Hong Kong SAR, July 23, 2024 – Federal Express Corporation, one of the world’s largest express transportation companies, has announced the six winners of the 2024 FedEx/Junior Achievement International Trade Challenge (FedEx/JA ITC) Hong Kong Finals. The winners will represent Hong Kong at the FedEx/JA ITC Asia Pacific Finals to compete against 54 finalists from 9 different markets[1], which will take place in August.
FedEx has collaborated with JA ITC to nurture the growth and development of Hong Kong’s teenagers for 18 years. Through the FedEx/JA ITC program, students participate in team activities and customized workshops centered on global trade, aimed at cultivating their entrepreneurial spirit and honing their business skills. The Hong Kong Finals were held at the FedEx office on July 20. Three winning teams impressed the judges with their innovative business ideas and entrepreneurial spirit, earning tickets to enter the Regional Finals.
This year, students were challenged to develop a market entry strategy targeting Australia for a product centered around water conservation. This project is timely and relevant as extreme heat has impacted Australian ecosystems and infrastructure.
The six students who represent Hong Kong at the regionals are:
- Team: ACE Co.
Names of students: Lau Chun Yin Austin and Fung Ka Tsun Charles
School: Sha Tin Methodist College
Business idea : Inspired by the infrared sensor tap, their Infrared Sensor Shower Head RedWave is designed to optimize water usage. Its ABS plastic body features closely packed nozzles, with an infrared sensor at the centre and a flowmeter. The sensor detects user presence, automatically turning on the water supply, which is cut off when the user leaves the detection zone. Additionally, the sensor measures the body temperature and adjusts the water temperature accordingly. After 60L of water is used, the water flow gradually reduces and a built-in buzzer emits sound to remind users to finish showering. - Team: Questa
Names of students: Xu Lok Yi Chloe and Shih Maan Chi Gigi
School: Ying Wa Girls’ School
Business idea: Despite facing water scarcity due to limited rainfall, Australians are the world’s highest per capita water consumers, with outdoor gardening watering accounting for up to 50% of total consumption. PlantAqua is a comprehensive water management system that utilizes plant-based filtration, greywater and rainwater harvesting, and automated drip irrigation. It combines green technology and the Internet of Things to conserve water. Through phytoremediation, plants and microorganisms purify collected water by breaking down pollutants. The purified water is stored and distributed drop by drop through drip irrigation lines. PlantAqua aims to save 1750 Megalitres of water by 2028 in Australian urban households. Plant by Plant, Drip by Drip, nurture a greener future. - Team: The Tangerines
Names of students: Yin Ka Yi Jasmine and Amy Rahman
School: Island School
Business idea: Water scarcity will persist unless water-saving products are available, as relying solely on consumer behavior is not sufficient. ReRinsed is a one-size-fits-all sink embedded into customer’s toilet tank lid that enable them to wash their hands while simultaneously refilling the greywater supply for flushing, saving up to 5L per flush. Their IoT integration and mobile app enable customers to track their water usage in a gamified process, encouraging further reductions. By reducing consumers’ water bills, they can recover the investment cost in 37 days, and effortlessly reduce consumption with ReRinsed.
The teams were evaluated based on the comprehensiveness of their business plans, market analysis and creativity by a panel of professional judges, including Anthony Leung, managing director, FedEx, Hong Kong and Macau; Donny Siu, Director of Global Affairs, The Education University of Hong Kong and the Board Member of the Junior Achievement Hong Kong; and Vivian Choi, Chief Executive Officer, Junior Achievement Hong Kong.
This year, the Regional Finals will return to an in-person event for the first time since the pandemic. The Hong Kong winners will travel to Singapore and compete with students from India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. The regional competition offers students a unique opportunity to engage in collaborative brainstorming, exchange ideas and insights, and constructive discussions with peers hailing from a rich tapestry of cultures from across the region.
“We are thrilled to continue our partnership with Junior Achievement for 18 years, empowering Hong Kong students with the entrepreneurial skills they need to succeed and connect youth with opportunities around the world,” said Anthony Leung, managing director, FedEx, Hong Kong and Macau. “This year’s challenge underscores the importance of sustainability and innovation in today’s business landscape. We are proud to support these talented young minds as they create solutions that not only address global issues but also pave the way for their future success as leaders in commerce.”
“We are honored to continue our partnership with FedEx for the past 18 years, broadening the horizons and nurturing the entrepreneurial spirit of Hong Kong’s youth,” said Vivian Choi, Chief Executive Officer of Junior Achievement Hong Kong. “This year’s challenge inspires students to develop innovative solutions to real-world issues, encouraging them to think globally and act locally. By engaging with topics that emphasize sustainability and global trade, we are equipping our young people with the skills and mindset needed to drive positive change in our community and beyond. We hope that more young people in Hong Kong will embrace these opportunities, stay curious about global developments, and contribute meaningfully to our shared future.”
Since 2007, FedEx has partnered with Junior Achievement to inspire young generations in Hong Kong to seize global opportunities, demonstrating the company’s commitment to fostering global entrepreneurship. Over the years, the FedEx/JA ITC program has engaged more than 5,000 students in Hong Kong through International Trade Workshops. More than 960 students have participated in the Hong Kong Finals, and 107 delegates have represented Hong Kong in regional finals.
More information about the 2024 FedEx/JA ITC can be found on the JA Hong Kong website.
[1] India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam
