"For too long, we treated vaping like tobacco, at most just a fine. But that is no longer enough," said Prime Minister Lawrence Wong during the National Day Rally (NDR) 2025 on Sunday (August 17, 2025), as reported by Channel News Asia.
The government plans to introduce harsher penalties, including potential jail terms for distributors of vapes containing hazardous substances. Massive public education campaigns will soon be launched across schools, universities, and even the military.
The Hidden Dangers of Vaping
Despite being banned, vaping products continue to flood into Singapore, many containing addictive and toxic substances, including etomidate, a fast-acting anesthetic that is dangerous without medical supervision.
"Vape is just a device. The real danger lies in what’s inside," Wong emphasized.
"Today it’s etomidate, tomorrow it could be something far stronger and far more dangerous."
Technology, AI, and Youth at Risk
Beyond vaping, Wong also raised concerns about the impact of technology and artificial intelligence (AI) on young people.
"Everyone is now connected 24/7. Parents find it almost impossible to limit, let alone fully monitor, their children’s online activities," he said.
Excessive screen exposure, he warned, could make youth vulnerable to harmful content, erode self-confidence, and affect their mental and emotional development.
He even cited cases where students submitted essays far beyond their ability, only to admit later they had used ChatGPT.
"The worry is that students may become overly dependent on AI and stop learning how to think for themselves," Wong added.
Striking a Balance in the Digital Age
While acknowledging the benefits of digitalization, Wong stressed the need for balance.
"We must protect our younger generation from risks, while equipping them to harness technology wisely," he said.
Singapore is now studying policies in countries like Australia, France, and several U.S. states that restrict children’s access to the internet and social media. Schools are teaching cyber wellness, while universities integrate digital skills and AI literacy into their curriculum.
However, Wong emphasized that education should go beyond technology mastery.
"What matters more are the human qualities that machines can never replace: character, values, empathy, and purpose," he concluded.
The Deadly Health Risks of Vape Smoke
According to the Faculty of Medicine at Universitas Indonesia, vape smoke carries severe health risks:
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Collapsed Lung: A U.S. case involving an 18-year-old vaper resulted in a collapsed lung requiring chest tube insertion after 1.5 years of use.
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Pneumonia: An 18-year-old Indonesian male developed pneumonia after just three months of vaping.
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Asthma: A 2019 U.S. study involving 32,000 adults found e-cigarette use increased lung disease risks, including asthma, by 30%.
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Lung Cancer: A 2019 Taiwanese study published in PNAS revealed 22.5% of lab mice exposed to nicotine-based e-cigarette smoke developed adenocarcinoma after 54 weeks.
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EVALI: This severe vaping-associated lung injury has sent patients to the ICU, requiring ventilators after weeks of vape use.