When a youth education initiative comes close to two decades of implementation, equipping close to 53,000 secondary school students from approximately 5,200 schools with practical business and trade knowledge, thanks in large part to the mentorship of more than 2,200 FedEx volunteers, it becomes a known institution. The FedEx/JA International Trade Challenge Asia Pacific Finals 2025 marks the 19th edition of a programme that has become a cornerstone of youth entrepreneurship education across the region. Held this year in Singapore, a global hub known for its innovation, diversity, and strategic role in international trade, the event reflects the energy and ambition of a new generation of young leaders. Spanning nine dynamic Asia Pacific markets, from the tech-forward cities of East Asia to the fast-growing economies of Southeast Asia and beyond, the Challenge offers students the opportunity to develop and present market entry strategies rooted in real-world scenarios. It is a uniquely immersive experience that cultivates problem-solving, cross-cultural collaboration, and entrepreneurial thinking—key competencies for navigating an increasingly interconnected global economy.

In this Challenge, over the course of 48-hours, students will be tasked with developing a market entry strategy for a product in a randomly assigned international market, working alongside a teammate they have just met, under real time pressure, and finally presenting their business plan to a panel of expert judges. This competition is intentionally demanding. It challenges students not only to think critically and creatively, but also to collaborate across borders, adapt to new situations, and communicate ideas with clarity and purpose.