Potential of E-Cigarettes to Improve Public Health: Expert Opinion

Sep.19.2022
Potential of E-Cigarettes to Improve Public Health: Expert Opinion
Tikki Pangestu believes e-cigarettes have potential to improve public health, citing data from independent UK studies.

Tikki Pangestu, a former director of policy research and cooperation at the World Health Organization, discussed the potential of e-cigarettes to improve public health. Professor Pangestu made a positive statement during an online discussion titled "Reducing Smoking Harm: Is it Possible to Reduce Tobacco Harm?


Professor Tikki Pang is currently a visiting professor at the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine at the National University of Singapore. Prior to serving as Director of the World Health Organization, he was a professor at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy and a biomedical professor at the University of Malaya.


In his academic career spanning 30 years, Professor Peng has published over 250 scientific articles and 12 books covering topics such as epidemiology, pathogenesis, laboratory diagnosis, prevention of infectious diseases, biosafety, and dual-use research. He is recognized as an expert in public health both domestically and internationally.


According to Tikki Pang, there are still nearly 70 million smokers in his country, which has resulted in economic costs for the nation and significant socioeconomic burden for individuals.


He said, "From a public health and socio-economic perspective, this issue requires a strategic intervention and policy to reduce smoking rates in Indonesia.


Compared to products such as nicotine replacement therapy, interventions using products that promote harm reduction concepts are more effective for those who wish to quit smoking. This is a key strategy in addressing this highly complex issue. The products that result from technological advances and innovation have enormous potential.


Professor Peng cites facts and data from independent research in the UK to urge Indonesian lawmakers to accept electronic cigarettes, snus, and heated tobacco products.


The road to a healthier nation depends on the government ensuring that adult smokers have easy access to lesser harmful new nicotine products and that the information provided is accurate and truthful.


British cancer expert Peter Harper agrees with this. He commented, "You smoke to satisfy your need for nicotine, but you die from smoking. Quitting smoking immediately is one solution. However, current strategies are not effective. Innovative products provide solutions for those struggling to quit, while reducing the overall impact on well-being.


Statement:


This article is compiled from third-party information and is intended solely for communication and learning within the industry.


This article does not represent the views of 2FIRSTS, and 2FIRSTS cannot confirm the authenticity or accuracy of the content. The translation of this article is only intended for industry exchange and research purposes.


Due to limitations in our translation abilities, the translated article may not perfectly reflect the original text. Please refer to the original article for accuracy.


2FIRSTS holds the same views and positions as the Chinese government regarding any domestic, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, and foreign-related statements and stances.


The copyright of the compiled information belongs to the original media and author. If there is any infringement, please contact us for deletion.


This document has been generated through artificial intelligence translation and is provided solely for the purposes of industry discourse and learning. Please note that the intellectual property rights of the content belong to the original media source or author. Owing to certain limitations in the translation process, there may be discrepancies between the translated text and the original content. We recommend referring to the original source for complete accuracy. In case of any inaccuracies, we invite you to reach out to us with corrections. If you believe any content has infringed upon your rights, please contact us immediately for its removal.

Virginia Seeks to Dismiss E-Cigarette Ban Challenge, Citing Lack of Legal Standing
Virginia Seeks to Dismiss E-Cigarette Ban Challenge, Citing Lack of Legal Standing
The Virginia Attorney General and tax commissioner have urged a federal court to dismiss a lawsuit challenging the state’s ban on unapproved e-cigarettes, arguing that the companies behind the suit lack legal standing since their products are federally illegal. The state contends the plaintiffs, Novo Distro Inc. and Tobacco Hut and Vape Fairfax Inc., have no lawful right to sell unapproved vapes and cannot show irreparable harm.
Dec.10 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Philip Morris International: Over $20 Billion Invested in the U.S. Since 2022; IQOS ILUMA to Launch Pending FDA Authorization
Philip Morris International: Over $20 Billion Invested in the U.S. Since 2022; IQOS ILUMA to Launch Pending FDA Authorization
Philip Morris International (PMI) said its U.S.-related investments have topped $20 billion since 2022, when it entered the U.S. market through its roughly $19 billion acquisition of Swedish Match. The company also said it plans to launch its heated tobacco product IQOS ILUMA in the United States pending authorization from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Jan.16 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Exclusive | China Releases E-Cigarette Regulatory “Status Report”, First Comprehensive Disclosure of Oversight Framework and International Cooperation
Exclusive | China Releases E-Cigarette Regulatory “Status Report”, First Comprehensive Disclosure of Oversight Framework and International Cooperation
As 2025 draws to a close, China’s State Tobacco Monopoly Administration has released a white paper–style “Status Report” on e-cigarette regulation, systematically outlining its oversight framework, enforcement outcomes and international cooperation. 2Firsts provides exclusive in-depth reporting and analysis, offering insight into China’s regulatory logic and governance direction.
Dec.29 by 2Firsts Perspectives
Morrisons Partners with Vape Retailer to Open Concessions in 400+ Stores
Morrisons Partners with Vape Retailer to Open Concessions in 400+ Stores
According to The Grocer, Morrisons has reached an agreement with The E-Cig Store to open vaping concessions in more than 400 supermarkets. The first unit will open next month in Rotherham. The deal will expand compliant vaping product offerings and follows Morrisons’ ongoing cooperation with rival retailer VPZ.
Nov.28 by 2FIRSTS.ai
UK South East Seized 3.1M Illegal Vapes Since 2021 as Crackdown Intensifies
UK South East Seized 3.1M Illegal Vapes Since 2021 as Crackdown Intensifies
Illegal vape seizures in the UK South East have risen sharply over the past five years, with 2023 marking the high point. While single-use vapes were banned from sale in June 2025, enforcement teams say disposable products remain in circulation, fueling renewed calls for licensing and stronger enforcement funding.
Jan.23 by 2FIRSTS.ai
China Tobacco Annual Meeting Flags “New Growth Drivers” for 2026: Cigarette Innovation, Domestic Cigars, Overseas Business and Multi-Purpose Use
China Tobacco Annual Meeting Flags “New Growth Drivers” for 2026: Cigarette Innovation, Domestic Cigars, Overseas Business and Multi-Purpose Use
China’s tobacco authorities used their annual industry meeting in Beijing to outline new growth drivers for 2026, highlighting cigarette innovation, domestic cigars, overseas business expansion and multi-purpose tobacco applications.
Jan.20