Making a split-second decision within 30 seconds led to an unforgettable experience for me! Taking a leap of faith, I joined the mobility programme through the collaboration between IMU University and SEAMEO RECFON and it was an experience that proved to be immensely rewarding.
Over two weeks in Indonesia, my friends and I engaged in a range of enriching activities, including nutrition talks, staff counselling, an international conference, research project briefings, and more. A particular highlight was our involvement in the Nutrition Goes to School (NGTS) programme on 15 October 2024, organized by SEAMEO RECFON in Jakarta.
The Nutrition Goes to School (NGTS) programme by SEAMEO RECFON in Jakarta focuses on enhancing the nutrition and health literacy of school-aged children by integrating the Demand, Supply, Policy, and Information System (DSPIS) framework. It promotes access to nutritious food, clean water, and conducive learning environments, complemented by educator training, healthy school canteens, and educational school gardens.
The programme aims to develop ‘AWESOME’ students—active, well-nourished, and academically excellent—ensuring healthier generations in the future. During school visits, Dietetics students conducted nutrition talks titled ‘Achieve Healthy Weight,’ where they shared valuable tips on healthy and mindful eating for adolescents. In addition, nutrition education and counselling sessions were conducted for a group of students to enhance their understanding of their food environment and culture. This was a unique experience for Malaysian dietitians, as they were exposed to different food cultures and had the opportunity to tailor their nutrition interventions based on the students’ dietary habits.
One of the most memorable experiences was delivering nutrition talks in Bahasa Indonesia alongside my peer, Vanessa Shannon. Interacting with students from SMP Muhammadiyah 3 and SMP Muhammadiyah 30 was both challenging and rewarding.
Despite differences in school capacity and resources, it was heartening to see students actively participating in activities such as physical games and quizzes. They also shared personal experiences with food and nutrition, fostering a collaborative and engaging learning environment during one-on-one nutrition education and counselling.
This programme also provided valuable insights into tackling adolescent nutrition challenges, such as obesity and anaemia, within diverse food environments.
The positive feedback from participants, expressing enthusiasm for healthier eating habits, underscored the impact of these sessions.
As dietetics students, it was inspiring to witness the collaborative efforts of communities in implementing nutrition programmes in schools, particularly in government institutions. Despite challenges such as food environments and parental concerns, these initiatives address the growing prevalence of nutrition-related diseases among adolescents. The practical action plans highlight the crucial role of dietitians in guiding younger generations through tailored nutrition education and counselling, ensuring interventions meet diverse needs effectively and professionally.
Special thanks to Dr Jess Fernandez, Deputy Director for Programs at SEAMEO RECFON, for her kind hospitality and thoughtful conversations. This experience has deepened my understanding of my journey as a dietetics student and inspired me to look forward to future collaborations, bringing similar opportunities to our juniors.
Additionally, a huge shout-out to my lecturers and incredible partners, our leader Liow Wei Xuan, Su Luo Qian, Luqman Fitri Bin Feizal Mahathir, and Vanessa Shannon Fernanda, for their dedication and teamwork in making this event a success.
Looking ahead, I am excited to see further impactful contributions to global nutrition initiatives!
Written by Chua Xuan Chee (蔡煊琪)
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