Jackie Chan is Singapore's first celebrity anti-drug ambassador
PUBLISHED ONMay 07, 2015 9:36 AM
SINGAPORE - Action film star Jackie Chan has been named as Singapore's first celebrity anti-drug ambassador, the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) announced in a statement today.
The 61-year-old joined Minister in the Prime Minister's Office and Second Minister for Home Affairs Masagos Zulkifli at Nanyang Polytechnic (NYP) today for the launch of a new anti-drug mobile game app, which was developed by students from NYP's School of Interactive and Digital Media.
"This collaboration with the CNB has given our students the opportunity to play a part in educating their peers about the dangers of drug abuse," Director of NYP's School of Interactive & Digital Media Daniel Tan said.
Called Aversion, the game requires players to avoid contact with drugs while teaching them about the harm that different drugs can cause.
"Younger people increasingly see drugs as a 'personal choice'. The reality is, drugs are addictive and harmful to both the mind and body. You cannot experiment with drugs and not expect to get hooked. The only choice is to stay away from drugs," Singapore's new anti-drug ambassador Mr Chan said.
"When I first met him and asked him to lend his support to Singapore's anti-drug efforts, he agreed without any hesitation," Mr Masagos, who was the guest of honour at the event at NYP, said in his speech.
"I hope that he can inspire our youths to always say no to drugs. I also hope his presence inspires and reminds all of us that we each have the power to speak up and say no to drugs."
Mr Chan has also been China's anti-drug ambassador since 2009. His son Jaycee recently served a six-month jail term in that country for drug offences.
According to a report on Channel NewsAsia's website today, Mr Chan said he was "shocked" and "ashamed" when he first found out about Jaycee's abuse of drugs. He added that their relationship has not changed, but said that Jaycee now holes up in his room, writing songs, not daring to face the media and the world.
huizhen@sph.com.sg