December 2025

Our December issue examines the flavours, practices and foodways that define Malaysian life, from home kitchens and inherited techniques to the diverse cultural influences that shape Penang’s palate.

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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.

Reading The Numbers: The Bank Negara Report 2010

9 min read

THE BANK NEGARA REPORT on the economic performance of the nation in 2010 was released in March 2011. To date, SERI is the only Malaysian institution that analyses the central bank’s figures in the...

by Chan Huan Chiang

Chan Huan Chiang

Malihom–Arty Resort And Affluent Refuge

7 min read

Adrian Chan.COME JULY, the bountiful harvest of durians, mangosteens, rambutans and langsats is an epicurean delight for residents of the Malihom eco-reso...

by Ooi Kok Chuen

Sao Lim Comes to Penang

5 min read

Many Penangites grew up with some connection to some martial art. But few realise that there are more than 50 Chinese martial arts schools to be found in the state.

by Yong Check Yoon

Yong Check Yoon

Penang On The Brink of War,1821

4 min read

The Rajah of Ligor sent a hundred war perahus into Penang harbour, and with enemies at the gate, the first ever volunteer corps in Penang was formed by its inha...

by Dato' Dr. Ooi Kee Beng

Reversing The Brain Drain Requires A Paradigm Shift

5 min read

WHEN THE WORLD BANK LAUNCHED its Malaysian Economic Monitor’s “Brain Drain” issue, I received a hurried call from a friend. His contact, the chief author of the report, was concerned...

by Tricia Yeoh

Penang As A Knowledge Hub

4 min read

STUDIES HAVE SHOWN THAT industrial clusters enhance the competitive advantage of states or regions. The clustering of related industries reduces transaction costs, stimulates innovations, and drives development.

by Hans-Dieter Evers

Hans-Dieter Evers

George Town Festival 2011 schedule

4 min read

This is a home-calling movement for the youth of Penang to explore and redefine what "home" means to them. Art enthusiasts from the late 1980s and early 1990s were invited to participate in this movement by producing artwork from March until June.

by Yap Soo Huey

Yap Soo Huey

The State Should Repaint All Low Cost Flats

4 min read

Strongly subsidising the repainting of low-cost and low-medium-cost flats in Penang will definitely improve living conditions there, and make the state sparkle more.

by Datuk Dr. Goh Ban Lee

Predicting Economic Turning Points

4 min read

I DO NOT KNOW about you, but I would like the economy to be just good; stable, and rising steadily. But in reality, we know that this is not the case. We know all about the business cycle when economic expansion reaches a peak and then slumps into a recession.

by Pauline Khoo

Pauline Khoo

Sarawak Election Diary

9 min read

I jumped on the bandwagon of the Democratic Action Party (DAP) campaign in Sibu, as I believe in change for the good, and for the country; as much as I would like to be perceived as neutral, I believe in getting involved.

by Yap Soo Huey

Yap Soo Huey

No Easy Answer to Environmental Sustainability

5 min read

FREAK WEATHER PATTERNS, environmental disasters and climate-modelling predictions – these are constant reminders of the global urgency to address climate change.

by Yap Soo Huey

Yap Soo Huey

Challenges for Malaysia’s Economy

11 min read

THE TOP MANAGEMENT in leading industries in Penang has been getting more and more worried over the last few years. Some of the most important prerequisites for continued development, they feel, are fading fast.

by Poh Heem Heem

Poh Heem Heem

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