LION FOUNDATION YOUNG ENTERPRISE SCHEME STUDENTS WIN ON WORLD STAGE

The winning students were part of a six-strong team of Lion Foundation Young Enterprise Scheme students representing New Zealand at the FedEx Express Junior Achievement International Trade Challenge in Singapore.

As well as claiming first prize, 'Team New Zealand' also took out second place at the three day event, which was attended by a total of 42 teams from seven countries.

'Team New Zealand' celebrating their success with Prime Minister, John Key. Picture courtesy of Andrew Gorrie, Photographer, Dominion Post.

Faced with the challenge of exporting carpets to Egypt, the teams had a total of 48 hours to develop a detailed market entry strategy and deliver a ten minute presentation to a judging panel.

First place (and US$4,000) went to Chuck Slogrove and Paul Minors – for their value-added prayer mat. Second place (and US$3,000) was awarded to Aimee Groom and Talman Madsen who developed "Pieces", a modular carpet system with limited edition panels designed by contemporary Egyptian artists.

We have been a proud supporter of the Lion Foundation Young Enterprise Scheme since 2000. Administered by Young Enterprise Trust, the programme offers real life learning in which senior secondary school students form a company, become directors and develop products and services which they then market and sell.

General Manager of the Young Enterprise Trust Sue Jury says the programme continues to play a prominent role in encouraging students in enterprise, and ultimately in growing the country's future business leaders.

"The winners of this international competition are evidence of this and the support we receive from The Lion Foundation is critical to the ongoing success of the programme. Ultimately it ensures we can continue to deliver the high standards that the Lion Foundation Young Enterprise Scheme is now known for."

Around 3,500 secondary students from around the country participate in the Lion Foundation Young Enterprise Scheme each year.