The Forum for International Trade Training (FITT) has announced the winners of its 2025 Educational Awards, recognizing exceptional learners who have demonstrated dedication, academic excellence, and practical capabilities in international trade. The awards celebrate the achievements of students developing their international trade knowledge and skills through programs offered by FITT’s educational partners.
The 2025 recipients represent a range of experiences, ambitions, and perspectives, but are connected by their commitment to learning and ability to turn international trade education into meaningful achievement.
Student of the Year: Ya-Han Yang
Ya-Han’s journey to receiving the award was not an easy one. With a background in tourism and a longstanding interest in connecting with people from different cultures, she left Taiwan to study at Canadian College in Vancouver. She saved money to finance her studies and traveled to Canada independently, determined to improve her English, expand her knowledge, and challenge herself in a new environment.
Throughout her studies, Ya-Han distinguished herself through academic achievement and active participation. Her main instructor, Kumar Varma, noted that she consistently demonstrated punctuality, dedication, and a strong work ethic, and actively participated in class discussions, presentations, and case studies, often taking on a leadership role when collaborating with her peers.
For Ya-Han, one of the most valuable outcomes of her studies was understanding how different aspects of international business fit together, from market entry and finance to trade documentation and risk management. She has since begun building a career in enterprise software consulting and sales, helping organizations identify operational needs and explore digital solutions.
Receiving the award after returning home to Taiwan made the recognition particularly special for Ya-Han. “Receiving this award feels like a wonderful reminder that all of the effort was worth it,” she said. “It also gives me confidence as I continue building my career and exploring where my international business journey can take me.”
International Sales and Marketing Plan Award
Mark Anthony Daluz and Angelica Ngo, students at Sault College, jointly earned the 2025 International Sales and Marketing Plan Award for their project on expanding a Philippine specialty coffee brand into South Korea’s competitive coffee market. The project required detailed research into consumer preferences, market trends, competition, regulations, and the practical realities of introducing a new brand.
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Mark Anthony explained that one of the biggest challenges was the amount of research required, and ensuring that every recommendation was supported by reliable data and research. The project demonstrated how classroom learning could be applied to an authentic international business challenge, and Mark Anthony credits the program with strengthening his research, strategic planning, and decision-making capabilities.
The achievement of Mark Anthony and Angelica reflects the practical focus of Sault College’s Global Business Management program, and their success offers inspiration to other students preparing to contribute to the global business community. Gabriel Araba, FITT Coordinator at Sault College, noted that their achievement demonstrates exactly what the program strives to develop in its students: the ability to think globally, analyze markets strategically, and translate knowledge into practical international sales and marketing solutions.
Mark Anthony and Angelica’s project examined the potential expansion of Bo’s Coffee, a leading Philippine specialty coffee brand, into South Korea. The objective was to develop a financially viable, culturally relevant, and evidence-based market entry strategy. By bringing together concepts from international trade, economics, finance, and marketing, the project showed how classroom learning could be applied to a real-world business challenge.
Tarun’s project involved developing a strategy for The Souled Store to enter the Japanese market, while Grace has been recognized for her passion for helping businesses grow and contribute to sustainable economic development.
Tarun’s approach to his project earned him the International Business Plan Award, and he hopes to carry the skills and knowledge he developed into a future leadership career in international business. Grace, on the other hand, aims to become a leader in global trade and business development, and establish a consulting firm that helps organizations develop strategies for international expansion.
Ya-Han Yang’s award was presented by FITT’s Strategic Partner, Export Development Canada (EDC), and recognizes the student who achieves the highest overall grade point average after completing all FITTskills courses through an eligible delivery partner. The other awards recognize students who have demonstrated exceptional skills and knowledge in areas such as international sales and marketing, business planning, and community involvement.
