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