[2Firsts] Experts will debate tobacco harm reduction in Asia at the Asia Forum on Nicotine (AFN25) on Aug. 27, 2025.
Asia is home to more than half the world’s smokers, a patchwork of rapidly evolving nicotine policies, and some of the world’s most dynamic consumer markets. AFN25—the first Asia-specific forum on tobacco harm reduction—brings all these unique regional factors into focus.
By gathering scientists, regulators, clinicians and advocates from the region, the organizers aim to tackle questions that they believe are sometimes overlooked at global conferences: how to reconcile high smoking prevalence with cultural diversity, how to craft proportionate regulation across vastly different economies, and how to translate cutting-edge science into “policies that save lives now rather than later.”
Moderated by Nancy Loucas of the Coalition of Asia Pacific Tobacco Harm Reduction Advocates, the conference will include region-specific data on vaping, heated products and oral nicotine; case studies on balancing access, taxation and enforcement; and practical frameworks for integrating harm-reduction strategies into noncommunicable disease prevention and primary care. Professor Tikki Pang will evaluate the 20-year impact on Asia of the World Health Organization’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.
In addition, AFN25 will offer live Q&A and networking rooms to exchange policy insights and forge cross-border collaborations.
The organizers aim to inform a variety of audiences, including regulators, public health researchers and consumer-rights advocates, along with industry stakeholders and investors navigating compliance in multiple jurisdictions.
AFN25 streams live on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, at 13:00 SGT. Attendance is free of charge. For more information, visit afn.asia.
For more discussions on international tobacco harm reduction, please click on the image below:
