I have learnt that the World Tobacco (WT) Asia 2014 forum, which will attract visitors in the tobacco industry, will be hosted in Singapore.

In March 2012, the city hosted the World Conference on Tobacco or Health, in which Health Minister Gan Kim Yong said Singapore would focus on creating an environment where being smoke-free is the norm.

We have just increased tobacco taxes and there are programmes for non-smokers to help smokers quit. In 1971, Singapore was the first in Asia to ban tobacco advertising. Since then, the Government has done a good job in banning smoking in public places.

In 2004, Singapore was the first in Asia to require graphic pictures on cigarette packets to warn smokers about the dangers of smoking. All these were done to ensure the well-being of Singaporeans, especially the youth.

After doing much to create a tobacco-free environment, it is disappointing that we will be hosting WT Asia. This contradicts our values.

WT Asia 2014 was supposed to be held in Indonesia, but was called off due to criticism.

WT Asia organisers have said the Asia-Pacific added six million new smokers in 2009 and will add another 30 million by this year. Through WT Asia trade fairs, which promote tobacco consumption and its perceived benefits, tobacco companies can capitalise on this growing market by exhibiting their products.

On average, seven Singaporeans die each day from smoking and tobacco will kill one of every 13 Singaporeans born from the year 2000.

Hosting WT Asia would send the wrong signal to our youth that Singapore discourages smoking, but supports tobacco industry players by allowing them to organise their event here.

We are held in high regard for our tobacco control policies. We must stand firm on what is good for our future generations.