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...
November 2026
Penang Monthly | November 2026 is out now. This month, we journey through Penang’s South Asian links—from the enduring energy of George Town’s Little India to the remarkable restoration of Wadda Gurdwara Sahib. Discover stories of Punjabi cha, Ganesha at the threshold, traditional trades, migration, literature, art and the people keeping living heritage alive across Penang. Because heritage is more than buildings and archives—it is found in the languages we speak, the food we share, the work we do and the memories we carry.
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...
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
On the Rise, But For How Long?
10 min read
FIRST TIME ARRIVALS to Penang as well as many Penangites are stunned not only by the construction “frenzy” of high rise residential buildings but...
Toya: Stretching Batik to Its Limits
9 min read
A CAUCASIAN who claimed to be an expert asked Toya where the batik painting exhibition was, blithely unaware that he was looking at batik paintings! That was at...
Taking Training Into New Territory
7 min read
THE ANNUAL ASTD International Conference is marketed and positioned as the place where solutions are found and where learning and networking opportunities abound. It reaches out to the US market and targets the international market as well.
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