From Cub Reporter to Successful Writer – My Formative Experience at Straits Echo

The early 1970s was a time of great excitement for me.

I had just completed my MCE and was looking for a job.

As luck would have it, the printing plant of Straits Echo was located at the corner shop house of Penang Road/Argyll Road, easily accessible by public bus.

I decided to try my luck and walk in for an interview.

I met the illustrious S.H. Tan, the Editor in Chief at the Straits Echo in Penang.

To my surprise, I was offered a job as a cub reporter.

The thrill of the opportunity was incredible, and I could hardly believe my luck.

The Straits Echo was a legendary newspaper in Penang, and I was excited to be a part of it.

One of my earliest memories was the sound of the “tall model” Olympia typewriter.

The rhythmic clacking of the keys was incredibly therapeutic, and I fell in love with the sound.

I remember wanting to curl my fingers into claws to make the sound more pronounced.

The printing press at Straits Echo was a sight to behold.

It was crusted with ink and seemed like a magical beast tamed by the tall tales that S.H. Tan told.

As a “cub” reporter, I was constantly in awe of the printing process and the incredible work of producing a newspaper.

I learned the first rule of writing headlines from SH Tan – “Man Bites Dog.”

This rule has stuck with me throughout my career, and I always try to find the most unusual angle for a story.

SH Tan then told me to remember the 4 Wives and 1 Husband.

What??? I had asked.

Who, What, Where, When, and How.

The Five Ws and one H – are questions whose answers are basic in information-gathering in journalism.

Unfortunately, I never got around to working as a cub reporter.

I soon found myself apprenticing and spending years in exile from writing.

I was hunched over a drafting table where I designed and built other people’s dreams into tangible, concrete structures.

Looking back to my meeting with SH Tan, I realized it was a formative experience that helped shape my career.

I cherish the sound of the typewriter, the smell of ink, and the magical printing press.

Although I may have spent years away from writing, the lessons I learned from SH Ta have stayed with me throughout my career.

My short stint at the Straits Echo reminded me, in many ways, of the power of the written word.

The newspaper was vital to the community, and our stories impacted people’s lives.

I learned that writing isn’t just about the words on the page – it’s about the people behind the stories and their impact on the world.

In conclusion, my experience at Straits Echo was formative and has stayed with me throughout my career.

The memories of the printing plant, the sound of the typewriter, and the lessons I learned about writing and storytelling will always be a part of me.

In my years running projects, a dear colleague periodically asked me.

“Are you happy, Dory, like really, really happy?”

I never really answered her. Sometimes, I nodded and smiled, and other times, I smiled. Often, I ignored that question.

Thirty years later, I left architecture and construction and started writing.

I wrote several blogs before starting SmartDory, Travelstylus, and this blog.

I joined a travel magazine, where2, and wrote in English and sometimes Malay.

I wrote for online magazines and inflight and joined an excellent marketing team writing copies.

I started copywriting and wrote for corporations, so I have a few good clients.

“We need help with copywriting!” is a message I often get and respond to.

I texted my former colleague this morning. Finally, I could answer her burning question.

I can tell you now that I am very happy. I write daily, and that is what makes me the happiest—a happy old girl.

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After leaving The Malay Mail, S.H. Tan went on to become the editor of The National Echo Daily and the now-defunct Malaysian Post biweekly. Later, he even started his own tabloid, “New Thrill.”

The second time I met Mr. Tan was at the “New Thrill” office in Petaling Jaya, about a decade after our first meeting. I remember him being in excellent health, recently married, and very happy overall.