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FEDEX Express is partnering with JA Worldwide (Junior Achievement) in a three-year programme to help youngsters in 11 Asia-Pacific countries understand how entrepreneurship can improve the quality of their lives and communities through education and example.
The initiative involves a grant of more than US$1 million. The programme will be launched this year in Hong Kong, Australia and South Korea, and will later be extended to other countries in the Asia Pacific in the second and third years.
"Business and trade is what keeps the world going, and the future of global trade rests in the hands of the next generation. FedEx is proud to be involved with developing the entrepreneurial spirit of young people, giving them first-hand experience in running a business and getting their products to the right place at the right time," said David Cunningham, president, Asia Pacific, FedEx Express.
Major activities will include the JA International Trade Programme and the International Trade Challenge, through which students will learn about the role of business in society, and practice what they have learned by organising and running an actual business, a joint company statement explained.
Through the JA International Trade Programme, students will develop business plans for their own companies, capitalise the business by selling stock, elect officers, maintain administrative duties, and produce and sell products for import and export.
Then, at the annual International Trade Challenge, they will promote and sell their products in a market environment. Through this competition, students are expected to gain first-hand experience of world trade, enhance their knowledge of product distribution, promotion and sales, as well as develop traits of competition, teamwork, risk-taking and self-confidence.
As part of the programme, FedEx Express employees will volunteer to serve as classroom consultants, helping to develop lesson plans, provide background on the basics of doing business, and assist students with the organisation of their companies.
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