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.

After Export Tax Rebates Go to Zero: How China’s E-Cigarette Supply Chain Is Being Reshaped, According to 2Firsts Research
After Export Tax Rebates Go to Zero: How China’s E-Cigarette Supply Chain Is Being Reshaped, According to 2Firsts Research
China’s e-cigarette industry is adjusting to a major policy shift. From April 1, 2026, China will scrap the 13% export VAT rebate on e-cigarette products, a move affecting manufacturers centered in Shenzhen. Industry participants told 2Firsts the change is forcing a reassessment of pricing and capacity, with competition shifting toward cash flow resilience, regulatory compliance, and multi-location strategies.
Industry Insight
Jan.16
Philippine FDA Requires Licenses for Vape Products with Medical Claims
Philippine FDA Requires Licenses for Vape Products with Medical Claims
The Philippine Food and Drug Administration has announced that establishments selling vaporized nicotine and non-nicotine products and novel tobacco products with medicinal or therapeutic claims must secure Licenses to Operate. Such products are also required to be registered as pharmaceutical products through the Center for Drug Regulation and Research. The FDA urged stakeholders to comply with the new requirements to ensure product safety, efficacy and quality.
Dec.22 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Around 58,000 counterfeit vapes and tobacco seized from UK 's Hampshire streets over the past year
Around 58,000 counterfeit vapes and tobacco seized from UK 's Hampshire streets over the past year
UK's Hampshire Trading Standards says around 58,000 counterfeit vapes and tobacco products have been seized from Hampshire over the last year. Richard Strawson, Hampshire’s Head of Trading Standards, said officers often find vape products disguised under fake branding.
Jan.05 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Special Report|Russia scales back anti-vaping drive, limits ban to single-region trial
Special Report|Russia scales back anti-vaping drive, limits ban to single-region trial
After months of debate, Russian lawmakers have retreated from plans for a nationwide vaping ban, opting instead for a single-region pilot. The shift reflects pressure from business groups and fiscal authorities, amid warnings that sweeping prohibitions could fuel illegal trade while undermining efforts to regulate the market.
Jan.22
The Spark of Reason| 2Firsts 2026 New Year Message
The Spark of Reason| 2Firsts 2026 New Year Message
Looking ahead to 2026, we do so with genuine anticipation. This will be a milestone year—the dawn of a new era.
Jan.01
Russia proposes extending voluntary labeling pilot for reusable e-cigarettes to Aug. 31, 2026
Russia proposes extending voluntary labeling pilot for reusable e-cigarettes to Aug. 31, 2026
Russia’s Ministry of Industry and Trade has proposed extending a voluntary labeling pilot covering reusable e-cigarettes and similar personal electric vaporizing devices until August 31, 2026. A draft government decree has been published on the unified portal for posting drafts of normative legal acts.
Jan.22 by 2FIRSTS.ai