Penang Monthly

Penang Monthly, by Penang Institute, is the voice of Penang, offering insights on its people, politics, economy, culture, and society, with a focus on local and national issues for curious Malaysians.

504 posts

A Tree to Call Our Own: The Pinang

3 min read

Once abundant, the pinang tree is central to Penang’s identity—deeply rooted in trade, culture and tradition, from betel chewing rituals to the state’s very name and emblem.

by Penang Monthly

“It never starts with an idea. It starts with a feeling” — Yasmin Ahmad, 2009

3 min read

Tunku Datuk Dr Ismail Jewa, Yasmin Ahmad, and Datuk Brother Tiberius Lawrence Spitzig each shaped Malaysia through education, art, and compassion, leaving behind enduring legacies.

by Penang Monthly

Penang’s Way Forward

3 min read

After a record year in 2008, Penang faced sharp investment declines in 2009, but recovery efforts and new growth industries hint at a shift from sweatshop to smart shop.

by Penang Monthly

We Are All Little Indian Boys

4 min read

In tribute to Yasmin Ahmad’s Little Indian Boy, Amir Muhammad reflects on Merdeka, memory, and what it means to grow up Malaysian with dignity and hope.

by Penang Monthly

Accommodating Heritage

5 min read

Angela Hijjas is transforming 15 terrace houses on Hutton Lane into a boutique hotel while advocating for stronger state support for cultural heritage, traditional trades, and innovative urban reuse.

by Penang Monthly

Studying others and staying unique

11 min read

MORE THAN A YEAR after Penang and Malacca were conferred World Heritage status, some people still wonder whether the award is more of a burden than a boon. Wh...

by Penang Monthly

Reinvention in progress

3 min read

ONCE AN ICONIC fishing centre and port, Penang's clan jetties are struggling to reinvent themselves. In the 19th century, coolies and boat operators fuelled Pen...

by Penang Monthly

The role of think tanks is changing

4 min read

GOOD AFTERNOON colleagues from the Penang Exco, members of the board of the Socio-Economic and Environment Research Institute (SER1) and i...

by Penang Monthly

Meeting a legend that grows and grows

12 min read

Champions don't grow on trees, especially champions like Nicol David, who has been world No.1 in women's squash since August 2006. Ooi Kee Beng tries to find out what makes her tick, and tick so consistently and impressively.

by Penang Monthly

Parenting Penang's pride

17 min read

Pictured : Nical David’s first racket, assembled out of broken racket parts.There is a mystery about world champions that stems from the inability o...

by Penang Monthly

Penang blueprint

2 min read

THE MALAYSIAN ECONOMY is at a crossroads; it has stopped being a high growth economy and is no longer a low-cost centre. Furthermore, the global economy is a ve...

by Penang Monthly

Penang outlook forum 2010

1 min read

THE PENANG OUTLOOK FORUM provides a platform for the assessment of Penang’s past achievements, present capabilities and future growth potential. This ye...

by Penang Monthly