Hiraya wins FedEx Access Award

A mini-company composed of students from St. Scholastica's College Manila won the FedEx Access Award at the Junior Achievement Asia Pacific Company of the Year competition held in Tokyo, Japan last February 19-23.

The Grade 12 students founded a mini-company called Hiraya that manufactures an innovative office bag called Pina. Made out of pineapple fiber and synthetic leather, the Pina bag is both durable and chic, which caters to consumers who are looking for function and style. Moreover, the company is founded on the ideals of environment awareness and investing in local entrepreneurs.

In a press release, FedEx Express stated that the award goes to "the team whose business idea is judged to have the highest potential to create jobs, grow small business, expand into other markets and improve the environment." Hiraya has proven that the company is financially viable through its business model. It has also utilized social media and e-commerce as marketing tools.

Launched in 2011, the Asia Pacific JA Company Program aims to develop high school students’ abilities to organize and operate an actual business by providing economic education and business skills. Hiraya bested 19 student companies from 13 Asia Pacific countries to win the FedEx Access Award.

To support the company, you may visit www.hiraya.ph.