March 2026

Our latest issue explores ageing as renewal, inspired by Ooi Kee Beng’s “liberational ageing.” Stories include love rediscovered, digital confidence among seniors, caregiving, and ageing in Penang, alongside women’s underrepresentation in politics, Penang’s GBS innovation frontier, future-ready education, GTLF highlights, outdoor adventures—and more, reflecting how purpose, participation, and meaning can be cultivated at every stage of life.

See Inside Read as Flipbook

Hello and welcome!

A publication of Penang Institute, Penang Monthly is the voice of Penang - an inspiring read for the curious Malaysian, featuring stories about the people, ideas, and issues shaping the state's well-being. Sign up for a free account to enjoy unlimited access to all our articles.

Acquiring A Pro-Active Life Should Make Active Ageing A Walk In The Park

3 min read

We celebrate active ageing as aspiration and policy goal. But the term hints that growing old means becoming passive. In truth, to age actively is to reclaim initiative—to nurture the inner capacity to act, choose and give meaning.

by Dato' Dr. Ooi Kee Beng

Dementia: A Disease An Aging Nation Cannot Ignore

7 min read

Dementia doesn’t diminish a person’s worth. Through supportive spaces like dementia-friendly day care or pop-up cafés, individuals like Mary can regain joy, agency, and connection—reminding us that empathy is the key to living well in ageing societies.

by Cecilia Chan

Growing Old In A System That Isn’t Forthcoming With Support

5 min read

Caring for elderly parents is labour-intensive, emotional, and mostly shouldered by women. Without systemic support, filial duty can become unsustainable, making professional care homes and innovative living arrangements essential.

by Aadah Lee & Sheryl Teoh

The Digital Divide Among Seniors Has Changed From Having Access To Gaining Assurance

4 min read

The pandemic pushed seniors online, revealing a digital divide. Programs like DahDigital helped older Malaysians gain skills and confidence—but also exposed them to online scams, showing that digital inclusion requires both access and safety.

by Ng Kwang Ming

An Ageing Penang: What The Numbers Show

5 min read

Penang is ageing as births fall and people live longer. With smaller families and rising life expectancy, the state’s population is shifting toward older age groups—reshaping its dependency ratio and redefining future social and economic priorities.

by Hajar Ariff

We Need To Care For The Carers

6 min read

HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS ARE often seen as pillars of strength, calm under pressure and endlessly compassionate. Yet, behind the white coats…

by Nisha Kumaravel

Managing An Ageing Society Is A Holistic Uundertaking

5 min read

In Penang, ageing often means isolation despite financial security. True active ageing requires mobility, social connection, and support for both seniors and caregivers, so longevity is matched by quality of life.

by Ian McIntyre

Finding Love Again In Old Age

4 min read

Zainal and Rohani’s late-life marriage in Seberang Perai proves that companionship is essential at any age. Beyond physical activity, emotional bonds protect against loneliness and enrich the daily rhythm of older life.

by Nidhal Mujahid

Nidhal Mujahid

Baby Goh: Ages Forward Through Purpose And Community

3 min read

As health improves and lifespans lengthen, ageing is being reimagined. Baby Goh’s sustained work in business and community life shows that growing older can mean recalibrating—not receding.

by Engel Cheoh

GTLF: When Writers Converge In George Town

5 min read

“WE LIVE IN a world of myths and memories, in that grey area where we choose our facts and our…

by Carolyn Khor

The Freedom And Precarity of The Nomadic: On Carving Out Sites For The Ephemeral And The Invisible

5 min read

A reflection on curating performance-based practice.

by Vanini Belarmino

Yang Shuang Zi: Writing Taiwan Through Food

5 min read

“WHEN DOES FOOD stop being just food?” During last year’s George Town Liter-ary Festival (GTLF), Taiwanese author Yang Shuang…

by Iylia De Silva

Total posts

3474

Explore column

Ads

Support us

As Penang Monthly continues to evolve, we aim to deliver better quality reads. At present, our issues are free to be read. But we need your financial support as we endeavour to be the voice of Penang and an inspiring read for the curious Malaysian. Every RM100 contribution from individuals (or RM1,000 from corporations) will be entitled to tax exemption receipt.

Explore column

Feature

Editorial

Cover Story

Statistics

Photo Essay

Covid-19 Exclusives

Penang Profile

Ask Azmi