The award was presented at a regional ceremony in Bangkok, Thailand, as part of the fourth AIA Healthiest Schools Competition. This competition is a core activity of the AIA Healthiest Schools (AHS) program, initiated by AIA Group to encourage students aged 5 to 16 to adopt healthy lifestyles through practical activities.

According to the organizers, the 2025-2026 season recorded the highest number of entries since the program's inception, reflecting growing participation from schools across the region. After an evaluation process, the judging panel selected projects demonstrating creativity, scalability, and a positive impact on students, families, and communities.

Chu Van An Primary School's "Happy Meals" project was honored in the healthy nutrition category. The school stated that the project aims to cultivate healthy eating habits among students through nutrition education, developing an organic school garden, and offering cooking experiences. The organizers noted that this initiative was highly praised for improving nutritional intake, increasing the percentage of students achieving healthy weights, and reinforcing parental trust in school meals.

Nguyen Quang Duy, deputy general director of marketing and partner channel business development at AIA Vietnam, congratulates a representative from Chu Van An Primary School. *Photo: AIA*

In addition to Chu Van An Primary School, AIA presented awards to other schools. The regional champion award went to Kapten Fatubaa Junior Secondary School in Indonesia for its "Huka Upcycling Project". This project involves recycling banana peels into cream, organic fertilizer, and liquid fertilizer, integrating science education with an entrepreneurial spirit and community responsibility. The initiative has benefited over 1,000 residents, raising environmental awareness, supporting local farmers, and promoting cross-border cooperation.

A representative from Kapten Fatubaa Junior Secondary School in Indonesia receives the champion award. *Photo: AIA*

The health and sustainable development award was given to Angchum Secondary School in Cambodia. Student-initiated campaigns, supported by the community, have promoted plastic waste reduction, enhanced hygiene awareness, and environmental protection. This has fostered sustainable living habits and improved the health of both students and the surrounding community.

Shanhu Puhui Experimental Primary School in China received the mental health award. Its "Emotion Eco-Park" project helps students develop emotional recognition and conflict resolution abilities through structured activities and specialized learning spaces. This initiative has significantly reduced school conflicts and fostered a more positive school environment.

A representative from Shanhu Puhui Experimental Primary School in China receives the award. *Photo: AIA*

The active lifestyle award was presented to Manir National Primary School in Malaysia. Its "Sihat Aktif Manirian" program utilizes digital technology to track progress and set goals, encouraging students to develop healthy daily habits. Results show that students have significantly improved their awareness of adequate hydration, enhanced physical fitness, and become more proactive in self-care.

The organizers stated that the award-winning schools received a total prize value of 100,000 USD to continue implementing their school health and well-being initiatives.

AIA Group leaders present awards to representatives from the winning schools. *Photo: AIA*

Launched in 2022, AHS is currently present in 10 Asia-Pacific markets, focusing on four key areas: healthy nutrition, active lifestyles, mental health, and health with sustainable development. Each season, the program has observed positive changes, with many projects positively influencing the behavior of students, families, and communities. Numerous initiatives have demonstrated sustainable effectiveness over time.

Stuart A. Spencer, deputy general director of marketing for AIA Group and head judge of the competition, stated that the AIA Healthiest Schools program was launched to encourage students to develop healthy lifestyles through practical activities, especially as children increasingly face sedentary lifestyles, inadequate nutrition, and mental health pressures. "Through the program, students not only form healthy habits but also develop skills such as creative thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork", he said. "The program's goal is to foster positive and sustainable changes in children's health-care behavior."

According to the organizers, the AHS 2026-2027 season will expand to Myanmar and New Zealand, increasing the number of participating markets to 12. These include: Vietnam, Australia, Cambodia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, China, Malaysia, Philippines, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.

A brand representative stated that this expansion will enable the program to reach more schools, students, and communities across Asia-Pacific. This will further disseminate school health initiatives and help AIA fulfill its commitment to helping people "Live Healthier, Longer, Better".

Minh Ngoc

Readers interested in learning more about the program can access information here.