The importance of healthy eating isn’t just global—it’s local too. In Malaysia, rising rates of overweight, obesity, and poor diet are contributing to serious public health challenges, especially among youth and working adults. With over 54% of Malaysian adults classified as overweight or obese (BMI ≥ 25) in 2023, and abdominal obesity affecting more than half of adults nationwide, the need for awareness and action has never been greater.
At QIU, we believe in spreading useful, evidence-based health information among our staff and students. That’s why from 13 August to 17 September 2025, QIU’s Healthy-Eating Awareness Campaign—organised by the Faculty of Integrated Life Sciences in collaboration with the School of Hospitality and Faculty of Business and Management—rolled out under the theme “Eat Smart, Live Right.”
Here are some recent data points showing why healthy eating matters locally:
- Prevalence of Overweight & Obesity
Adult obesity alone has increased—from about 19.7% in 2019 to 21.8% in 2023. - Children and Adolescents
Among children under five, obesity rates have risen from 4.0% in 2015 to 5.6% in 2019 and about 6.0% in 2022. - Health Consequences
Obesity is strongly associated with increased risks of non-communicable diseases: diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, and cardiovascular disease.
The statistics are jarring and make campaigns like ours ever more timely and relevant.
This year’s campaign included a range of initiatives designed to educate our staff and students about different aspects of a healthy diet:
- Educational Workshops & Demonstrations: Through activities such as the Healthy Plate Model and Food Labelling Workshops and Healthy Food Cooking Demo, the campaign helped students & staff understand not just what to eat, but how to read labels, choose wisely, and prepare nutritious meals—skills particularly valuable if affordability or access is a constraint.
- Access & Affordability via Cafeteria Options: The “Smart Plate” meals and wholesome lunches at La Place Café made healthier choices more available. This helped counterbalance the trend where processed or cheap fast food becomes the default because it seems easier or cheaper.
- Social Engagement & Behaviour Change: The social media challenge (“Are You Eating Smart? Are You Eating Right?”) created peer support and awareness among younger people, which is vital given the rising obesity in children and adolescents.
The campaign culminated in a closing ceremony on 17 September, celebrating the efforts of students, staff, and collaborators who made the campaign a success. Pn Ruby Zainureen, a nutritionist from the Nutrition Division, Jabatan Kesihatan Negeri Perak, was invited to share how the clinical community promotes practical, collaborative efforts for healthy eating.
“This campaign is about more than just awareness — it’s about helping our community build lasting healthy habits,” said Dr Jong Sze Hui, Programme Coordinator for the Bachelor in Food Science with Management (Honours). “By combining education, practical demonstrations, and fun challenges, we’re showing that eating smart can be enjoyable and sustainable.”
With its innovative mix of workshops, cooking demos, and on-campus healthy meal initiatives, QIU’s Healthy-Eating Awareness Campaign continues to inspire students and staff to make small, meaningful changes towards a healthier future. Kudos to all involved!
