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.

Madagascar Stunningly Unique

6 min read

About a nine-hour flight away from Bangkok on an island 400km east of the African continent, lies a country largely populated and ruled by a French-speaking, non-Muslim Malay ethnic group, also known as the Merina.

by Lim Li Lian

The AES in Pakatan Rakyat states

5 min read

The Automated Enforcement System (AES) has emerged as another issue which the Pakatan-led states, namely Penang, Selangor, Kedah and Kelantan, have come to a co...

by Penang Monthly

Kicking The Subsidy Habit

7 min read

Note: RON or Research Octane Number refers to how resistant the fuel is to detonation or “knocking”, some high performance engines require higher...

by Penang Monthly

Make Walking Our Way of Life Again, Please!

5 min read

Three-and-a-half million years ago, our human ancestors began to walk on their hind legs, distinguishing themselves for the first time from quadrupeds. Then, 1....

by Steven Sim

Documenting our Damaged Democracy

6 min read

We often hear of electoral fraud and unfair election practices, but what do they really mean? What forms do electoral frauds usually take? What constitutes unfa...

by Penang Monthly

Jefferey Sachs: Growth & Equality are Compatible

9 min read

Penang Institute held the fourth event in its “Penang in Asia” Lecture Series on October 20, 2012. The honoured speaker was Prof Jeffrey D. Sachs. P...

by Dato' Dr. Ooi Kee Beng

On the Vegetarian Trail

6 min read

CoyaLocated in the heart of Pulau Tikus, Coya is a serene, double-storey shophouse, offering some of my favourite lunch bento boxes. Their spicy mapo tofu, bu...

by Penang Monthly

Penang Properties in 2013

3 min read

Yes, most probably, Penang's property market will come to be affected by the global crisis. That is the simple answer to the question most people are asking; bu...

by Penang Monthly

In Search of Old Masterpieces

6 min read

M.F. Husain’s Bird Cage. M.F. Husain visited UM twice, first in 1959 and then again in 1964.Latiff Mohidin’s Seascape, oil on canvas, 132cm...

by Ooi Kok Chuen

Of Birds and Buffaloes, Alligators and White Ants, 1816

5 min read

As soon as it gets dark on this mountain [Penang Hill], there arises on every side, a singular concert of birds and insects, which deprived us of sleep for th...

by Dato' Dr. Ooi Kee Beng

Remembering an Early Step Towards Unesco Listing

4 min read

Part of George Town, together with part of Malacca town, is now a Unesco World Heritage Site (WHS). The inscription in July 2008 has excited many and has certai...

by Penang Monthly

BJ Habibie – Leading a Country in Transition

7 min read

JEFFREY HARDY QUAH: You’re seen today as the transitional leader between the Suharto era and the post-Suharto era. But during your administration, did you...

by Jeffrey Hardy Quah

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