Singapore is often described as an exceptional small state, with its good quality of life and high functioning government. It now appears poised to take on a new identity—that of a hub for philanthropy in Asia.

The city-state has only dispensed the top cash bonus to one athlete: Joseph Schooling, who won the gold medal in the men’s 100m butterfly at the 2016 Rio Olympics. The swimmer was awarded 1 million Singapore dollars (about $745,300) for his efforts. The rest of the prize money was split among the other finalists: the silver medalist, who won a half-million dollar payout, and the bronze medalist, who got a million-dollar payday.

In the past, the city-state’s philanthropic efforts have been largely focused on funding research at local universities and hospitals. Today, it is also stepping up its efforts to help social enterprises scale their operations and connect with potential partners. The government has set aside a total of $20 million to support social entrepreneurs in 2024, including a flagship programme that provides seed funds for projects aimed at creating jobs and alleviating poverty.

It has also begun to offer a range of support to individuals in need, such as students and workers with health conditions. The government will provide a total of $42 million in 2024 to support more than 200 social welfare schemes for workers and their families, as well as low-income households. It has also committed to fund a new programme that aims to provide assistance for older people with health-related issues, such as chronic illnesses.

The NUS Singapore History Prize, launched in 2021, aims to encourage engagement with Singapore’s history and make the nuances of local history more accessible. The inaugural award carries a cash prize of $50,000. A Jury Panel that includes Prof Mahbubani will select a winner towards the end of this year.

For the first time, the world-renowned Green Carpet Awards were held in Asia this week. Celebrities like Oscar winner Cate Blanchett, Donnie Yen, Lana Condor and Australian wildlife conservationist Robert Irwin walked the “green carpet” to unveil innovations in nature protection, clean air, ocean revival and waste elimination. Britain’s Prince William said that the five winners of the Earthshot Prize, which was presented at the event, showed hope that humankind can reverse the devastating effects of climate change.

The President’s Science and Technology Awards, first given out in 2009, are the highest honours for scientists and engineers in Singapore. Previously known as the National Science and Technology Awards, they have been elevated to presidential status, signifying the importance of Singapore’s growing community of scientific talent. The awards are also the highest accolades in Singapore for individual researchers.

A horse race is a competition in which horses, guided by jockeys, are harnessed and ridden to compete over a set distance. The earliest recorded horse races date to the ancient world, and the sport has been popular throughout history in many cultures. Today, horse racing takes place at dozens of tracks in the United States and around the world. It employs thousands of people both with the horses and on the grandstand side to make sure the races run efficiently.

The most prestigious flat races are held over distances ranging from less than two miles to four miles. Short races, often referred to as sprints in the United States and routes in Europe, are considered tests of speed, while long-distance races are seen as tests of stamina.

Modern horse racing is a multi-billion dollar industry, with an estimated global revenue of $29 billion in 2018. The United States alone is home to nearly 200 licensed and sanctioned racetracks that host 3,000 races each year. The average race is attended by more than 100,000 fans.

In addition to a wide variety of betting opportunities, horse racing offers a number of other unique features that distinguish it from other forms of gambling. For example, in horse racing, wagering is not based on the outcome of individual events or the total number of competitors but rather on the odds of a particular horse winning a given race. In addition, many bettors use handicapping strategies to improve their chances of winning.

Despite the immense financial rewards associated with horse racing, the sport is plagued by problems of animal welfare and integrity. Inflated prize money can encourage trainers to impose more rigorous training on immature horses, leading to injuries and other serious issues. Furthermore, state based regulatory authorities rely on self-regulation, which can allow significant animal welfare issues to go undetected.

As a result of their unnatural training and confinement, many racehorses experience severe physical and psychological stress. Their suffering may manifest as compulsive behaviors such as biting, kicking, or self-harm. According to equine veterinarian Dr. Nicholas Dodman, confined to 12-by-12-foot stalls for 23 hours a day is similar to keeping a 100-pound child in a closet for a week.

Many racehorses are subjected to other forms of cruelty, including whipping and tethering. These practices cause pain and long-term distress, and are considered to be a violation of animal welfare legislation. Moreover, the use of Lasix, an anti-inflammatory drug commonly prescribed to racehorses, is highly controversial. It has been linked to an increased risk of injury and death for both humans and horses, and should be banned. Despite these concerns, the industry continues to promote horse racing as a legitimate form of entertainment for its patrons. To ensure that horse racing is fair and safe for all, the RSPCA advocates the establishment of an independent, comprehensive regulatory body to oversee horse racing. This body should be fully separated from commercial functions, enabling an appropriate balance between animal welfare and the integrity of the sport.