13 November 2025, Bangkok – The Southeast Asia Tobacco Control Alliance (SEATCA) has praised some governments for protecting public health against tobacco industry interference but accused many others across the Asia Pacific of still allowing the tobacco industry to call the shots on public health policy.
According to the 2025 Asia-Pacific Tobacco Industry Interference Index by SEATCA, industry manipulation is thriving. From Beijing’s state-run monopoly shaping e-cigarette laws, New Zealand’s government repealing its landmark tobacco endgame law, and the Philippines delegation earning a “Dirty Ashtray” award for echoing tobacco industry interests at the tenth session of the WHO FCTC Conference of Parties (COP) – the influence of tobacco companies in the region extends far beyond lobbying.
When Malaysia passed its long-debated Control of Smoking Products Act in 2024, public health advocates were ready to celebrate seemingly steady progress in tobacco control. Instead, that glimmer of hope turned into heartbreak. The law’s most ambitious measure, a generational ban on tobacco sales, had been quietly stripped away after months of behind-the-scenes lobbying by the tobacco industry.
“We are witnessing governments letting child predators guard the playground. Public health cannot coexist with the tobacco industry; it’s clear that the industry seeks profit even if people pay with their lives,” said Dr Ulysses Dorotheo, SEATCA’s Executive Director.
The Hand of the Industry
In China, the State Tobacco Monopoly Administration wields dual power as both regulator and operator, rewriting e-cigarette policies to favor its own business arm. In Malaysia, lawmakers admitted to being influenced by lobbyists. In New Zealand, leaked documents revealed that ministers consulted industry-friendly proposals before scrapping the endgame law.
In the Philippines, tobacco companies have more than access; they have a seat at the table. Under the country’s tobacco regulation law, industry representatives sit with government officials on a committee that implements national tobacco policy.
“Every compromise with the tobacco industry costs lives. Protecting policy from its interference is not just good governance, it is a moral obligation,” said Dr. Prakit Vathesatogkit, Executive Secretary, Action on Smoking and Health Foundation, Thailand.
Greenwashing through CSR
Even as countries ban tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship, the industry exploits corporate social responsibility (CSR) to promote itself as a good corporate citizen and gain access to policy makers.
Tobacco-funded initiatives like Bangladesh’s government-endorsed “Bonayan” reforestation project and Malaysia’s expansion of BAT’s “Beyond Benih” program are praised by state officials as contributions to climate resilience and livelihoods.
These projects let tobacco companies greenwash their dirty legacy so they can continue to profit from addicting current and future generations.
“The tobacco industry moves quickly and relentlessly, reinventing itself to stay relevant. Governments must move faster—staying vigilant, transparent, and firm in protecting public health,” said Dr. Judith Mackay, Director of the Asian Consultancy on Tobacco Control and Senior Policy Advisor to the World Health Organization.
Who Stands and Who Falls in Asia-Pacific
The Index notes that Brunei, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Maldives, Mongolia, Nepal, and Thailand maintain some of the strongest safeguards against industry interference for strictly banning tobacco-related CSR and enforcing transparency rules.
In contrast, while Cambodia technically prohibits the use of tobacco brands in sponsorships, government officials still appear at these CSR events. In Sri Lanka, despite restrictions, the Ceylon Tobacco Company has implemented renewable energy projects with government approval. In Indonesia, pro-industry lawmakers have stalled effective regulation for years. In Japan, tobacco giant JTI continues to sponsor smoking areas and “etiquette” campaigns.
Call to Action
With just days to go before COP 11, the Index findings serve as both a warning and a demand. Tobacco control in the Asia Pacific is a litmus test for good governance, a measure of whether public health can stand free from corporate influence.
“Every time a government takes advice from the tobacco industry, it betrays its duty to protect people,” Dorotheo said. “We in the Asia Pacific, particularly our youth, deserve a future free from the tricks of the industry, not one manipulated by it.”
The Index recommends that governments in the Asia-Pacific strengthen their implementation of Article 5.3 of the WHO FCTC:
Institutionalize Article 5.3 across all sectors of government, adopting and enforcing a public-sector code of conduct and providing regular training on Article 5.3 compliance.
Ban all forms of tobacco industry CSR.
Remove all incentives, subsidies, and tax breaks granted to the tobacco industry.
Restrict and make transparent any necessary interactions with the industry.
Prevent conflicts of interest, including government investments in tobacco.
Ensure transparency and accountability in disclosing all interactions with the industry.
Strengthen legal and policy frameworks aligned with Article 5.3 guidelines.
Contact Information:
Ms. Cyresse Ann Achilleos, Media and Communications Officer, SEATCA
Email: cyresse@seatca.org
Mobile: +63 975 701 7130
About SEATCA
SEATCA is a multi-sectoral non-governmental alliance promoting health and saving lives by assisting ASEAN countries to accelerate and effectively implement the tobacco control measures contained in the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC). SEATCA is an accredited ASEAN entity and an official Observer to the WHO FCTC Conference of Parties. WHO bestowed on SEATCA the World No Tobacco Day Award in 2004 and the WHO Director-General’s Special Recognition Award in 2014.