The Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR), in collaboration with the University of Reading (UK) and the District Education Office (PPD) Kinta Selatan, celebrated the successful culmination of the Gene–Environment–Nutrition Education for Youth (GENEY) project at the UTAR Kampar Campus.
The year-long initiative, jointly led by Dr. Anto Cordelia from UTAR and Professor Vimal Karani from the University of Reading, was launched to cultivate young leaders who can drive Malaysia’s Fit Malaysia vision through the theme “Learn Nutrition Today; Lead Fit Malaysia Tomorrow.”
Introduced on 30 August 2024, GENEY promotes the Precision Nutrition concept among secondary school students across 15 schools in the Kinta Selatan District, Perak. The initiative integrates key scientific principles — diet, nutrition, physical activity, genetics, and gut microbiome — into a holistic framework to address the country’s escalating obesity and non-communicable disease (NCD) burden.
The GENEY learning modules, developed and reviewed by an expert steering committee, simplify scientific knowledge through engaging illustrations, relatable case studies, crossword puzzles, and interactive classroom activities. Students’ progress was measured using pre- and post-tests, alongside interschool competitions such as Precision Nutrition Poster Design, Short Speech, TikTok Video, and Tagline Creation.
The program saw an overwhelming response, with SMK Methodist ACS, Kampar, emerging as the Best School and receiving the coveted first GENEY Rolling Trophy, while awards for Best Teacher and GENEY Student Champion recognized exceptional dedication and innovation.
A highlight of the event was the GENEY Forum titled “Implementing Precision Nutrition Education in Schools: Challenges and Opportunities,” chaired by Prof. Vimal Karani, a global expert in Nutrigenetics and Nutrigenomics from the University of Reading. The panel featured Assoc. Prof. Dr. Lim Tuck Meng and Ms. Fatin Izzaty from UTAR, Mr. Hardeu Singh (Principal, SMK Methodist ACS Kampar), Ms. Amarpreet Kaur (STEM teacher, SMJK Pei Yuan), and student representatives Ms. Monisha Aggarwal and Mr. Umar, who shared diverse insights on the challenges and practical solutions in implementing nutrition education at the school level.
En. Muzafar bin Saari, Deputy PPD Kinta Selatan, officiated the event as Chief Guest, where he commended the collaborative effort and encouraged continued implementation of GENEY across schools.
“The enthusiasm and commitment shown by teachers and students under the GENEY initiative is truly inspiring,” said En. Muzafar. “I urge all participating schools to continue this meaningful program in the coming years as we work together towards building a healthier, stronger Malaysia.”
Earlier in the program, Dr. Phoon Lee Quen, Deputy Director of the Institute of Postgraduate Studies and Research (IPSR), UTAR, welcomed the gathering, and Dr. Eddy Cheah Seong Guan, Chairperson of the Centre for Biomedical and Nutrition Research (CBNR), UTAR, delivered the vote of thanks.
The event also featured heartfelt testimonials from participating teachers and students who shared their transformative learning experiences through GENEY. Dr. Anto Cordelia, Chair of the GENEY initiative, presented the project report titled “From Concept to Community Change: The GENEY Journey Towards Fit Malaysia.”
“GENEY has ignited a passion for scientific learning and health awareness among young Malaysians,” said Dr. Anto Cordelia. “By integrating Precision Nutrition into STEM education, we are empowering students to become agents of change — the youth leaders of a healthier tomorrow.”
Funded by the UTAR Knowledge Transfer Program (KTP) and seed funds from the University of Reading (UK), with support from the District Education Office, Kinta Selatan, GENEY marks Malaysia’s first school-based Precision Nutrition education model. The program bridges universities, schools, and education authorities to promote health literacy, youth leadership, and sustainable community transformation.