February 2026

Our latest issue explores how third places—from bookstores and gardens to KOMTAR—shape community life in Penang, while reflecting on sustainability, inclusion, and the island’s rich history.

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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.

A Steadfast Patron of The George Town Festival

3 min read

The fourth George Town Festival was the biggest one yet, and none of its many shows and events would have been possible without corporate sponsors like Dell Malaysia that recognise the festival’s worth and potential.

by Sharyljit Kaur

Sharyljit Kaur

Electoral system – options beyond First-Past-The-Post

7 min read

Just as fishes are not conscious of the water they live in, many of us take our electoral system for granted. Some consider that one ballot for a nominal choice...

by Penang Monthly

Discovering Penang anew

5 min read

"Places we took for granted often turned out to hold a treasure trove of history."St George's Church on Farquhar Street.Saturday, May 13, was a bree...

by Julia Tan

Abenomics – the latest Japanese export

5 min read

Abenomics has taken Japan and the world by storm. Its effects have been impressive.1) Japan grew by an annualised 4.1% in the first quarter of 2013;2) The N...

by Penang Monthly

Limits to growth in Singapore?

5 min read

Public transportation in Singapore.Whenever Singapore is mentioned, certain characteristics may surface in minds of many Malaysians. Typical descriptions...

by Penang Monthly

Can Asia maintain high growth on its own?

8 min read

Bank for International Settlements, Basel, Switzerland.Jawaharlal Nehru Port, Mumbai, India.Kobe Port, Japan.Gurgaon sky...

by Herbert Poenisch

Herbert Poenisch

Making home ownership possible for more

12 min read

A growing segment of Malaysian society is unable to buy decent or affordable housing which meets their needs and aspirations. House prices have moved beyond rea...

by Penang Monthly

Ismail Hashim(1940-2013) Master Photographer

5 min read

The hallmark of every great artist is, when walking into a room or gallery, one can at once identify his works.

by Cecil Rajendra

Cecil Rajendra

When artists come together

7 min read

One for the album: Some of the artists in the Malaysia-Philippines July exhibition at Galeri Seri Mutiara with the gallerist-artist Koay Soo Kau.In art, n...

by Ooi Kok Chuen

China and Malaysia Build Joint Industrial Parks

7 min read

China and Malaysia have established two joint industrial parks to further boost bilateral trade and investment.

by Khor Yu Leng

Khor Yu Leng

Langkawi where eagles fly

5 min read

The Damai Indah Lagi is a beautiful boat, pure and simple. Modelled after a traditional Bugis schooner, it has an open upper deck kitted out with comfy chairs f...

by Sumitra Selvaraj

Around the region

4 min read

Beijing’s reiteration of sovereignty and territorial integrity indicates that China’s new leadership will maintain past practice. While there is l...

by Penang Monthly

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