Key Regional Anti-Tobacco Organisation Recognises Singapore Health Minister For Rallying E-Vaporiser Ban In The Region

           Minister for Health and Coordinating Minister for Social Policies Mr Ong Ye Kung was conferred the inaugural Professor Prakit Vathesatogkit Trailblazer Award by the Southeast Asian Tobacco Control Alliance (SEATCA) in recognition of his work in encouraging countries in the region to ban the sale and use of electronic smoking devices such as e-vaporisers. Singapore’s Ambassador in Bangkok, Ms Catherine Wong, received the award on Minister Ong’s behalf at the SEATCA’s 25^th anniversary Tribute Event held in Bangkok today.

2.           In the award acceptance speech, Ambassador Wong highlighted that the Award is a representation of Southeast Asia’s collective efforts towards a nicotine-free future, in line with the broader shared responsibility to safeguard and enhance public health in the region.

3.           The Award is named in honour of Thai physician and academic, Professor Prakit Vathesatogkit, who is Vice-Chairman of SEATCA and serves as Senior Advisor to the Thai Health Promotion Foundation and Special Advisor to the International Network of Health Promotion Foundations. SEATCA is an ASEAN-accredited and internationally recognised non-governmental organisation working towards the implementation of tobacco control measures in Southeast Asia.

MINISTRY OF HEALTH

6 FEBRUARY 2026