SCHOOLS are not only places of learning but also platforms for cultivating healthy habits among students.
Embracing this approach, SK Manir in Terengganu developed a school-wide, data-driven programme to address rising body mass index levels and sedentary habits among its 658 pupils.
The “Sihat Aktif Manirian (S.A.M)” initiative encourages pupils to take ownership of their health through daily self-directed routines, supported by teachers, parents and digital tools that promote consistent healthy habits.
The effort earned the school the Outstanding Award for Active Lifestyles, along with a US$15,000 (RM67,400) prize, at the 2025/26 AIA Healthiest Schools (AHS) Regional Awards Ceremony in Bangkok, Thailand, on July 8.
The recognition followed SK Manir’s victory at the national AHS Awards Ceremony in Kuala Lumpur on June 16, where it emerged as the first-place winner in the primary school category.
Also named champion at the national event was SMK Sanglang in Perlis for its “Harumanis Mango Cultivation Project” in the secondary school category.
The project provides students enrolled in the school’s Special Education Integration Programme with practical agricultural skills through hands-on learning activities – from planting and nurturing mango trees to harvesting and packaging. It also builds their confidence, fosters independence and equips them with skills for future employment.
Both champions received US$10,000 (RM45,000) each before going on to represent Malaysia at the regional awards, where they competed against winning schools from China, Hong Kong, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia, the Philippines and Sri Lanka.
The two schools were among 18 recognised at the national level, with the competition offering a total prize pool of US$100,000 (RM450,000) across the “Winner” and “Highly Commended” awards.
Second- to fourth-place winners in both the primary and secondary school categories received US$7,500 (RM33,700) each, while highly commended schools received US$3,500 (RM15,700) each, with five schools recognised in each category.
The 18 awardees were selected from more than 140 entries submitted by national, private and international schools nationwide for the competition held from October 2025 to March this year.
A key highlight of the AHS programme since its launch in 2023, the national competition has seen participation grow from 36 entries in its inaugural year to 63 in 2025 and more than double in 2026.
In this third edition, the competition marked a milestone with its first winning entry from an SJK(T) school, alongside recognition for a school in Sabah.
Winning schools were selected by the AHS judging panel based on project scope and execution, engagement with teachers, students and the wider community, overall impact, and long-term sustainability.
Speaking at the national awards ceremony, AIA Malaysia chief executive officer Heng Zee Wang expressed appreciation to teachers and students whose dedication drives these efforts.
“It is especially encouraging to see healthy habits being embedded into everyday school life – not as one-off efforts, but as part of how students learn, interact and grow.
“As we continue to build on this momentum, we look forward to welcoming even more schools into the programme so we can shape a more resilient future generation,” he said.
Endorsed by the Education Ministry, the AHS programme was introduced to empower schools to promote healthy eating, active lifestyles, mental well-being and sustainability among students aged five to 16.
The programme provides free teaching resources in English, Bahasa Malaysia and Mandarin, as well as structured modules and hands-on workshops to help teachers introduce health and well-being concepts effectively in classrooms.
Teaching resources are available at https://ahs.aia.com/my/en. Submissions for the fourth edition of the AHS Competition will open in October.
