FedEx Express (FedEx), a subsidiary of FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX), has unveiled the winners of its 2024 Small Business Grant Contest (SBGC) in Asia Pacific, marking another milestone in its support for burgeoning enterprises in the region. Among a pool of contenders hailing from Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Singapore, four standout companies have been chosen to collectively share a prize pool totaling US$69,000. Each recipient will receive a grant aimed at propelling their business endeavors within the region and beyond.
This year’s contest marks the third consecutive collaboration between FedEx and Forbes Asia, leveraging the prestigious Forbes Asia 100 to Watch list to spotlight emerging startups. A distinguished panel of judges comprising representatives from FedEx and Forbes Asia meticulously evaluated entrants, ultimately singling out four companies distinguished by their visionary outlook and scalable business models.
Originating in the United States in 2012, the FedEx SBGC has since expanded its reach to encompass 31 international markets across Asia Pacific, Europe, and Latin America.
Securing the grand prize of US$30,000 is Tan Min-Han, Founder and CEO of Lucence, a Singapore-based biotechnology and healthcare startup. Lucence specializes in developing non-invasive tests designed to provide precise diagnoses of cancer, epitomizing innovation in the medical field.
In addition to the grand prize recipient, three other small businesses garnered Special Mentions, each receiving a cash prize of US$13,000:
Kamarul A Muhamed, Founder and Group CEO of Aerodyne, based in Malaysia, has been acknowledged for the company’s pioneering work in enterprise technology. Aerodyne, an industry leader in drone-based solutions, offers autonomous drones capable of diverse tasks such as crop spraying, power line inspection, and urban surveillance.
Larry Ridwan, Founder and CEO of Fresh Factory, based in Indonesia, has been recognized for the company’s contributions to logistics and transportation. Fresh Factory specializes in integrated cold chain fulfillment services, catering to the storage and delivery needs of chilled, frozen, and dry goods.
Brian Cu, Co-founder and CEO of SariSuki, headquartered in the Philippines, has been lauded for the company’s innovative approach to agriculture. SariSuki operates as a social eCommerce platform, facilitating the sale of groceries through its website and app, with a mission to revolutionize the retail landscape in the Philippines.
“Supporting small businesses ultimately opens new possibilities for the economic development of communities all around the world. That’s why we are so passionate about nurturing entrepreneurship and empowering small businesses in the region. This year’s applicants exemplify the spirit of innovation that is shaping the future of business. It’s so exciting to see how these agile innovators are developing solutions that directly impact local communities as well as addressing wider global needs,” according to Kawal Preet, President of Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa at FedEx Express.
The acknowledgment of these pioneering enterprises underscores FedEx’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and driving economic growth across the Asia Pacific region.