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November 2025

This November, Penang Monthly explores language, place and memory. As GTLF returns, we highlight Penang’s multilingual streets and the dialects that keep local history alive.

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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 Festival For All The Senses

A Festival For All The Senses

3 min read
Penang’s In-Between Art Festival – so called because it literally takes place in between the George Town Literary Festival and the Penang Island Jazz Festival – is an event for Penangites as much as it is for visitors from near or far.
by Maxine Carr
Tokyo Trippin’

Tokyo Trippin’

5 min read
Bursting with frantic energy, tradition and sakura blossoms, springtime in Japan’s capital offers visitors a surreal and magical time.
by Veronica Liew
The Gay Side of Singapore

The Gay Side of Singapore

4 min read
Singapore is famous for its compulsively clean streets, rigid laws and structured way of living – even the idea of fun is clean and controlled. But like any other big city, Singapore too breathes secrets that it does not easily divulge to outsiders.
by Yuh Ting Tan
Raising the Stakes in Asia’s Art World

Raising the Stakes in Asia’s Art World

7 min read
Art Stage Singapore 2014 saw a record-breaking 45,700 visitors walk past the Joko Avianto-constructed archways at its Marina Bay Sands venue. It was the centrepiece of a giddying Singapore Art Week which witnessed some 70 events all over the island republic accompanying the Chinese New Year revelry.
by Ooi Kok Chuen
A Malaysia Lost

A Malaysia Lost

6 min read
Uneven policies, overzealous politicians – these are among the reasons many Malaysians feel estranged from their beloved country. But it wasn’t always like this. There were once happier times...
by Kee Thuan Chye
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