Most residents in Hong Kong have welcomed the newly implemented smoking control measures, including a ban on electronic cigarettes and alternative smoking products in public areas, saying it will help protect public health, particularly among young people.
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) has imposed a strict ban on the public possession and use of alternative smoking products, which took effect on April 30.
Visitors and residents alike will be fined up to 50,000 Hong Kong dollars and face a maximum six months in jail for carrying or using alternative smoking products in public in the city, according to the HKSAR government.
The alternative smoking products include electronic cigarettes, e-liquid and herbal cigarettes, said the HKSAR government.
"From the perspective of everyone's health, it's a very positive thing. I think it's beneficial for all of us in the long term,” said Jasmine Chen, a Hong Kong resident.
Hong Kong's current smoking rate stands at 8.5 percent and the government aims to reduce it further.
While some residents support the policy, others call for balance.
"We have to strike a balance. There is a policy which is understandable, but at the same time, you strike the balance against people's freedom of choice," said Gary Chung, another Hong Kong resident.
Local authorities and medical professionals said the main goal is to protect young people from picking up smoking habits.
"Hong Kong is trying to give a clear message that vaping is harmful to health and for everyone, in particular, the new generations. We hope that they won't start it. So, we want to tell them that nicotine by itself is highly addictive and also toxic to the young brain," said Lam Wing-wo, a family doctor in Hong Kong.
Hong Kong bans vaping, alternative smoking products in public areas
Hong Kong bans vaping, alternative smoking products in public areas
The 18th edition of the Anoumabo Urban Music Festival, also known as FEMUA, has wrapped up in Cote d'Ivoire's commercial capital, Abidjan, leaving behind not only a fever for African music and culture but also a spirited debate over the expanding role of AI in the music industry.
While music, dance and packed crowds remain at the heart of FEMUA, one of West Africa's largest urban music gatherings, organizers this year went a step further, hosting workshops and panel discussions that explored how AI is reshaping music production, promotion, and creativity across the continent.
"We are truly in the digital age, and AI can be an opportunity for our artists, especially for our African artists, to promote their music in Europe, for example," said Able Guy Michel, Director of Communications for FEMUA.
Some artists see AI as a tool to support production and spark innovation. Others worry it could strip music of its emotional core and human connection.
"I am an artist of the soul -- and especially of the mind -- and my inspiration comes from above. So if we were to use AI, it would probably be in terms of how I handle it," said Dena Mwana, a Congolese gospel singer and songwriter.
Festival-goers were equally split on the technology's place in music.
"As for music, they say we would not even need artists anymore; they say artists would not even have a role to play. They would not be performing any longer. It will all be AI," said attendee Sandrine Gokou.
"AI is not cheating. Let us just say it can be a tool to help artists develop, because there are so many artists in the world today, especially in Côte d'Ivoire. And it can be a way to help music evolve, because artists often run out of ideas," said another attendee Toure Samba.
The debate comes as the African music industry wrestles with broader concerns over copyright protection, digital piracy and cultural ownership. Despite the sharp differences of opinion, FEMUA organizers say the conversation around AI is essential as the technology becomes increasingly woven into the future of global music.
African musicans debate future of AI at music festival in Côte d'Ivoire
