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.

Penang Way Back When... and Not So Long Ago Either

7 min read

Many are the Malaysians who grew to know Penang through studying for years at USM. The memories of those days live with them throughout their lives, and bring them back time and again. Gunalan Namasivayam is one of them.

by Gunalan Namasivayam

Gunalan Namasivayam

Bountiful beats of AkashA

4 min read

The crowd at the recent Penang World Music Festival at the Botanical Gardens had already been entertained by a number of global acts by the time AkashA went on...

by Sumitra Selvaraj

The festival may be back, but it's no repeat

6 min read

The George Town Festival is back! Mark down the dates, from June 7 to July 7, when the streets and arts centres of Penang will resonate with scintillating sig...

by Ooi Kok Chuen

What Makes a PMC Doctor?

6 min read

Established in 1996, Penang Medical College (PMC) has become a premier medical college and was recently conferred a six-star rating by the Ministry of Higher Education.

by Sharyljit Kaur

Sharyljit Kaur

The Promise George Town's Back Lanes Hold

6 min read

How easy it is for a person to walk in a city – its walkability – is fast becoming a measure of how liveable a city is. The George Town Back Lanes Project is constructed on that understanding, and shows the potential that our forgotten pathways contain.

by Eric Capel

Eric Capel

Carmageddon is not inevitable

6 min read

London, 1983. I’m cycling down St John Street, a busy main road adjoining the city. Attempting to squeeze my bike alongside the cars, I tap the wing-mirro...

by Penang Monthly

Selangor remains Pakatan's stronghold

5 min read

On May 5, 2013, the people of Selangor voted resoundingly for the return of the Pakatan government. Results of the recently held 13th General Elections clearly...

by Penang Monthly

Co-working spaces – a working option for Penang

5 min read

For 20 and 30-somethings, working all day in an office cubicle is increasingly becoming an antiquated concept especially since, for a lot of people, all that...

by Penang Monthly

Is Online Freelancing the Future?

7 min read

Azlina Abdul Jalil has always had a passion for languages. In July 2011, she got to know about Elance and decided to try her luck as a translator. It took her four months before she got her first job from Mascus, an Australian machinery and transport company.

by Ooi Pei Qi

Ooi Pei Qi

An independent music scene for Penang

7 min read

Backstage at IndiePG, the members of The Electric Min’z Project are trying to define what their band sounds like. Guitarist Angelo Manuel has a go at it:...

by Penang Monthly

Astronomically awesome

4 min read

A line of children, accompanied by the random adult, waited for their turn to squeeze through the mouth of the iglooshaped tent. The hall was abuzz with their e...

by Julia Tan

After the elections: A new game begins

11 min read

Historical lines of conflictThe 13th General Elections held on May 5 this year did not bring about the change in government at the federal level which the opp...

by Dato' Dr. Ooi Kee Beng

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