Merdeka Generation: The big stories in the life of an ex-journalist

Mr Salim Osman using a manual typewriter some time in 1973, in his early years as a reporter in Berita Harian. Retired journalist Salim Osman reflects on his life and career, highlighted by events such as meeting the woman who would become his wife a
Retired journalist Salim Osman reflects on his life and career, highlighted by events such as meeting the woman who would become his wife and covering the Laju ferry hijacking incident in 1974.ST PHOTO: CHONG JUN LIANG
Mr Salim Osman using a manual typewriter some time in 1973, in his early years as a reporter in Berita Harian. Retired journalist Salim Osman reflects on his life and career, highlighted by events such as meeting the woman who would become his wife a
Mr Salim Osman using a manual typewriter some time in 1973, in his early years as a reporter in Berita Harian. PHOTO: COURTESY OF SALIM OSMAN
Published
May 22, 2019, 5:00 am SGT

While the pioneer leaders were the architects of Singapore, everyday heroes helped build society here. This is another story of our Merdeka Generation, those born in the 1950s who lived and persevered through a tumultuous period.

rahimahr@sph.com.sg

Newspapers may take up just part of the day for many people, but they have pretty much been former journalist Salim Osman's whole life - including helping him find his lifelong love.

Born in 1951 to a labourer and his housewife wife, Mr Salim had a simple childhood. He lived in a stilted kampung house in Geylang Serai with eight other siblings, while his father toiled, first as a pump attendant for Shell, then as a trishaw rider.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on May 22, 2019, with the headline 'The big stories in the life of an ex-journalist'. Print Edition | Subscribe
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