SK Manir wins AIA Award for innovative obesity prevention programme

A primary school in Kuala Terengganu has gained regional recognition for its innovative approach to tackling childhood obesity after winning the US$15,000 AIA Outstanding Active Lifestyles Award 2026 at the AIA Healthiest Schools Competition.

Sekolah Kebangsaan Manir received the award after impressing judges with its Sihat Aktif Manirian (S.A.M.) programme, a data-driven initiative that combines a digital application, gamification and daily self-monitoring to encourage pupils to adopt healthier lifestyles.

The school was selected from nearly 1,000 entries across the Asia-Pacific, marking the highest participation level since the competition was introduced four years ago. The winners were announced during a regional awards ceremony in Bangkok, Thailand.

Data-driven initiative empowers students to build healthier daily habits

The AIA Healthiest Schools programme encourages students aged five to 16 to integrate healthy living into everyday life through four key pillars: healthy eating, active living, mental wellbeing and sustainability.

Head judge of the competition and AIA Group Chief Marketing Officer Stuart A. Spencer said the programme demonstrates how schools can translate health education into meaningful action.

“The AIA Healthiest Schools Competition is the largest programme of its kind in Asia and is helping young people take ownership of their health by turning knowledge into action.

“This programme goes far beyond awareness – it is driving real, lasting behaviour change, and is a powerful manifestation of our Purpose of helping people live Healthier, Longer, Better Lives.

“Congratulations to Sekolah Kebangsaan Manir from Malaysia. Your shining example will inspire countless others across the region, shaping a healthier future for young people all over Asia,” he said.

The initiative was developed after the school identified worrying health trends among its 10 to 12-year-old pupils, including rising body mass index (BMI) levels, sedentary lifestyles and increasing health-related absenteeism.

At the time, 29% of Level Two pupils were classified as overweight or obese, prompting the school to introduce a structured programme aligned with the Ministry of Education’s Whole-School Health Promotion priorities.

School programme delivers measurable improvements in student wellbeing

Through the S.A.M. Record Book and digital application, pupils monitor their daily hydration, nutrition, sleep, physical activity, screen time and mood. Teachers verify the information while parents reinforce healthy habits at home through controlled access to the application.

The app also features real-time dashboards, automated reminders and gamified rewards such as Hydration King, Sleep Master and Active Warrior, encouraging participation without creating unhealthy competition.

Teacher Zuraidah Hassim said the recognition reflects the commitment shown by the entire school community.

“I am very, very happy and excited to receive this award. It is an acknowledgement of the efforts put in by the teachers, the school community and our students.

“The challenges we faced were mainly that students had sedentary lifestyles, were not very active, and often had unhealthy eating habits. We overcame this by creating a wellness application with gamification, where students could track their daily habits, earn badges and be recognised for their achievements,” she said.

According to the school, the programme now benefits all 686 pupils, 42 teachers and more than 300 parents. Early results indicate that 80% of pupils now meet daily hydration targets, nutrition knowledge has improved significantly, morning routines have become more consistent and students are demonstrating greater ownership of their health.

Speaking at the awards ceremony, AIA Group Chief Executive and President Lee Yuan Siong said programmes such as AIA Healthiest Schools show how simple daily actions can create meaningful behavioural change.

“What is most powerful about this programme is that it turns health from something students are taught into something they do every day,” he said.