In Singapore, Kevin Wang, 32, successfully quit smoking after moving from Paris, largely due to the restrictive smoking environment. With bans in place across various venues and public spaces, he found it easier to resist temptation. Meanwhile, Salihan, an IT executive, continues to smoke despite outdoor restrictions, adjusting his habits by increasing his cigarette intake during fewer smoke breaks. Their experiences highlight the mixed results of Singapore's anti-smoking efforts. While the national smoking rate has decreased from 13.9% in 2010 to 8.8% in 2023, the challenges of fully eliminating smoking remain evident, showing both the effectiveness and limitations of current regulations.

The persistence of 8.8% of daily smokers in Singapore underscores the limitations of government efforts to eliminate smoking entirely. While policies such as smoking bans and increased tobacco taxes have helped some, many individuals remain addicted to nicotine, finding ways to circumvent restrictions. For instance, although vaping is banned, some smokers have turned to e-cigarettes after quitting traditional cigarettes. The challenges vary: some, like Madam Quek, reduce their intake when venturing into areas with stricter smoking rules, while others, such as Robert Fernando, adapt by avoiding restricted zones altogether. This situation raises critical questions about the effectiveness of current measures and whether realistic progress can be made in combating nicotine addiction in the long term.

In conclusion, while Singapore has made notable strides in reducing smoking rates through stringent policies and public health initiatives, the ongoing presence of a dedicated minority of smokers reveals the complexities of nicotine addiction. The mixed responses among individuals highlight that, despite the government's efforts, some remain entrenched in their habits, finding ways to adapt to restrictions. This raises essential considerations about future strategies: to truly make further progress in the fight against smoking, a multifaceted approach that addresses addiction more comprehensively may be necessary, combining prevention, support for cessation, and awareness campaigns to foster a healthier society.