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

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.

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
Rahimah Rashith
Updated
May 23, 2019, 05:07 AM
Published
May 22, 2019, 05:00 AM
New: Gift this subscriber-only story to your friends and family

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.

Already a subscriber? 

Read the full story and more at $9.90/month

Get exclusive reports and insights with more than 500 subscriber-only articles every month

ST One Digital

 $9.90/month

No contract

ST app access on 1 mobile device

Subscribe now

Unlock these benefits

  • All subscriber-only content on ST app and straitstimes.com

  • Easy access any time via ST app on 1 mobile device

  • E-paper with 2-week archive so you won't miss out on content that matters to you

Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.

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

Available for
iPhones and iPads
Available in
Google Play

MCI (P) 066/10/2023. Published by SPH Media Limited, Co. Regn. No. 202120748H. Copyright © 2024 SPH Media Limited. All rights reserved.

Back to the top