[1] In 1937 he graduated from the Islamic College in Padang, moving to Batavia (now Jakarta) the following year to become a Malay-language teacher at a Muhammadiyah-run school.

[1] During the Japanese occupation of the Dutch East Indies (1942–1945) and ensuing revolution Usman wrote a number of short stories dealing with themes ranging from travel to true love and diligence; these were published in various local magazines.

He cited the latter author's focus on the everyday experiences of the average person, a divergence from the traditional stories of "gods, giants, or fabulous fairy tales with beautiful princesses and magnificent castles".

[6] Regarding Balai Pustaka's language policies during the colonial period, Usman wrote that although the publisher's prescribed Malay was not as organic or free to develop as those in outside publications, it was much less restrictive than traditional written forms.

[8] The inspiration for the faculty of literature at Andalas University in Padang is credited to a speech, entitled "Pembangunan Daerah Sumatera Barat" ("Development of West Sumatra"), which Usman delivered at a seminar in 1964.