Durex is schooling youth on the ins and outs of intimacy and staying safe to address the rise in sexual activity.
Kuala Lumpur, 18 May 2023 – With the rise in sexual activity amongst youths in Malaysia,
Durex, the world’s #1 sexual well-being brand, is taking bold steps in providing a safe platform
where young Malaysians can learn and find the right information and facts about sexual health
at the first ever Durex Academy.
Based on the survey conducted in 2022, the average age of Gen Z’s first intercourse
experience is between 15 and 22 years old. 1 in 3 believe that sex shown in pornography is
normal sex and alarmingly, 31% did not know that a woman could get pregnant the first time
she engages in sex. Almost 40% believe the myth that STIs are only transmitted through
penetrative sex and more than 1 out of 5 youth have sexted* before (*sent a provocative text
or lewd photo). These findings initiated the Durex #COMETOGETHER campaign which
focused on helping young Malaysians speak out and learn about sex through an enjoyable,
safe and reliable platform and drive conversations around the subject matter without fear or
stigma.
The Durex Academy, which is an extension of the #COMETOGETHER initiative, now takes
that same objective to the next level. Aimed at cultivating safe and healthy intimate practices,
encouraging more open conversations around sex and destigmatising myths and taboos
surrounding sexuality education, Durex Academy is a continuous effort to address the survey
findings by breaking it down into learning modules covering three main syllabuses.
Kicking-off with Ms. Puiyi earlier in the month, the campaign will feature an online semester
covering three main syllabus which are Let’s Warm Up, #ComeTogether Prepared and Sexy
Facts 101. Each syllabus has been designed to address misconceptions and educate young
Malaysians on accurate and enlightening information about sex, health and pleasurable
safety.
The segments will cover topics such as consent and bodily autonomy; sexually transmitted
infection (STI) prevention; and communication and relationship skills. Making it even more
interactive are the Masterclass video sessions conducted by Durex Academy lecturers
Daphne Iking, Alex Chee and Alvy Joanna.
As an added bonus, students of Durex Academy will also receive a personalised e-certificate
and a mystery gift once they have completed the S-Level exams online, and be empowered
with better knowledge, understanding, and the confidence to make informed decisions about
their bodies, relationships, and overall well-being.
“We recognise that there is a genuine need to equip Malaysian youth with the right information
about sex. Sex education is the compass that empowers individuals to navigate the complex
terrain of relationships, intimacy, and personal well-being. It illuminates the path towards
informed choices, consent, and responsible decision-making, fostering a society where
knowledge conquers ignorance and respect triumphs over fear,” commented Jerome Goh
(Marketing Manager, Durex Malaysia)
The Durex Academy will also be running on-ground workshops in colleges and universities in
the Klang Valley in collaboration with SPOT Malaysia, a comprehensive sexuality education
provider whose vision is to help young people become confident and resilient in making
informed decisions for their well-being.
To launch the initiative, Durex Academy hosted an Open Day which featured interactive
educational exhibits, introductions of the ‘online lecturers’ and a panel discussion with certified
sexologist, Andrea Koh and SPOT Malaysia founder, Siti Aishah. The constructive dialogue
touched on real-life issues that youths struggle with, barriers that are preventing progress
around this topic and the evolving sexual trends of today.
“Sex education is a powerful tool. It dismantles ignorance, dispels myths, and fosters a culture
of consent, respect, and healthy sexual expression. By embracing comprehensive sex
education, we pave the way for a future where individuals are equipped to navigate their own
sexual journey with wisdom, compassion, and the freedom to embrace their authentic selves,”
added Goh.
Durex has been committed in supporting more knowledgeable reproductive healthcare and
raising awareness of protection worldwide through the establishment of effective sexual health
initiatives. The Durex Academy is part of that commitment and aims to increase young
people’s knowledge and improve their attitudes related to sexual and reproductive health and
behaviours.
