Malaysian School Wins AIA Health Award for Fighting Childhood Obesity

Sekolah Kebangsaan Manir won AIA’s US$15,000 Outstanding Active Lifestyles Award 2026 after using a data-driven wellness programme to promote healthier habits and reduce childhood obesity among students.

Malaysian School Inspires Healthier Lifestyles

Sekolah Kebangsaan Manir in Kuala Terengganu has earned regional recognition after winning the US$15,000 AIA Outstanding Active Lifestyles Award 2026 for its innovative approach to tackling childhood obesity.

The primary school received the top honour during the AIA Healthiest Schools Competition regional ceremony in Bangkok, Thailand. Its data-driven wellness programme uses a mobile application that encourages students to monitor daily habits, set health goals, reflect on their progress, and build lasting healthy routines.

The school was selected from nearly 1,000 entries submitted across the Asia-Pacific region, marking the competition’s highest participation since the programme was introduced four years ago.

The AIA Healthiest Schools programme supports students aged five to 16 by promoting healthy eating, active living, mental wellbeing and sustainability through practical school-based initiatives.

AIA Group Chief Marketing Officer Stuart A. Spencer said the competition empowers young people to turn health knowledge into meaningful action while developing creativity, teamwork and problem-solving skills. He added that the programme is creating lasting behavioural change and helping fulfil AIA’s mission of supporting healthier, longer and better lives.

AIA Group Chief Executive and President Lee Yuan Siong said the initiative succeeds because it transforms healthy living into everyday practice rather than classroom theory. He noted that consistent daily actions can create significant improvements across schools and communities.

Teacher Zuraidah Hassim credited the achievement to the dedication of teachers, students and the wider school community. She said the school’s gamified wellness application motivated students to stay active, improve eating habits, earn achievement badges and celebrate healthier lifestyles while addressing previously sedentary behaviour.