About my personality
I am trustworthy and dependable. People like me for many reasons; among them I tend to be stable, loyal and caring and I have a wonderful knack for common sense.
I am a guardian. My relationships with friends, kin and colleagues are important to me. So I spend time and energy developing and nurturing these social networks.
I am a good executive and manager. People almost instinctively feel I can supervise financial, business and social issues effectively. I am sensible, factual, affable and socially savvy. I work hard. I like plans and schedules.I am detail oriented. I follow the rules. And I tend to respect customs and traditions.
I have an impetuous, spontaneous, fun loving side, however. I like novelty-with in limits. And I have a lot of interests. This impetuous spirit adds energy and freshness to my sensible temperament, catches my friends off guard and makes me both dependable and exciting.
My primary personality type is Builder and my secondary type is Explorer.
With Builder as my primary type, I can be:
• Traditional
• Patient
• Social
• Community Oriented
• Loyal
• Orderly
• Dependable
With Explorer as my secondary type, I can be:
• Novelty seeking
• Flexible
• Impulsive and spontaneous
• Open-Minded
• Curious
• Energetic
• Creative
Relating to others:
I admire people who are traditional, responsible, precise and orderly, yet spontaneous, socially savvy and affable. And I enjoy new and different ideas and experiences, as long as they are not dangerous or too "far out." Respectability and appropriateness are important to me. I build deep and enduring friendships.
In love and relationships:
As a Builder, I feel comfortable with a partner like myself:someone who likes all sorts of social activities, someone with my sense of duty and tradition, and someone who is loyal, predictable and interested in family and community. I also admire people who are generally frugal-except when the appropriate adventure comes along. And I like a partner who has good manners, old-fashioned courtesy, unambiguous values and social grace. Nevertheless, I try new things and explore new ideas and I particularly like people who share my energy and curiosity. Now and then I "live it up."
Words Builder use (unconsciously) to describe themselves:
Moral, family, values, honesty, trust, loving, trustworthy, caring, respect and loyal.
Words Explorer use (unconsciously) to describe themselves:
Passion, New, Energy, adventure, Fun, ougoing, travelling, active, spontaneous
Reference
Fisher. 2010. Result of Kimteck Leow's personality test based on Dr. Fisher's research. http://www.chemistry.com/lovemap/mylovemap.aspx [1 October 2010].
Friday, October 1, 2010
Friday, August 20, 2010
What is Good Science?
1) Science is a human endeavor
Scientists are all human, with the typical faults and foibles that non-scientists have. Sociology, politics, psychology, and similar aspects of human nature all have a profound influence on how science is conducted.
2) Science follows certain rules and guidelines
Exactly what these rules and guidelines are depends on what area of science a specific scientific procedure falls within. The scientific method (i.e. hypotheses are formulated from observations, and theories develop from these hypotheses), sometimes cited as the one and only way that science is conducted, is not the paradigm that scientific inquiry must always follow, but it often is the best objective procedure. Science is not so monolithic and mechanical; it defies simple explanations, just like many other human endeavors.
3) Facts versus opinions
An important distinction to make clear when science is an issue is the difference between fact and opinion. "Fact" in a scientific context is a generally accepted reality (but still open to scientific inquiry, as opposed to an absolute truth, which is not, and hence not a part of science). Hypotheses and theories are generally based on objective inferences, unlike opinions, which are generally based on subjective influences. For example, "I am a humorous person" is certainly an opinion, whereas "if I drop this glass, it will break" could best be called a hypothesis, while "the Earth orbits the Sun," or "evolution occurs over time," or "gravity exists" are all today considered to be both facts and theories (and could possibly turn out to be wrong).
Opinions are neither fact nor theory; they are not officially the domain of science (but don't go thinking that scientists don't have opinions — they are only human, and opinions often help to guide their research). Thus, science cannot directly address such issues as whether God exists or whether people are good or bad.
4) Science generally uses the formulation of falsifiable hypotheses
developed via systematic empiricism
Hypotheses that cannot ever be disproven are not real science. Hypotheses are generally formed by observing whatever it is you are studying, with the objective of understanding the nature of the subject (this is systematic empiricism). Many scientists hold the belief that a hypothesis cannot ever be proven, only disproven. This especially holds in historical sciences like paleontology, where a time machine would be the only true way to prove a hypothesis.
5) Acceptance of scientific ideas is based on a process of publication and peer review
To become a legitimate theory (but still not established fact), a hypothesis must be subjected to the approval of a scientist's peers and published in an accredited scientific journal. This process keeps the charlatans out of science (well, it is supposed to, at least, ha ha). Most significantly, this helps to maintain science as a process rather than a gradual accumulation of facts, ever creeping forward towards omniscience. Theories tend to persist until a better theory is proposed and gains broad acceptance, rather than new theories being proposed for every tiny fact that is deduced. This fact and the influence of human nature on science are running themes throughout this section of the UCMP on-line museum.
6) Replication is vital to good science — for the scientific community to accept a finding, other investigators must be able to duplicate the original investigator's findings. Thus, you cannot make up your data; other scientists must be able to follow the same methods you used (whether experimentation, mathematical calculations, formulating major concepts, measuring data, or whatever) and come up with the same results.
Even among paleontologists studying dinosaurs, these principles are sometimes violated. A prime example, pervasive throughout evolutionary thought, is the adaptive story. Adaptive stories take a mysterious feature whose origin is not well understood, and propose an unfalsifiable hypothesis to explain it. For example: We do not yet understand why feathers were evolved somewhere along the non-avian theropod to bird transition. An adaptive story to explain it would be that the feathers were evolved to catch insects with, and then were "co-opted" for flight. Sounds convincing (as many such stories do), but still just a story. The sad truth is that many such problems are essentially unsolvable; we will never know exactly how or why feathers evolved. "Why" questions are some of the most difficult questions to answer when referring to evolution; evolution does not ask why. That is the frustrating reality that makes paleontology hard work.
7. Example of non-science is the unpublished hypothesis
Wild, controversial hypotheses (often in the form of television "sound bites") are hungrily accepted by the public (who cannot be blamed for not knowing better). For ideas to become accepted in the scientific community, ideas must be published (undergoing the process of peer review) to separate the good science from the bad science. Even still, some not-so-good science still leaks into publications, so scientists must think critically when reviewing other's work.
Drawings of reconstructed dinosaurs and other depictions of them in the media are not pure science, but a blending of inference from scientific data with a dose of imagination and speculation. We don't know if some non-avian dinosaurs had feathers, but some artists do choose to illustrate them so. Science cannot say whether they did have feathers or not unless it has evidence.
Disclaimer: This is a gross generalization of what science is about; science is actually much more complex than how it is described here, but this will give you a basic background if you need it.
Source
Anon. 2010. What is good science ?. http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/diapsids/buzz/dinoscience.html [20 August 2010]
Sunday, June 20, 2010
How can you live healthfully into your 100s?
U.S. Census Bureau estimates there are about 500,000 centenarians in the world, and almost 100,000 in the United States. The agency projects by 2050 there will be 1.1 million centenarians in America alone. Meanwhile, researchers at Boston University predict there will be some 3 million baby boomers will live to be 100 or older.
How can you live healthfully into your 100s? Experts say having good genes is half the battle, but lifestyle clearly contributes too. The current 100-year-olds mention the followings as their secrets for healthy living.
(i) Heathy Diet (You are what you eat)
Ms. Daisy McFadden, 99 (a longtime resident of the Bronx, New York)
She will celebrate her 100th birthday this November. Still active and alert, she believes her eating habits have greatly contributed to her longevity. Her daily recipes:-
Breakfast: oatmeal, cranberry juice and banana.
Lunch: salad with beets, cucumbers, tomatoes and either chicken or fish.
Dinner: a plate of steamed vegetables and lean meat. Fresh fruit often follows for dessert.
She did not drink soda. Instead she opts for milk, water, juice or iced tea.
"If you eat more fiber, fruits and vegetables, it will push out the bad stuff." McFadden's doctor, David Prince, M.D., who said McFadden was doing it right.
The people of Okinawa, Japan ( a community with the world's largest concentration of healthy centenarians)
The Okinawa diet is high in grains, vegetables and fish. It's low in eggs, dairy and meat. Okinawans also drink a lot of water.
(ii)Regular exercise makes a difference
"If you want to live to be 101, you have to live an active life both mentally and physically, and no overweight," says Eric Rackow, M.D., professor of medicine at New York University.
Ms. Crowson, 90 (Alabama)
She busies herself with house chores. For most of her life, and well into her 90s, she walked to and from church every week. Now she does daily stretching exercises to keep her muscles strong and flexible.
Ms. McFadden, 99 (New Yorker)
She spent most of her life walking to work. Today she goes to her local senior center at least three times a week to walk on the treadmill, bicycle or use a rowing machine.
(iii) Being happy and enjoy your life
"People who have those lifelong interests have better mental faculties throughout their lives," Prince concludes. Studies show that focused attention, like doing puzzles or reading, will help keep your mind young.
Mary Richardson, 98( South Carolina)
She cares for all the indoor and outdoor plants in her retirement community on a daily basis.
Ms. McFadden,99 (New Yorker)
Every day McFadden wakes up at 5 a.m., reads the newspaper and completes a crossword puzzle. Every evening she watches Jeopardy and plays along.
For most of the pre-retirement population, reducing job stress and finding meaningful work is desirable.
In Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Mr. Sussman changed his long days job as a pharmacist and store owner to his own business selling ice cream, a venture that was less stressful, more profitable. and allowed him more family time.
(iv) Stay married
Studies show that married people live longer, healthier lives, which probably can be attributed to the psychological benefits of having close peer relationships. Experts agree that having good friends and family is key to reaching age 101.
Mary Malecha, 103, of Minnesota, has surrounded herself with friends her entire life. She stills regularly visits friends, playing games like Uno and Bingo. "I believe in being happy and enjoying life, and I love to be with other people," she says.
(v) Keep healthy spiritually
A recent survey of centenarians by health care provider Evercare found that 62 per cent of the 100-plus crowd prays, meditates or engages in another spiritual practice every day. Maintaining a positive attitude and taking time for introspection will increase your odds of long-term health.
Reference
Goudreau, J. 2010. How to live to be 101. http://www.forbes.com/2010/06/08/healthy-living-aging-live-to-be-101-forbes-woman-well-being-longevity_3.html [19 June 2010].
(i) Heathy Diet (You are what you eat)
Ms. Daisy McFadden, 99 (a longtime resident of the Bronx, New York)
She will celebrate her 100th birthday this November. Still active and alert, she believes her eating habits have greatly contributed to her longevity. Her daily recipes:-
Breakfast: oatmeal, cranberry juice and banana.
Lunch: salad with beets, cucumbers, tomatoes and either chicken or fish.
Dinner: a plate of steamed vegetables and lean meat. Fresh fruit often follows for dessert.
She did not drink soda. Instead she opts for milk, water, juice or iced tea.
"If you eat more fiber, fruits and vegetables, it will push out the bad stuff." McFadden's doctor, David Prince, M.D., who said McFadden was doing it right.
The people of Okinawa, Japan ( a community with the world's largest concentration of healthy centenarians)
The Okinawa diet is high in grains, vegetables and fish. It's low in eggs, dairy and meat. Okinawans also drink a lot of water.
(ii)Regular exercise makes a difference
"If you want to live to be 101, you have to live an active life both mentally and physically, and no overweight," says Eric Rackow, M.D., professor of medicine at New York University.
Ms. Crowson, 90 (Alabama)
She busies herself with house chores. For most of her life, and well into her 90s, she walked to and from church every week. Now she does daily stretching exercises to keep her muscles strong and flexible.
Ms. McFadden, 99 (New Yorker)
She spent most of her life walking to work. Today she goes to her local senior center at least three times a week to walk on the treadmill, bicycle or use a rowing machine.
(iii) Being happy and enjoy your life
"People who have those lifelong interests have better mental faculties throughout their lives," Prince concludes. Studies show that focused attention, like doing puzzles or reading, will help keep your mind young.
Mary Richardson, 98( South Carolina)
She cares for all the indoor and outdoor plants in her retirement community on a daily basis.
Ms. McFadden,99 (New Yorker)
Every day McFadden wakes up at 5 a.m., reads the newspaper and completes a crossword puzzle. Every evening she watches Jeopardy and plays along.
For most of the pre-retirement population, reducing job stress and finding meaningful work is desirable.
In Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Mr. Sussman changed his long days job as a pharmacist and store owner to his own business selling ice cream, a venture that was less stressful, more profitable. and allowed him more family time.
(iv) Stay married
Studies show that married people live longer, healthier lives, which probably can be attributed to the psychological benefits of having close peer relationships. Experts agree that having good friends and family is key to reaching age 101.
Mary Malecha, 103, of Minnesota, has surrounded herself with friends her entire life. She stills regularly visits friends, playing games like Uno and Bingo. "I believe in being happy and enjoying life, and I love to be with other people," she says.
(v) Keep healthy spiritually
A recent survey of centenarians by health care provider Evercare found that 62 per cent of the 100-plus crowd prays, meditates or engages in another spiritual practice every day. Maintaining a positive attitude and taking time for introspection will increase your odds of long-term health.
Reference
Goudreau, J. 2010. How to live to be 101. http://www.forbes.com/2010/06/08/healthy-living-aging-live-to-be-101-forbes-woman-well-being-longevity_3.html [19 June 2010].
Saturday, May 15, 2010
What makes up a Great Scientist?
Most of us know that scientist is someone who is trained in science (in a chosen discipline) to do scientific research.
Common roles and responsibilities of scientist
It is generally agreed that scientists'role are to explore novel solutions for his chosen humankind critical problems. As an attempt to understand or solve the problems, they will test and invent new solutions. With the novel solutions/findings/discovery obtained along the way,normally they will present and share them in a chosen scientific conference. To allow scientific community to access the findings/solutions/discoveries easier as well as achieve wider readership, eventually they will publish the articles (contain findings/solutions/discoveries) in a chosen journals.
It is a mistake if we think scientists's roles are confined solely to a laboratory. They too have responsibilities to serve human community outside the laboratory. It has been a long tradition that scientists are given noble trust to present and review scientific evidence, theory and interpretation honestly and accurately related to science based humankind problems. Equally important, it is also their responsibilities to prevent knowingly misled, or allow others(community) to be misled,about scientific matters.
What makes a Great Scientist?
Roger Y.Tsien, 2008 Nobel Laureate in Chemistry quoted the followings as the first requiste to be great scientist:" Your science should ideally feed the deeper part of your personality". In other words, he believe that if you want to be a great scientist,you must embrace your field. Another great scientist, Prof. Shih Choon Fong, currently President of KAUST also share the similar view. He very often quoted that "the passion to pursue the chosen field" is the queen factor to achieve extraordinary scientific research breakthrough. He added that in order to achieve enduring research success, the scientists must also possess lots of perspiration and perseverance and a dose of inspiration. As eminent Biologist Louis Pasteur said," In the field of observation, chance favours only the prepared mind."
Tsien insisted that great scientists must regularly conduct high impact research. For every experiment, they must have undiminished curiosity to understand further about the puzzle. To obtain most accurate results and findings, great scientists diligently conduct scientific method and obtained logical proof for the problems.
Tsien also said a strong belief in “achievement “and hard work is also one of the key extraordinary character of great scientists. It is a common trait that every great scientist has exemplary strong aspiration to discover or achive something great during their life time. Due to their job nature and necessity,it is common they spent unusual long hours in a laboratory. As a result, great scientists are sometimes inevitably labeled as " Different Animal" by their non-scientist fellow friends.
To cope with unusual research endeavours, great scientists have been trained to possess competent critical time management skills. Extraordinary strong critical skills and analytical skills is also their common trait. These skills are most prevalent displayed during controversial scientific debate especially in a scientific conference. Due to rigorous scientific training, not surprisingly, every great scientist has acquired independent thinking skills as well as possess strong ability to present scientific ideas in a concise manner. In order to constantly update and publish science based matter efficiently, it is inevitable that they have to acquire strong reading and writing habits and participate actively in science conference.
Common roles and responsibilities of scientist
It is generally agreed that scientists'role are to explore novel solutions for his chosen humankind critical problems. As an attempt to understand or solve the problems, they will test and invent new solutions. With the novel solutions/findings/discovery obtained along the way,normally they will present and share them in a chosen scientific conference. To allow scientific community to access the findings/solutions/discoveries easier as well as achieve wider readership, eventually they will publish the articles (contain findings/solutions/discoveries) in a chosen journals.
It is a mistake if we think scientists's roles are confined solely to a laboratory. They too have responsibilities to serve human community outside the laboratory. It has been a long tradition that scientists are given noble trust to present and review scientific evidence, theory and interpretation honestly and accurately related to science based humankind problems. Equally important, it is also their responsibilities to prevent knowingly misled, or allow others(community) to be misled,about scientific matters.
What makes a Great Scientist?
Roger Y.Tsien, 2008 Nobel Laureate in Chemistry quoted the followings as the first requiste to be great scientist:" Your science should ideally feed the deeper part of your personality". In other words, he believe that if you want to be a great scientist,you must embrace your field. Another great scientist, Prof. Shih Choon Fong, currently President of KAUST also share the similar view. He very often quoted that "the passion to pursue the chosen field" is the queen factor to achieve extraordinary scientific research breakthrough. He added that in order to achieve enduring research success, the scientists must also possess lots of perspiration and perseverance and a dose of inspiration. As eminent Biologist Louis Pasteur said," In the field of observation, chance favours only the prepared mind."
Tsien insisted that great scientists must regularly conduct high impact research. For every experiment, they must have undiminished curiosity to understand further about the puzzle. To obtain most accurate results and findings, great scientists diligently conduct scientific method and obtained logical proof for the problems.
Tsien also said a strong belief in “achievement “and hard work is also one of the key extraordinary character of great scientists. It is a common trait that every great scientist has exemplary strong aspiration to discover or achive something great during their life time. Due to their job nature and necessity,it is common they spent unusual long hours in a laboratory. As a result, great scientists are sometimes inevitably labeled as " Different Animal" by their non-scientist fellow friends.
To cope with unusual research endeavours, great scientists have been trained to possess competent critical time management skills. Extraordinary strong critical skills and analytical skills is also their common trait. These skills are most prevalent displayed during controversial scientific debate especially in a scientific conference. Due to rigorous scientific training, not surprisingly, every great scientist has acquired independent thinking skills as well as possess strong ability to present scientific ideas in a concise manner. In order to constantly update and publish science based matter efficiently, it is inevitable that they have to acquire strong reading and writing habits and participate actively in science conference.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Toward a Dialogical Civilization
Back dated to a few years ago, I had a first encounter with Professor Tu weiming ( Professor of Chinese History and Philosophy, Havard University) in the media ( Sin Chew Jit Poh). In the news, I clearly remembered that he was excited to propagate the idea “toward dialogical civilization”. As an eminent and distinguished professor from Havard University, his ideas and lectures were highly noted and easily gained recognition especially in the Chinese society. Dated back to many years ago, Confucian philosophy has been well rooted among the Malaysian chinese society. The philosophy constitutes a major part of education syllabus for those who study either chinese language or chinese history. Hence, it is not surprising that his in-dept understanding and research of Confucian studies are able to generate overwhelming support from most of the chinese community members.
From a small boy aged from 8-12 years old ( the period when I received primary one to primary six eduction) until teenage level, 13-17 years old ( the period when I received secondary school education), the chinese subject was substantially taught with elements of Confucian philosophy. As a result of the education, my life’s principle and value system was strongly guided by the philosophy. In other words, the Confucian philosophy is not new to me and most of the chinese well educated person (those more or less same age as me). However, due to the belief that Prof. Tu was rigorously educated and well trained as philosophers in Havard University, I had the feelings that he might deliver lots of new insight on his ideas ( toward dialogical civilization) which could help me better understand the current world order ( be it politically, humanity or religion) as well as provided contemporary inside story, feasible ideas or approach which might help to minimize or end the current chaos and conflicts happening around the globe.
The importance of dialogue
In the lecture, he highlighted the importance of dialogue as a mean to eliminate clash between different civilization, clash between academic circles and clash between business world. In short, he believed that dialogue could bring about peace in the world as well as able to improve teaching and research quality in the academic world.
The two popular philosophy
He cited two kinds of philosophy that govern how human interact to each other and behave in daily life. According to him, Socrates’s philosophy involve actively encouraging his students to raise challenging questions in the learning process. The process might transform his student from ignorant to knowledgeable person. On the other hand, in the Confucian philosophy, it encourages two way dialogues between master and students to achieve mutual benefits.
The two forces that govern the world
Concerning the forces that govern civilization nowadays, he cited globalization and modernization process as the two forces that is affecting the trend. During the primordial period, human in the different part of the world was live as a separate and isolated society. There was rare interaction and integration of culture between different kinds of society. However, in the recent days, the world has evolved into a state where high level of interaction and integration including but not limited to culture, linguistic and ethnic characters are happening everyday. The term “ Globalization” was universally used to described this phenomenon. He noted that though “ Globalization” is a powerful tool to achieve homogenization of various human activity including but not limited to trading, manufacturing and tourism, the approach failed to achieve homogenization in economic. In other word, there is still a serious economic gap among many parts of the world.
The impact of Globalization on China society
The wave of globalization has certainly created impact to China society. For many years, China has long been known plagued by domestic and opium war which made the country poor and difficult for life. As a result of globalization , many opportunities are created and open for brilliant minds from China mainland. Thus, after strategic analysis and comparisons ( worst of the worst countries versus best of the best countries), many brilliant minds from China flew to US as they believe that the only way to progress is to learn from modern western civilization. Consequently, there was a huge hemorrhage of talent from China mainland to developed countries like USA.
Western value vs Asian value
He was in doubt whether the value mainly Science, Liberty, Law, Human Right strongly footed in the western civilization are good enough to construct a ideal society. On the other hand, for many years, the society in China has strong belief including but not limited to dignity, compassion, sympathy and justice as some core key elements for so called ideal society. However, he was highly upset that these so called “ Asian values” were totally ignored in the current western world. He expressed worries concerning these difference as it might lead to dangerous conflicts and society unrest.
The pre-requisite for fruitful dialogue
Prof. Tu campaigned the need for dialogue between this two value system as an joint venture effort to complement each other. The dialogue shall based on core values emphasized in each value system. In addition, for fruitful dialogue outcome, the following assumptions must be strictly adhered to before the dialogue proceeds:-
1. The world is not governed by one super power
2. The world is not divided by socialism, capitalism, communism and etc.
3. The world is not dominated by three super power ( USA, China and Russia)
However, it is a reality that there are multipolar diverse society, geo diversity and biological diversity exist in this world. He pointed out that the current world is only shaped by influence of wealth and power. The globalization initiated by the western world not only blocking effort to encourage integration of cultures, rather, it had create more conflicts in the world.
How civilization evolve in Eastern world and Occidental world?
He recounted Xuanzhuang (the monk )’s epic mission to India in search of knowledge and wisdom. Against all odds, they accomplished their mission impossible and brought the Buddhism (Sutras) back to China which eventually made a huge impact to transform the chinese society. Whereas in US and Europe countries, the renaissance of Arabic culture had created much impact on their early society.
Many faces of varies culture
Asian countries was particularly an area of strong footing for China culture, Arabic culture and Indian culture. Indian culture was mainly dominant by teachings propagated by Mahatma Ganthi. Whereas for East Asia ( China, Taiwan and Japan) , the Buddhism had gained strong footing. Recently, there were overwhelming interest among the Christian and Jews in the western world to study Confucian philosophy. There was also a hot debate whether the Confucian philosophy is religious or is it a secular humanism?
Knowledge as a power to understand different civilization
In order to enhance better understanding between different civilization, Prof.Tu was in favour of the following approach:-
1. There is a need to create a specific language for that particular civilization
2. There is a need to develop global citizenship
In addition, the need to enhance tolerance, giving proper recognize, paying due respect and finally improve mutual understanding should be strongly emphasized to achieve fruitful dialogue.
Four key elements to achieve fruitful dialogue
Prof. Tu suggested the following four elements as pre-requisite to achieve fruitful dialogue:-
1. The general assumption that what is your best might not be my best must be safeguarded.
2. There is a need for interaction and integration among different societies
3. There must be a harmonious relationship among all the living organisms and the earth.
4. There is a need to be transcendent ( not influenced by negative thoughts, feelings and attitudes)
The past and present civilization in China and India
Prof. Tu was truly upset after realizing that the current society in China failed to understand their culture developed 5000 years ago. Though the China was recognized as second economic giant after USA, the capital income was highly low. In addition, the wave of globalization has cause the China lost its tradition cultures. In other words, he was in the view that China has suffered great losses by learning and following western civilization. On the other hand, in general, though India remained plagued by poverty and corruptions problems, the country has successfully withstand its cultural heritage.
Could dialogue help to eradicate poverty and corruption?
Prof. Tu believe that there are many causes for the negative phenomenon, hence he was in the view that it is inappropriate to simplify or intepretate the link without thorough research.
The shift of Obama foreign policy
According to Prof. Tu, for many years ago, US had been recognized as a great learning civilization. The Americans were keen to learn language from England, arts from France and science from Germany. Through evolution and advances achieved in many discipline, the US subsequently adopted teaching civilization. However, instead of bring about positive effect, the switch had created much disasters and destruction to the country. For instance, the incident of September 11 had created much trauma to the civilized society. As a result, there are significant number of Americans no longer feeling proud being American. However, back to current Obama’s administration, the unilateral policy has changed into multilateral policy.
In conclusion, it was one of the most excited social science public lectures that I have attended before!
Source
Tu,Weiming 2010. Toward a dialogical civilization. Havard Ezra F. Vogel Malaysia/Singapore Initiative Public Lecture Series, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia,Bangi,Malaysia. 4th May.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Interplay between Science, Engineering and Buddhism
The key to achieve success as a Researcher, an Administrator, and as a Human being
Shih earned his Ph.D. in applied mathematics from Harvard in 1973. After Shih spent seven years leading Fracture Research at the GE Corporate Research Lab, he returned to an Ivy setting, serving as a professor at Brown University for nearly 15 years. In 2000, he returned home, serving as the President of the National University of Singapore.
Despite the awesome responsibility of running a new university (KAUST), in his acceptance letter Shih said that he plans to keep his composure by using some lessons from his childhood: “Early on as a child, my greatest pleasure was to explore the longkangs (ditches) of Singapore, looking for fishes and frogs. Curiosity, and the joy when that is fulfilled, has led me to a lifelong quest of pursuing scientific knowledge, the interplay of inquiry and reasoning.”
Interplay between Science and Engineering
As Theodore von Kármán, Caltech’s Provost, once said: “Scientists discover the world that exists; engineers create the world that never was”. In other words, science is about curiosity driving us to understand the world while engineering is about using science to transform the world through technology. This view is true of 19th and 20th century science and engineering, as bookended by the steam engine and Apollo 7 and the technologies created in between.
Also in between were the World Wars and the advent of the atomic age, which were emblems, culturally speaking, of the culpability of science in creating the anxiety and even terrors of the 20th century.
Human kind is now more keenly aware that we live in a flat world, where cultures compete, collide or collaborate for better or worse, and where the environment is at risk because of what modern technology has literally burnt up. Of course, the optimists seek scientific solutions for these new problems, as well they should; but the realists are not wrong to wonder if even more problems will in turn be created.
Thus, von Kármán’s statement needs elaboration – the world that technology has transformed begs to be shaped by values, values which can promote and sustain life in the 21st century.
His beliefs in life:
Kept pushing forward
A drive to succeed where others said success was improbable, or even impossible, has spurred me along through difficult times. I am fundamentally drawn to the challenge of transforming the seemingly impossible into a possible. This has made my life journey rewarding and fun.
Innate Curiosity
A curiosity for how things work and a love of adventure have also driven me to seek out exciting and meaningful pursuits. My fondest childhood memories include taking toys apart to understand how they worked and exploring Singapore’s longkangs (deep monsoon drains) to study the fishes and frogs.
Courage to look at things in different ways
I love looking at things in different ways. It is very much about the joy of discovery and of unraveling a mystery. My friends know me to be an unrelenting optimist, one who sees the cup, not as half empty, but as always offering something to drink.
Buddhism ( non- attachment) as a guide in life
I have had my share of moments when things just didn’t work, but I always tell myself: there is always tomorrow to pick up the pieces.
At the same time, always in my heart are the words of my devout Buddhist mother: “You must not be so attached to something that you can’t do without it.”
My mother’s enlightened view on non-attachment has often guided me through life’s turning points, freeing me to take risks and embark on adventures. Excessive attachment discourages one from seeing new opportunities and seizing them.
His view about life
I think of life more as a never-ending and ever-changing journey of learning and discovery.
Being true to your beliefs, values and passions make the journey meaningful and fulfilling. Humility, humanity and humor also make good travelling companions.
Saturday, April 3, 2010
PC maker who inspired Microsoft dies
ATLANTA: Dr Henry Edward Roberts, a developer of an early personal computer that inspired Bill Gates to found Microsoft, died on Thursday. He was 68.
Roberts, whose build-it-yourself kit concentrated thousands of dollars worth of computer capability in an affordable package, inspired Bill Gates and his childhood friend Paul Allen to come up with Microsoft in 1975 after they saw an article about the MITS Altair 8800 in Popular Electronics.
Roberts, an ex-military man, later went on to careers as a farmer and a physician, but continued to keep up with computer advances: He recently told Gates he hoped to work with new, nanotechnology-enhanced machines, according to son David Roberts.
“He did think it was pretty neat, some of the stuff they’re doing with the processors,” said David Roberts, who confirmed Gates rushed to Georgia on Friday to be with his mentor.
Roberts died in a Macon hospital after a long bout with pneumonia, according to his family.
“Ed was willing to take a chance on us — two young guys interested in computers long before they were commonplace — and we have always been grateful to him,” Gates and Allen said in a joint statement released on Thursday.
“The day our first untested software worked on his Altair was the start of a lot of great things. We will always have many fond memories of working with Ed.”
Air force
The man often credited with kick starting the modern computer era never intended to lead a revolution. Born in Miami in 1941, Roberts spent time in the US Air Force and earned an electrical engineering degree from Oklahoma State University in 1968, according to information provided by his family.
He later parlayed his interest in technology into a business making calculators; when large firms like Texas Instruments began cornering the business, Roberts soon found himself in debt, David Roberts said.
Meanwhile, he was gaining an interest in computers — at the time, hulking machines available almost exclusively at universities. “He came up with the idea that you could have one of these computers on your own,” said David Roberts, adding his father expected to sell a few units. “Basically, he did it to try to get out of debt.” Roberts himself would later describe the effort as an “almost megalomaniac kind of scheme” that he pursued out of youthful ambition.
“But at that time you know we just lacked the, eh, the benefits of age and experience,” Roberts said on a programme called Triumph of the Nerds that aired on PBS in 1996. “We didn’t know we couldn’t do it.”
His son described his father as a tinkerer who surveyed his friends before building his personal computer. “My assumption was that there were a bunch of nuts out there like me that would like to have a computer,” Roberts told the Atlanta Journal Constitution, in a 1997 interview. “To engineers and electronics people, it’s the ultimate gadget.”
Flashing lights
The Altair was nothing like the ultra slim laptops of today: Operated by switches and with no display screen, it looked like little more than a metal box covered in blinking, red lights.
“In the early days it was pretty useless. People just bought it thinking that it would be neat to build a computer,” Gates said in a video history interview with the Smithsonian Institution.
Roberts founded Micro Instrumentation and Telemetry Systems, which sold the kits. A young Gates and Allen would later found their fledgling Microsoft firm in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where MITS was based, and provide a computer language that helped hobbyists program and operate the Altair.
The men would eventually feud after Gates and Allen began selling versions of Basic — or Beginners All-purpose Symbolic Instruction Code — created for Altair to competitors, according to the 2003 book, Leaders of the Information Age.
David Roberts said the men had since overcome their differences, and his father had remained an influence in both their lives.
He sold his company in 1977 and retired to a life of vegetable farming in rural Georgia before going to medical school and getting a medical degree from Mercer University, in 1986.
Roberts worked as an internist, seeing as many as 30 patients a day, his son said. But he never lost his interest in modern technology, even asking about Apple’s highly anticipated iPad from his sick bed. “He was interested to see one,” said Roberts, who called his father “a true renaissance man.” — AP
Published: The Star, Friday April 2, 2010 MYT 4:13:00 PM
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Science for humankind
Women contribution to Science
THE L'Oreal-Unesco For Women In Science awards ceremony held at the Unesco headquarters in Paris on March 3 was akin to a fashion show as the winners were all decked out in their national costumes. They looked resplendent, and photographers had a field day snapping pictures of these brainy beauties.
The recipients of the international fellowships were:
Asia and the Pacific:
Tan Yifen (Malaysia), Marissa Teo (Singapore) and Antima Gupta (India).
Antima, 29, hails from Lucknow, and is the youngest of three siblings. She is married to a scientist, so her husband is understanding and supportive of her work. Her father was a lecturer in education while her mother was a housewife. Thanks to their guidance, Antima is where she is today, pursuing what she loves.
"Biotechnology and science are for humankind, to meet the needs of society. I want to contribute to meet those needs and thus, improve society," said Antima in an interview.Her research revolves around the development of new models of medicine for fighting tuberculosis.
"Please don't think that illnesses are wiped out just because we have medicines against them. Diseases are always evolving. Incom¬plete, or the misuse of, treatment leads to resistance to antibiotics. "To prevent antibiotic resistance, patients must finish their antibiotics treatment," she emphasized.
Africa:
Marietta Solange Soupi Nkeutcha (of Cameroon), Djoudi Roukia (Comoros), Elisabeth Lendoye (Gabon).
Lendoye, who speaks fluent French, dedicates her award to her mother, "who did everything for me." Her father died when she was just three years old.
"My mother is an impassioned woman who stands up for what she believes in," said Lendoye in an interview. "She is a social/AIDS worker, and studied in France from 1960 to 1965."She always encouraged my siblings (there are 10 in the family; Lendoye is the eighth) and I to do our best in what we were strong in. I've always wanted to do science, and was prompted to pursue bio-chemistry. I'm a medical doctor, too."
Her area of research covers the study of muscle physiology and a new approach to Type 2 diabetes."Through this fellowship, I can network with the other women scientists," said the mother of one.
Arab states:
Hadeer Ibrahim El-Dakhakhni (Egypt), Nawal Bouaynayne (Morocco), Ghalia Boubaker (Tunisia).
Europe and North America:
Irene Margiolaki (Greece), Maria-Teresa Guardiola-Claramonte (Spain), Svitlana Yablonska (Ukraine).
Guardiola-Claramonte, better known as Maite, 34, from Valencia, is interested in waste water recycling and its implications on public health and the environment.
Maite's motivation for her work comes from her desire to improve the lives of the needy. "Since young, I've wanted to work in other – especially poorer – countries, and to help the people there," she said. Her parents were both teachers, and she has two older brothers.
Latin America and the Caribbean:
Diana Marcela Bolaños Rodriguez (Colombia), Maria Gabriela Gei (Costa Rica), Margoth Mitchela Moreno Vigo (Peru).
The 15 fellows presented their scientific work, attended briefings (dealing with topics such as patents and protecting their discoveries, how to get published, funding, media training and multi-disciplinary networking), and were given hair and make-up sessions in preparation for their photo shoots, and rehearsed for the awards ceremonies (separate ceremonies were held for the laureates and the international winners).
Women Scientist honored as Laureates
In addition to the international fellows, five women scientists – one from each of the five continents – were honored as laureates for their outstanding contributions to humankind and the environment, and for being a source of support, motivation and inspiration for other women in science.
They were: Prof Rashika El Ridi (Egypt), Prof Lourdes J. Cruz (the Philippines), Prof Anne Dejean-Assémat (France), Prof Alejandra Bravo (Mexico) and Prof Elaine Fuchs (the United States).
The scientific presentations by the five laureates was held on March 2 at the Academy of Sciences at the Institute of France, facing the River Seine. They elaborated on their findings in the august surroundings of the hall, adorned by several busts and statues of famous scientists, such as Charles Augustin Coulomb, Jacques Delille, Henri Etienne and Michel Montagne. The awards ceremony for the laureates, also held at the Unesco headquarters, took place two days later. During this event, these extraordinary women presented capsule reviews of their scientific discoveries.
New treatment for cancer
Research director Prof Dejean-Assémat of the Pasteur Institute, France, was named laureate for her discovery of the molecular and cellular mechanisms at the origin of certain cancers, such as liver cancer and leukemia, thus paving the way for new treatment procedures. Her father was an engineer and environmental protection activist while her mother was a mathematics professor."They instilled in me their independence, and an inclination to question things and to protest when necessary," said Prof Dejean of her role models.
"Our house was open to all, and evenings were filled with endless discussions. From this open environment, I developed a questioning mind as well as combativeness." The molecular biologist added: "The issue that matters most at this moment is continuing the quest for knowledge, for the good of our planet and its inhabitants. Non-programmed, non-channeled, fundamental research represents a country's future, and its scientists are a resource that must not be wasted."The greatest discovery in cancer came from a researcher doing research on (the totally unrelated subject of) sea urchins!" she said in an interview with StarTwo, emphasizing the need for scientists to be free to carry out their research without the limitations or pressure of getting certain results or working on a certain application.
"The qualities of a great scientist are commitment, passion, creativity, talent, a bit of luck and diligence," said Prof Dejean.Juggling the various facets of a woman – as daughter, spouse, mother, homemaker and scientist – is extremely challenging but she loves each of these facets of womanhood and tries to maintain the fragile equilibrium between them."I'm trying my best to keep each of these facets by being extremely well organized. I do everything myself, and at home, I also do the laundry," said the mother of three grown-up children aged 23, 21 and 18.
Medical hope from marine snails
The beauty of certain marine snails belie their extremely poisonous nature, and their venom can prove fatal. Biochemist Prof Cruz of the University of Philippines has discovered the structure and functioning of conotoxins produced by such snails, and provided the medical world with some powerful tools for researching the nervous system.In medicine, these toxins serve as components for developing drugs to fight pain, epilepsy and other neurological disorders.
Determined to improve the lives of individuals in her community, Prof Cruz plans to use the L'Oreal-Unesco Award money to purchase a piece of land to serve as a new base for the Rural Livelihood Incubator (Rural Linc) programme which she started in 2001, including a site for a fruit-processing facility run by women farmers, where the indigenous tribes can sell fruits from the orchards and forest trees.
"I established the (Rural Linc) programme to try and mobilize science and technology to alleviate poverty," said Prof Cruz. Rural Linc strives to create jobs, and fight poverty and socio-political instability, over the long term in the rural areas of the Philippines.
Working on skin stem cells
Stem cells and the key processes involved in skin development, maintenance and repair are the focus areas for Prof Fuchs of the Rockefeller University in New York.
Her considerable body of work has revolutionized the scientific approach to skin stem cells, which make it possible to reverse hair loss or regenerate the cells of the epidermis. Fascinated by skin and hair, Prof Fuchs is at the leading edge of cutaneous biology and genetic skin disorders, including cancers.
Heading the Laboratory of Mammalian Cell Biology and Development at the university, her vast body of work has considerably contributed to our knowledge of skin biology and skin stem cells, and associated human diseases.
"In studying the stem cells of the skin, there is tremendous potential not only for regenerative medicine, but also for studying and developing new and improved treatments for poorly understood but devastating genetic disorders, including cancers," she said.
She thinks that, in spite of enormous progress, there are still disparities between men and women in science." This becomes increasingly obvious at the upper end of the achievement ladder, where fewer women are there to ‘remind' their male colleagues of the importance of not ignoring the scientific accomplishments of their female peers," she added.
Her role models were the women in her life: her mother, a housewife, who felt that Fuchs would make a fine chemist; her aunt, a biologist; and her older sister, a neuroscientist.
Environmentally-friendly insecticide
The petite woman that is Prof Bravo, who works at the Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico in Cuernavaca, Mexico, was honoured for her understanding of the mechanism of a bacterial toxin that acts as an environmentally-friendly insecticide.
Prof Bravo believes that the rapid progress of technology in science should be harnessed to diagnose and prevent disease and counteract emerging bacteria, viruses and insect pests.
She explained that global warming will lead to the development of new insect pests and epidemic diseases. "We need to improve science to counteract these problems because they affect food production and health."
Vaccine against a tropical disease
Prof Rashika is attached to the Department of Zoology in the Science Faculty at Cairo Univerity in Egypt. She has paved the way for the development of a vaccine against the tropical parasitic disease known as schistosomiasis or bilharzia or "snail fever" which causes about 280,000 deaths a year. "A schistosomiasis vaccine will help the world eradicate the parasite, as we did with the smallpox variola virus and the polio virus.
"We can reasonably expect to see the development of such a vaccine within the next five years," said Prof Rashika, an immunobiologist, in a press release.
By EVELYN LEN,clovetwo.com
THE L'Oreal-Unesco For Women In Science awards ceremony held at the Unesco headquarters in Paris on March 3 was akin to a fashion show as the winners were all decked out in their national costumes. They looked resplendent, and photographers had a field day snapping pictures of these brainy beauties.
The recipients of the international fellowships were:
Asia and the Pacific:
Tan Yifen (Malaysia), Marissa Teo (Singapore) and Antima Gupta (India).
Antima, 29, hails from Lucknow, and is the youngest of three siblings. She is married to a scientist, so her husband is understanding and supportive of her work. Her father was a lecturer in education while her mother was a housewife. Thanks to their guidance, Antima is where she is today, pursuing what she loves.
"Biotechnology and science are for humankind, to meet the needs of society. I want to contribute to meet those needs and thus, improve society," said Antima in an interview.Her research revolves around the development of new models of medicine for fighting tuberculosis.
"Please don't think that illnesses are wiped out just because we have medicines against them. Diseases are always evolving. Incom¬plete, or the misuse of, treatment leads to resistance to antibiotics. "To prevent antibiotic resistance, patients must finish their antibiotics treatment," she emphasized.
Africa:
Marietta Solange Soupi Nkeutcha (of Cameroon), Djoudi Roukia (Comoros), Elisabeth Lendoye (Gabon).
Lendoye, who speaks fluent French, dedicates her award to her mother, "who did everything for me." Her father died when she was just three years old.
"My mother is an impassioned woman who stands up for what she believes in," said Lendoye in an interview. "She is a social/AIDS worker, and studied in France from 1960 to 1965."She always encouraged my siblings (there are 10 in the family; Lendoye is the eighth) and I to do our best in what we were strong in. I've always wanted to do science, and was prompted to pursue bio-chemistry. I'm a medical doctor, too."
Her area of research covers the study of muscle physiology and a new approach to Type 2 diabetes."Through this fellowship, I can network with the other women scientists," said the mother of one.
Arab states:
Hadeer Ibrahim El-Dakhakhni (Egypt), Nawal Bouaynayne (Morocco), Ghalia Boubaker (Tunisia).
Europe and North America:
Irene Margiolaki (Greece), Maria-Teresa Guardiola-Claramonte (Spain), Svitlana Yablonska (Ukraine).
Guardiola-Claramonte, better known as Maite, 34, from Valencia, is interested in waste water recycling and its implications on public health and the environment.
Maite's motivation for her work comes from her desire to improve the lives of the needy. "Since young, I've wanted to work in other – especially poorer – countries, and to help the people there," she said. Her parents were both teachers, and she has two older brothers.
Latin America and the Caribbean:
Diana Marcela Bolaños Rodriguez (Colombia), Maria Gabriela Gei (Costa Rica), Margoth Mitchela Moreno Vigo (Peru).
The 15 fellows presented their scientific work, attended briefings (dealing with topics such as patents and protecting their discoveries, how to get published, funding, media training and multi-disciplinary networking), and were given hair and make-up sessions in preparation for their photo shoots, and rehearsed for the awards ceremonies (separate ceremonies were held for the laureates and the international winners).
Women Scientist honored as Laureates
In addition to the international fellows, five women scientists – one from each of the five continents – were honored as laureates for their outstanding contributions to humankind and the environment, and for being a source of support, motivation and inspiration for other women in science.
They were: Prof Rashika El Ridi (Egypt), Prof Lourdes J. Cruz (the Philippines), Prof Anne Dejean-Assémat (France), Prof Alejandra Bravo (Mexico) and Prof Elaine Fuchs (the United States).
The scientific presentations by the five laureates was held on March 2 at the Academy of Sciences at the Institute of France, facing the River Seine. They elaborated on their findings in the august surroundings of the hall, adorned by several busts and statues of famous scientists, such as Charles Augustin Coulomb, Jacques Delille, Henri Etienne and Michel Montagne. The awards ceremony for the laureates, also held at the Unesco headquarters, took place two days later. During this event, these extraordinary women presented capsule reviews of their scientific discoveries.
New treatment for cancer
Research director Prof Dejean-Assémat of the Pasteur Institute, France, was named laureate for her discovery of the molecular and cellular mechanisms at the origin of certain cancers, such as liver cancer and leukemia, thus paving the way for new treatment procedures. Her father was an engineer and environmental protection activist while her mother was a mathematics professor."They instilled in me their independence, and an inclination to question things and to protest when necessary," said Prof Dejean of her role models.
"Our house was open to all, and evenings were filled with endless discussions. From this open environment, I developed a questioning mind as well as combativeness." The molecular biologist added: "The issue that matters most at this moment is continuing the quest for knowledge, for the good of our planet and its inhabitants. Non-programmed, non-channeled, fundamental research represents a country's future, and its scientists are a resource that must not be wasted."The greatest discovery in cancer came from a researcher doing research on (the totally unrelated subject of) sea urchins!" she said in an interview with StarTwo, emphasizing the need for scientists to be free to carry out their research without the limitations or pressure of getting certain results or working on a certain application.
"The qualities of a great scientist are commitment, passion, creativity, talent, a bit of luck and diligence," said Prof Dejean.Juggling the various facets of a woman – as daughter, spouse, mother, homemaker and scientist – is extremely challenging but she loves each of these facets of womanhood and tries to maintain the fragile equilibrium between them."I'm trying my best to keep each of these facets by being extremely well organized. I do everything myself, and at home, I also do the laundry," said the mother of three grown-up children aged 23, 21 and 18.
Medical hope from marine snails
The beauty of certain marine snails belie their extremely poisonous nature, and their venom can prove fatal. Biochemist Prof Cruz of the University of Philippines has discovered the structure and functioning of conotoxins produced by such snails, and provided the medical world with some powerful tools for researching the nervous system.In medicine, these toxins serve as components for developing drugs to fight pain, epilepsy and other neurological disorders.
Determined to improve the lives of individuals in her community, Prof Cruz plans to use the L'Oreal-Unesco Award money to purchase a piece of land to serve as a new base for the Rural Livelihood Incubator (Rural Linc) programme which she started in 2001, including a site for a fruit-processing facility run by women farmers, where the indigenous tribes can sell fruits from the orchards and forest trees.
"I established the (Rural Linc) programme to try and mobilize science and technology to alleviate poverty," said Prof Cruz. Rural Linc strives to create jobs, and fight poverty and socio-political instability, over the long term in the rural areas of the Philippines.
Working on skin stem cells
Stem cells and the key processes involved in skin development, maintenance and repair are the focus areas for Prof Fuchs of the Rockefeller University in New York.
Her considerable body of work has revolutionized the scientific approach to skin stem cells, which make it possible to reverse hair loss or regenerate the cells of the epidermis. Fascinated by skin and hair, Prof Fuchs is at the leading edge of cutaneous biology and genetic skin disorders, including cancers.
Heading the Laboratory of Mammalian Cell Biology and Development at the university, her vast body of work has considerably contributed to our knowledge of skin biology and skin stem cells, and associated human diseases.
"In studying the stem cells of the skin, there is tremendous potential not only for regenerative medicine, but also for studying and developing new and improved treatments for poorly understood but devastating genetic disorders, including cancers," she said.
She thinks that, in spite of enormous progress, there are still disparities between men and women in science." This becomes increasingly obvious at the upper end of the achievement ladder, where fewer women are there to ‘remind' their male colleagues of the importance of not ignoring the scientific accomplishments of their female peers," she added.
Her role models were the women in her life: her mother, a housewife, who felt that Fuchs would make a fine chemist; her aunt, a biologist; and her older sister, a neuroscientist.
Environmentally-friendly insecticide
The petite woman that is Prof Bravo, who works at the Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico in Cuernavaca, Mexico, was honoured for her understanding of the mechanism of a bacterial toxin that acts as an environmentally-friendly insecticide.
Prof Bravo believes that the rapid progress of technology in science should be harnessed to diagnose and prevent disease and counteract emerging bacteria, viruses and insect pests.
She explained that global warming will lead to the development of new insect pests and epidemic diseases. "We need to improve science to counteract these problems because they affect food production and health."
Vaccine against a tropical disease
Prof Rashika is attached to the Department of Zoology in the Science Faculty at Cairo Univerity in Egypt. She has paved the way for the development of a vaccine against the tropical parasitic disease known as schistosomiasis or bilharzia or "snail fever" which causes about 280,000 deaths a year. "A schistosomiasis vaccine will help the world eradicate the parasite, as we did with the smallpox variola virus and the polio virus.
"We can reasonably expect to see the development of such a vaccine within the next five years," said Prof Rashika, an immunobiologist, in a press release.
By EVELYN LEN,clovetwo.com
Friday, March 26, 2010
The Story of the Atlantic Salmon
Introduction
I have always been fascinated by the magnificent Atlantic salmon. Having spent many years near the Atlantic seaboard, I developed a passion for fishing in the ocean. On my first fishing trip out in the Atlantic, I nearly lost my right index finger while trying to pull in a fish. The Atlantic salmons have thrived in the Northern Hemisphere for more than a hundred million years. They begin life in freshwater inland lakes and rivers. In the secure inland waterways, they grow and hone their survival skills. Thereafter, they begin their remarkable journeys to the Atlantic Ocean.The vast Atlantic Ocean is different! The new salt-water environment is unpredictable, dangerous and full of unfamiliar fishes. But the Atlantic salmon knows that the ocean is rich and offers limitless space for growth. Every year it spends in the ocean, the salmon doubles in size.Yet, on maturity, Atlantic salmons swim thousands of miles along unpredictable routes,risk encountering dangerous predators, and leap upstream against the mighty river currents to return to their original waterways. Why do salmons leave the rich life in the vast ocean for the arduous journey to their original waterways? Why do they repeat this demanding journey time and again?
The Salmon’s Pledge
This fascinating question of nature has puzzled many fish scientists and marine biologists. While fishery falls outside my expertise,I am nevertheless going to venture a hypothesis. I surmise that, in their own and special way, the Atlantic salmon may have taken a pledge:
“We, salmons of the Atlantic, pledge to strive and thrive in the vast ocean, to be steadfast and faithful, and renew our original waterways with vitality and spirit.”
True to this pledge, the Atlantic salmons battle the mighty currents and return, time
and again, to their nurturing waterways, ensuring the renewal and survival of the species.
Why am I telling you all this about the Atlantic salmon?
You may have noticed that one facet of the Salmon’s pledge concerns global aspirations. In this borderless, knowledge-based world economy, pursue global aspirations with passion. Strive to excel. Thrive in the vast ocean. Use global standards as your yardsticks. There is another facet to the Salmon’s Pledge. Use the special skills and talents that made you professionals to take on the larger role of citizens. Contribute to the prosperity of country and society. Be steadfast and faithful. As you prosper in your professional life, bring your vitality and spirit back to your original waterways
Speech by Guest-of-Honour, Professor Shih Choon Fong,
President, National University of Singapore,
at The Physician’s Pledge Affirmation Ceremony on 27 July 2003 at
The Auditorium, College Of Medicine Buildinga
I have always been fascinated by the magnificent Atlantic salmon. Having spent many years near the Atlantic seaboard, I developed a passion for fishing in the ocean. On my first fishing trip out in the Atlantic, I nearly lost my right index finger while trying to pull in a fish. The Atlantic salmons have thrived in the Northern Hemisphere for more than a hundred million years. They begin life in freshwater inland lakes and rivers. In the secure inland waterways, they grow and hone their survival skills. Thereafter, they begin their remarkable journeys to the Atlantic Ocean.The vast Atlantic Ocean is different! The new salt-water environment is unpredictable, dangerous and full of unfamiliar fishes. But the Atlantic salmon knows that the ocean is rich and offers limitless space for growth. Every year it spends in the ocean, the salmon doubles in size.Yet, on maturity, Atlantic salmons swim thousands of miles along unpredictable routes,risk encountering dangerous predators, and leap upstream against the mighty river currents to return to their original waterways. Why do salmons leave the rich life in the vast ocean for the arduous journey to their original waterways? Why do they repeat this demanding journey time and again?
The Salmon’s Pledge
This fascinating question of nature has puzzled many fish scientists and marine biologists. While fishery falls outside my expertise,I am nevertheless going to venture a hypothesis. I surmise that, in their own and special way, the Atlantic salmon may have taken a pledge:
“We, salmons of the Atlantic, pledge to strive and thrive in the vast ocean, to be steadfast and faithful, and renew our original waterways with vitality and spirit.”
True to this pledge, the Atlantic salmons battle the mighty currents and return, time
and again, to their nurturing waterways, ensuring the renewal and survival of the species.
Why am I telling you all this about the Atlantic salmon?
You may have noticed that one facet of the Salmon’s pledge concerns global aspirations. In this borderless, knowledge-based world economy, pursue global aspirations with passion. Strive to excel. Thrive in the vast ocean. Use global standards as your yardsticks. There is another facet to the Salmon’s Pledge. Use the special skills and talents that made you professionals to take on the larger role of citizens. Contribute to the prosperity of country and society. Be steadfast and faithful. As you prosper in your professional life, bring your vitality and spirit back to your original waterways
Speech by Guest-of-Honour, Professor Shih Choon Fong,
President, National University of Singapore,
at The Physician’s Pledge Affirmation Ceremony on 27 July 2003 at
The Auditorium, College Of Medicine Buildinga
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
2009 Review
Achievement in 2009
i. Submission of MSc Thesis " Bioremediation of food waste for use as compost"
ii. Manuscript entitled : Estimates and physico-chemical characteristics of f00d waste in Bandar Baru Bangi, to be published in Sains Malaysiana 39(3) October 2010.
iii. Confidence to serve as scientist soared after attended and presented research findings in International Conference, National Conference, Scientific Seminars and Technology Exhibition.
iv. Attained stronger desire to invent new biotechnology and new method to solve mankind's critical biological problems.
i. Submission of MSc Thesis " Bioremediation of food waste for use as compost"
ii. Manuscript entitled : Estimates and physico-chemical characteristics of f00d waste in Bandar Baru Bangi, to be published in Sains Malaysiana 39(3) October 2010.
iii. Confidence to serve as scientist soared after attended and presented research findings in International Conference, National Conference, Scientific Seminars and Technology Exhibition.
iv. Attained stronger desire to invent new biotechnology and new method to solve mankind's critical biological problems.
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