Douglas Ming Deng is a professor and the head of the NGPs industry studies at Yunnan University. As a research professor with global vision, Deng has presided over numerous research initiatives, focusing on topics such as the regulation of e-vapor products in Asia, the economic and societal payoff of introducing heated-tobacco products, and the significance of leaf tobacco in the era of next-generation products (NGPs).

Deng’s recent research pursuits encompass the evolutionary study of the transition from combustible cigarettes to NGPs as well as the innovation of NGPs through consumer-centric research and development. Additionally, Deng actively participates as a speaker at prominent tobacco industry forums, including the GTNF. ‍