Nestlé for Healthier Kids (N4HK) celebrated its 15th anniversary at Sekolah Kebangsaan Jalan Empat in Bandar Baru Bangi, bringing together representatives from the Ministry of Education Malaysia (MOE), the Nutrition Society of Malaysia (NSM), teachers, parents and students. The event marked an important milestone for one of Malaysia’s longest-running school nutrition education programmes and highlighted the enduring partnership that has strengthened its impact over the years.
Since its launch in 2010, N4HK has reached more than 220,000 students across 865 schools nationwide. The programme teaches children aged seven to twelve the fundamentals of balanced nutrition, physical activity and hygiene practices through interactive sessions led by registered nutritionists. Looking forward, N4HK aims to extend its reach to 500,000 primary school students by 2030, reinforcing its mission to cultivate lifelong healthy habits among young Malaysians.
The programme extends its influence beyond the school environment through N4HK PARENPRO, an initiative designed to involve parents and caregivers in promoting healthier choices at home. By combining school-based learning with parental engagement, Nestlé ensures that nutrition education becomes practical, consistent and supported in everyday family life.
YM Raja Nurmaria Murni, Executive Director of Group Corporate Affairs at Nestlé Malaysia, said that the 15-year milestone reflects the many children, parents and educators who have benefitted from the programme. She emphasised Nestlé’s commitment to expanding its reach to half a million students and strengthening parent-focused initiatives under PARENPRO. She reaffirmed the company’s goal of making good nutrition a simple and sustainable part of daily living for Malaysian families.
Providing deeper insight into the country’s nutritional challenges, Ms Wong Mei Ching, Group Corporate Nutrition Manager at Nestlé Malaysia, pointed out that Malaysia continues to face a triple burden of malnutrition, where undernutrition, overnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies occur simultaneously. National findings show that more than 90 percent of adults and children fall short in consuming adequate fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Widespread calcium and vitamin D deficiencies, along with low dietary fibre intake, further emphasise the need for better-balanced diets. She explained that N4HK equips parents with practical guidance such as meal planning ideas, portion control strategies and enjoyable educational activities to help shape healthier eating habits from early childhood.
Professor Dr. Mahenderan Appukutty, President of the Nutrition Society of Malaysia, highlighted the importance of the 15-year collaboration between NSM, Nestlé and the Ministry of Education. He noted that combining scientific nutrition knowledge with hands-on learning helps children understand balanced eating and active living, which sets the foundation for a healthier generation.
The anniversary event featured engaging activities for both parents and children. Parents joined a nutrition talk led by an NSM nutritionist and took part in practical activities such as “Build Your Healthy Plate” and “Smart Swaps for Healthier Choices.” Children enjoyed nutrition-themed games, aerobics sessions and a burger-making activity, reflecting the programme’s focus on making health education interactive and enjoyable for all ages.
Aligned with Nestlé’s global ambition to help 50 million primary school children live healthier lives by 2030, N4HK continues to create meaningful, long-term impact. The programme supports better health and nutritional wellbeing, contributing to the development of healthier families and communities across Malaysia.
