A Announces Regional Winners of the ‘AIA Healthiest Schools’ Competition, Recognising Outstanding Schools Across Asia-Pacific
AIA Group Limited has announced the winners of the 4th AIA Healthiest Schools Competition, recognising schools that have demonstrated outstanding commitment to promoting healthier lifestyles among children aged 5–16 across the Asia-Pacific region.
Launched in 2022, the AIA Healthiest Schools programme has expanded across 10 markets in Asia-Pacific, empowering schools and communities to make health and wellbeing an integral part of students' daily lives through four key pillars: Healthy Eating, Active Lifestyles, Mental Wellbeing, and Health & Sustainability.
The 2025/26 competition attracted the highest number of submissions since the programme began, reflecting growing enthusiasm among educators and students to create meaningful health initiatives within their schools and local communities.
Participating schools showcased innovative projects that successfully embedded healthy habits into classrooms, families, and communities, while delivering measurable long-term impacts on students' wellbeing.
Indonesia Wins Regional Grand Prize
SMP IL Kapten Fatubaa from Indonesia was named the Regional Grand Winner for its "Huka Upcycling Project."
Located in a remote border village where students cross rivers and rugged terrain to attend school, the school transformed banana peels-previously considered waste—into ice cream, organic compost and liquid bio-fertiliser. The project combines environmental science, entrepreneurship and community development while benefiting more than 1,000 local residents, supporting farmers, improving environmental awareness and strengthening cross-border community collaboration.
US$100,000 Prize Fund to Support Future Health Initiatives
The regional award ceremony was held in Bangkok, Thailand, where AIA awarded a total prize fund of US$100,000 to help winning schools continue expanding their health and wellbeing initiatives.
Stuart A. Spencer, Group Chief Marketing Officer of AIA Group and Chair of the AIA Healthiest Schools Judging Panel, said the programme equips students with practical knowledge and lifelong skills while addressing major regional concerns including physical inactivity, poor nutrition and growing mental health challenges.
"AIA Healthiest Schools goes beyond raising awareness. It drives lasting behavioural change while nurturing creativity, teamwork and problem-solving skills. Congratulations to SMP IL Kapten Fatubaa and all category winners whose inspiring projects will encourage more schools across Asia to create healthier futures for young people," he said.
The programme supports AIA's purpose of helping people live "Healthier, Longer, Better Lives."
Regional Category Winners
Health & Sustainability Award
Angchum Secondary School – Cambodia
The school led a student-driven campaign promoting plastic reduction, improved hygiene and environmental conservation through close collaboration with the local community, encouraging sustainable behaviours both inside and outside the school.
Mental Wellbeing Award
Chongqing Nan'an District Shanhu Puhui Experimental Primary School – Mainland China
Its "Emotion Eco-Park" initiative helps students build emotional awareness and conflict-resolution skills through structured activities and dedicated learning spaces, significantly improving the school's learning environment.
Active Lifestyles Award
Sekolah Kebangsaan Manir – Malaysia
Through its "Sihat Aktif Manirian" programme, the school uses digital tracking tools and personalised goal setting to encourage healthier daily habits, increased physical activity and better hydration among students.
Healthy Eating Award
Chu Van An Primary School – Vietnam
The school's "Happy Meal" initiative combines nutrition education, organic school farming and hands-on cooking activities, leading to healthier eating habits, improved student nutrition and stronger confidence in school meal programmes among parents.
Programme Expansion in 2026/27
Building on this year's success, AIA Healthiest Schools 2026/27 will expand into Myanmar and New Zealand, joining the existing participating markets of Australia, Cambodia, Hong Kong SAR, Indonesia, Mainland China, Malaysia, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam.
The expansion will enable AIA to extend its health and wellbeing initiatives to even more schools and communities across the Asia-Pacific region, reinforcing its commitment to helping people live Healthier, Longer, Better Lives.