Eisya Ereena

Enfagrow A+ has launched their Future Ready A+ Kids Expo Event highlighting the importance of early brain development in children. This was officiated by Yang Berhormat Dato Sri Hajah Nancy Shukri, Minister of Women, Family, and Community Development in conjunction with World Brain Day. It also showcased the evidence behind brain building nutrients, the Milk Fat Globule Membrane (MFGM). For those who attended, there were talks with experts which introduced C.O.M.E.L., a developmental milestone checklist for our little ones. This checklist focuses on Cognitive, Optic, Motor, Emotion, Language. Addressing Nutritional Challenges and Commitment to Child Development Did you know that 80% - 90% of the child’s brain develops during early childhood? This makes the first five years of a child’s life key for brain development, with more than 1 million neural connections forming every second. During this period, nutrition plays a big role in ensuring that our children are developing the way they should. The above aligns with the Convention on the Rights of the Child (C.R.C.), which recognises all children’s right to healthy food and adequate nutrition. During the opening, Dato Sri Hajah Nancy Shukri shared, “By providing parents with the right tools and education, we can ensure our children have a strong foundation to grow up healthy, secure and prepared for the future challenges of today’s demanding society. I am grateful to private organisations like Mead Johnson Nutrition who share the same vision for the unwavering support to child development and nutrition. Their dedication to fostering a future ready generation is truly inspiring.” On the other hand, while the factor of genetics present challenges, nutrition is a controllable factor that can be optimised to help children achieve their full brain development potential. Ms Wong Choy Yee, Country Manager of Mead Johnson Nutrition, Malaysia & Singapore reiterated, “At Mead Johnson Nutrition, we are committed to nurturing a future-ready generation equipped with the necessary life skills, supported by the right nutrition that nourishes brain development in the early years. Enfagrow A+ MindPro formulas, developed through innovative technologies and continuous research with over 100 years, are aimed at ensuring that children receive optimal support for growth and development as well as the C.O.M.E.L. developmental milestone checklist to help monitor and enhance children’s developmental milestones effectively.” The C.O.M.E.L. Checklist and the Role of MFGM to Long-lasting Children’s Brain Development The C.O.M.E.L. developmental milestone checklist is a monitoring tool co-developed by paediatric experts Dr Rajini and Assoc Prof Dr Norazlin. It is designed for early brain development monitoring and aiding in the timely identification of developmental delays. This checklist also enables prompt interventions. Regular screenings, optimal nutrition, and enriching experiences are crucial for maximising a child’s cognitive potential. Assoc Prof Dr Norazlin Kamal Nor, Consultant General and Developmental Paediatrician at UKM Children Specialist Hospital emphasised the importance of this holistic approach stating, “Regular brain development monitoring is crucial for early identification of potential delays. The C.O.M.E.L. developmental milestone checklist provides a comprehensive framework to monitor and enhance children’s cognitive, visual, motor, emotional, and language skills. For instance, by age three, a child should be able to assemble a 3–4-piece puzzle, ask questions, match colours, and pedal a tricycle. The C.O.M.E.L. tool helps parents and doctors take early action to impact a child’s development positively.” Formula milk supplemented with MFGM, a brain building nutrient, can lead to advantages in cognitive intelligence (IQ, Processing Speed & Visual Spatial Skills) as well as emotional intelligence that lasts beyond 5 years of age. Future-Ready Kids: Exploring MFGM, Gut-Brain Connection and Early Developmental Screening The Future-Ready A+ Kids Expo featured a sharing session featuring Assoc Prof Dr Norazlin Kamal Nor and Professor Cheah Pike See. Topics discussed included the importance of early neurodevelopmental screening and role of nutrition in early childhood. Furthermore, attendees gained practical advice on nurturing cognitive and emotional growth in their children. Professor Cheah Pike See, Head of the Department of Human Anatomy at Universiti Putra Malaysia, explained the critical importance of brain growth during the first five years of life and factors affecting optimal brain development, “Because children have so much to learn in the first few years of life, connections form rapidly between neurons. Factors such as nutrition, and environmental influences play significant roles in shaping the growth of the brain in children. Proper nourishment and healthy digestion are vital to support the formation of brain cells and neural connections. Parent-child interactions and the quality of early experiences are also important in fostering healthy brain development. Providing a nurturing, stimulating, and emotionally supportive environment for a child equips them with the necessary tools to thrive cognitively and emotionally in the long run.” Journey Through Time: Exploring the Science of Child Development with Future-Ready A+ Kids Expo Partnering with Universiti Putra Malaysia (U.P.M.), the expo will offer an engaging Brain Tour. The tour seeks to highlight the importance of proper nutrition in early childhood development. This fun and educational experience for parents and children will focus on three main areas, which include: The crucial brain growth in the first five years How proper nutrition supports cognitive and emotional skills Engaging educational games designed to test children’s information processing speeds The Future Ready A+ Kids Expo Event will be held from July to August 2024 at the below locations: Klang Valley: 1 Utama at the L.G. Oval Concourse, 10 – 14 July 2024 Penang: Queensbay Mall at the Central Atrium, 24 – 28 July 2024 Johor Bahru: Aeon Tebrau City Mall at the Central Atrium, 6 – 11 August 2024 Brain Speedometer Challenge Bring your child to the exciting expo and challenge their brain’s processing speed at the A+ Brain Speedometer Challenge station! Stand a chance to win up to RM50,000 worth of prizes. This challenge tests your child’s ability to identify similar items and respond at their fastest speed. Children will be categorised into 3 different age groups: 1 to 2 years old 3 to 4 years old 5 to 6 years old And there's more good news for parents and children! Three (3) winners from each age category will compete at the grand finale and stand a chance to win educational funds. Run over to the selected locations to enjoy some fun with your little ones now! For more information on the Future-Ready A+ Kids Expo and Enfagrow A+ products, please visit https://www.enfagrow.com.my/ Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner. For more insightful stories and fun recipes, stay tuned to Motherhood Story!

Family Planning by

Family Fun By Sunway Malls

Motherhood Panel of Experts

Enfagrow A+ Empowers Future Ready Generations with Essential Nutrition for Optimal Brain Development