18 schools awarded RM470k in AIA Malaysia’s Healthiest Schools Competition

Teachers and headmasters from 18 schools nationwide were full of smiles today. Cheers and congratulatory handshakes filled the air as receipients of the AIA Healthiest Schools Awards were announced, recognizing their efforts in prioritizing the well-being of their students.

The awards ceremony marked the end of the Malaysian leg of the AIA Healthiest Schools Competition, with prizes totaling USD100,000 (approx. RM470,000) across primary and secondary school categories.

Running from October 2023 to March 2024, the competition was open to government, international, and private schools to submit their efforts in implementing innovative ideas to make schools a healthier and happier place for learning.

Two winning schools will represent Malaysia on a regional level

SK Putrajaya Presint 11(1) won the primary school category with their HELPIE health mobile application. The app was designed to enhance mental well-being among students, providing tools to identify and manage stress, along with games and health campaigns. The outcome? Over 500 experienced a reduction in stress levels from 34% to 18%, while 92% reported improved emotional understanding.

Meanwhile, SMK Convent Butterworth won the secondary school category with their Eco-Jump Rope and Dumbbell Project. The project incorporates sustainability into fitness by encouraging students to craft zero-cost workout equipment from recycled materials and – of course – using them in workouts.

Each school was awarded USD13,000 (approx. RM60,600) and will represent Malaysia to compete on a regional level against winning schools from five other AIA markets – Indonesia, Thailand, Hong Kong, Australia, and Vietnam. Taking place this July in Bali, one of these schools will walk away with the grand prize of USD100,000.

The other recipients are listed at the end of this article.

The competition is part of the AIA Healthiest Schools program

Endorsed by the Ministry of Education, the AIA Healthiest Schools program is designed to encourage healthy living habits among students aged 5 to 16. It provides free downloadable resources that will equip teachers to effectively introduce health and wellbeing concepts into the classroom.

Speaking at the awards ceremony, AIA Malaysia’s CEO Ben Ng said:

“It’s a privilege to celebrate the remarkable efforts of our children and educators who have made a tangible difference in promoting health and wellness within the school setting. The competition entries received this year were nothing short of inspiring.

These creative initiatives have made a real impact, not just in reducing stress and improving fitness, but in fostering a sense of community and shared purpose among students.”

Schools interested in registering for the program can find more information and access teaching resources from the Healthiest Schools website linked here. Submissions for the second edition of the AIA Healthiest Schools Competition will be open from August 2024 onwards.

Full list of winners

Primary School Category

1st Place (USD13,000 / RM60,600) – SK Putrajaya Presint 11(1) (Putrajaya)

2nd Place (USD9,000 / RM42,000) – SJK(C) Hwa Lien (Selangor)

3rd Place (USD9,000 / RM42,000) – SK Kanchong Darat (Selangor)

4th Place (USD9,000 / RM42,000) – SK Oran (Perlis)

Highly Commended (USD2,000 / RM9,300 each):

• Sayfol International School (Kuala Lumpur)
• SK Jalan Empat, Bandar Baru Bangi (Selangor)
• SK Kuala Perlis (Perlis)
• SK Seri Gemilang (Penang)
• SJK(C) New Kopisan (Perak)

Secondary School Category

1st Place (USD13,000 / RM60,600) – SMK Convent Butterworth (Penang)

2nd Place (USD9,000 / RM42,000) – SMK Taman Maluri (Kuala Lumpur)

3rd Place (USD9,000 / RM42,000) – SMK Dato’ Jaafar Hassan (Perlis)

4th Place (USD9,000 / RM42,000) – SMK Sri Perak (Perak)

Highly Commended (USD2,000 / RM9,300 each):

• SMK Lembah Subang (Selangor)
• SMK Jalan Tiga (Selangor)
• SMK Saujana Utama (Selangor)
• SMK Kampung Baru Kerteh (Terengganu)
• Kolej Tuanku Ja’afar (Negeri Sembilan)