RWS Cares Festival 2026: Walk With President Tharman

Photo Credit: Resorts World Sentosa

Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) is set to host its inaugural RWS Cares Festival 2026 on 22 and 23 August, bringing together the community for a weekend of compassion, sustainability, and meaningful action. With President Tharman Shanmugaratnam serving as the Guest of Honour, the festival aims to raise S$2 million in cash and in-kind contributions for social and environmental causes across Singapore, including a S$700,000 target for the President’s Challenge.

A Festival Built on Community and Compassion

The RWS Cares Festival 2026 marks the first edition of what RWS intends to become an annual community initiative under its corporate social responsibility programme, RWS Cares. Scheduled over two days, the festival combines fundraising, volunteerism, and sustainability activities, reflecting the integrated resort’s commitment to building a more caring and cohesive society.

Organisers hope to attract around 4,000 participants to the event, which will see members of the public, community partners, beneficiaries of the President’s Challenge, and RWS team members coming together to support vulnerable and underprivileged groups. The festival underscores RWS’s dedication to social inclusion, environmental sustainability, and empowering individuals facing greater challenges to realise their potential.

Steps of Hope Walkathon: A Meaningful Journey Through RWS

The highlight of the first day is the Steps of Hope Walkathon, taking place on 22 August from 7:00 to 9:15 am. This 1.4-kilometre charity walk will take participants on a unique journey through some of RWS’s most iconic attractions, starting from Universal Studios Singapore, passing through WEAVE and the Singapore Oceanarium, and concluding at Adventure Cove Waterpark.

President Tharman Shanmugaratnam will officially flag off the walkathon, adding a special touch to this meaningful morning. As walkers make their way through the resort, they will be cheered on by beloved characters including Sesame Street’s Elmo, Transformers’ Bumblebee, Despicable Me’s Minions, and more, creating a memorable and family-friendly atmosphere. A roving DJ will also provide high-energy beats and feel-good vibes throughout the route.

Tickets for the Steps of Hope Walkathon are priced at S$80 for adults and S$70 for children. Each ticket comes with an Event Pack containing a commemorative t-shirt and drawstring bag, as well as complimentary same-day entry to Adventure Cove Waterpark. It should be noted that while the walk passes through Universal Studios Singapore and the Singapore Oceanarium, attractions, rides, and shows within these venues will not be available during the walkathon, and the ticket does not include entry into these attractions.

Where Every Dollar Counts

One of the most compelling aspects of the RWS Cares Festival 2026 is its fundraising model. One hundred per cent of the ticket proceeds from the Steps of Hope Walkathon will go directly to the President’s Challenge, Singapore’s national fundraising movement. In addition, RWS has pledged to match every dollar raised during the festival, effectively doubling the impact of participants’ contributions.

The funds raised through the President’s Challenge will benefit three organisations: the Autism Resource Centre (Singapore), TomoWork, and the MILK (Mainly I Love Kids) Fund. These donations will support employment programmes for adults on the autism spectrum, workplace readiness initiatives for young graduates requiring additional support, and career development and financial literacy programmes for at-risk youth. This targeted approach ensures that the money raised will make a tangible difference in the lives of those who need it most.

Green Living Fair: Sustainability Meets Community

Running across both days of the festival, from 10am to 8pm on 22 and 23 August, the Green Living Fair will be held at the Singapore Oceanarium Research and Learning Centre. This eco-focused event brings together local makers, brands, and social enterprises that care about people and the planet, showcasing eco-friendly and sustainable products that look good and feel good.

Visitors to the Green Living Fair can expect to discover a range of environmentally conscious finds, from reusable household items to sustainable fashion and beyond. The fair will also feature interactive workshops and live performances, providing opportunities for attendees to learn more about sustainable living while enjoying a day out with family and friends. By promoting green living and supporting local eco-conscious businesses, the fair aligns with RWS’s broader commitment to environmental sustainability.

About the President’s Challenge

The President’s Challenge is Singapore’s national fundraising movement, established to promote a culture of unity, respect, and giving. It seeks to uplift aspirations and empower lives by supporting individuals facing greater challenges to realise their potential, nurturing talent in the arts and sports, and enabling leaders and role models to drive meaningful social impact.

Across its efforts, the President’s Challenge fosters volunteerism, multiculturalism, and cross-cultural appreciation as a way of life. By participating in the RWS Cares Festival 2026, walkers and fair-goers become part of this larger movement, contributing to a more inclusive and supportive society.

How to Participate

Those interested in joining the Steps of Hope Walkathon can register through the RWS website. Given the unique nature of this event and the opportunity to walk alongside President Tharman, early registration is advisable. The Green Living Fair is open to all visitors, making it an accessible way for the wider community to engage with the festival’s sustainability message.

For more information on the RWS Cares Festival 2026, including detailed schedules, registration links, and updates on participating brands at the Green Living Fair, visitors are encouraged to follow RWS’s social media channels or check the official event page.

Building a Legacy of Giving

The RWS Cares Festival 2026 represents more than just a weekend of events; it is a statement of intent from Resorts World Sentosa to embed community giving and environmental stewardship into its operations. By setting an ambitious fundraising target of S$2 million and aligning with the President’s Challenge, RWS is demonstrating its commitment to making a lasting positive impact on Singaporean society.

The festival also provides a platform for raising awareness about important social causes, from supporting individuals on the autism spectrum to empowering at-risk youth and promoting sustainable living. Through activities like the Steps of Hope Walkathon and the Green Living Fair, RWS is creating opportunities for people from all walks of life to come together, learn, and contribute to a better future.

A Weekend Worth Marking on Your Calendar

With its combination of meaningful fundraising, family-friendly activities, and sustainability focus, the RWS Cares Festival 2026 promises to be a weekend unlike any other at Resorts World Sentosa. Whether you are looking to take part in a unique walkathon experience, discover eco-friendly products, or simply show your support for a worthy cause, there is something for everyone at this inaugural festival.

Mark your calendars for 22 and 23 August 2026, and join President Tharman, RWS, and thousands of fellow Singaporeans in making every step count for a better tomorrow.