Nestlé For Healthier Kids (N4HK) recently celebrated its 15th anniversary at Sekolah Kebangsaan Jalan Empat in Bandar Baru Bangi, marking a significant milestone for one of Malaysia’s longest-running school nutrition education programmes. The event brought together representatives from the Ministry of Education Malaysia (MOE), the Nutrition Society of Malaysia (NSM), teachers, parents, and students, highlighting the enduring partnerships that have strengthened the programme’s impact over the years. Since its inception in 2010, N4HK has reached over 220,000 students across 865 schools nationwide, educating children aged seven to twelve on balanced nutrition, physical activity, and hygiene through interactive sessions led by registered nutritionists. Looking ahead, the programme aims to extend its reach to 500,000 primary school students by 2030, furthering its mission to instill lifelong healthy habits among young Malaysians.
Beyond school-based education, N4HK engages parents and caregivers through its PARENPRO initiative, ensuring that nutrition knowledge is reinforced at home. By combining classroom learning with parental involvement, the programme translates nutrition education into practical, everyday practices, such as meal planning, portion control, and enjoyable activities that foster healthier eating habits. YM Raja Nurmaria Murni, Executive Director of Group Corporate Affairs at Nestlé Malaysia, emphasized that the 15-year milestone reflects the programme’s success in benefiting children, parents, and educators alike, while reaffirming Nestlé’s commitment to expanding its reach and strengthening parent-focused initiatives under PARENPRO.
Highlighting the ongoing nutritional challenges in Malaysia, Ms Wong Mei Ching, Group Corporate Nutrition Manager at Nestlé Malaysia, pointed out the triple burden of malnutrition—undernutrition, overnutrition, and micronutrient deficiencies—that continues to affect the population. National studies reveal that over 90 percent of adults and children fail to consume adequate fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, while deficiencies in calcium, vitamin D, and dietary fibre remain prevalent. N4HK addresses these gaps by equipping parents with practical guidance and resources to promote healthier diets and lifestyle habits from an early age.
Professor Dr. Mahenderan Appukutty, President of the Nutrition Society of Malaysia, underscored the value of the 15-year collaboration between NSM, Nestlé, and the Ministry of Education, highlighting how combining scientific knowledge with hands-on learning empowers children to adopt balanced eating and active living practices. The anniversary celebration featured a variety of engaging activities for both parents and children, including nutrition talks, interactive workshops such as “Build Your Healthy Plate” and “Smart Swaps for Healthier Choices,” as well as fun sessions like aerobics, games, and burger-making activities, reflecting N4HK’s focus on making health education both enjoyable and practical.
Aligned with Nestlé’s global ambition to help 50 million primary school children lead healthier lives by 2030, N4HK continues to deliver meaningful, long-term impact. By promoting better nutrition, physical activity, and health awareness, the programme contributes to the development of healthier families and communities across Malaysia, ensuring that the next generation grows up with the knowledge and habits needed for lifelong wellbeing.