaningful step toward enabling our customers to move their money more freely, while strengthening adoption of secure and convenient digital banking,” said BPI President and CEO TG Limcaoco.

“We expect this to drive more frequent use of digital transfers as customers no longer have to factor in per-transaction costs. It simplifies everyday payments and makes the BPI app an even more practical tool for managing finances,” he added.

 

The free interbank fund transfer initiative is expected to benefit more than 9.5 million BPI app enrolled users, enabling more cost-efficient and accessible digital transactions.

 

 

The waived fees apply to transactions of:

• All existing BPI mobile app users, including both active and inactive customers
• Clients under BPI Preferred, BPI Gold, BPI Private Wealth, and verified VYBE users who already enjoy free interbank fund transfers as part of their existing benefits

Offer Details

• Zero fees for transfers to other banks and e-wallets
• Applicable to InstaPay (real-time transfers) and PESONet (batch processing)
• Available via BPI online banking, BPI app, BanKo, and BizKo
• Effective July 1, 2026

App Update

In a related development, BPI customers will need to use the updated version of the mobile app by June 25. The app update includes minor fixes and performance improvements to further enhance the user experience.

Customers are encouraged to ensure their app is updated to the latest version, available on the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, and Huawei AppGallery.

The removal of interbank transfer fees forms part of BPI’s broader strategy to drive digital adoption and enhance accessibility to financial services. By lowering transaction costs, the bank aims to encourage greater use of digital platforms for payments, remittances, and fund transfers.

Should customers encounter issues, BPI remains ready to assist through its official channels to ensure a smooth and seamless banking experience. Clients may visit www.bpi.com.ph or contact the BPI 24/7 Contact Center at (02) 889-10000.

 

 

 

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