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.

Mind the Chinese Shift in Foreign Exchange Holdings

5 min read

It’s no longer in China’s favor to accumulate foreign exchange reserves. With the country’s announcement of a policy shift on this issue, what does this mean for the global and regional economy, and for us?

by Dr. Lim Kim-Hwa

Out of Gas Weighing Our Energy Options

11 min read

As fossil fuel resources become increasingly expensive, energy-exporting countries have to realise that in order to meet domestic energy demands, they will have to become net energy importers. Malaysia, while a major global energy exporter, may have already crossed that line.

by Ho Yi Jian

Asean’s Response to Typhoon Haiyan

6 min read

Typhoon Haiyan was a natural disaster on a catastrophic scale. How did ASEAN react to this, and how good were its humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts?

by Dr. Lee Khiam Jin

The Rise of Islamist Conservatism in Malaysia

9 min read

Since gaining a foothold in South-East Asia around the 13th century, Islam has been a major influence on political life in the region. What lies ahead?

by Ahmad Fauzi Abdul Hamid

Ahmad Fauzi Abdul Hamid

Whose Land Is This Anyway?

7 min read

The Sarawak perimeter survey conducted by the Land and Survey Department shows how much officials are – truly or deliberately – in the dark over the customary land rights of native Sarawakians.

by Deborah Loh

Penang’s Punk Rock Haven

5 min read

Underground music is alive and well in George Town at a place called Soundmaker Studio. Contrary to being the Satanic boogeyman it is perceived to be, punk rock fosters ethnic relations and subculture in ways that only music can.

by Marco Ferrarese

A Worthy Dozen at the Esplanade

4 min read

The inaugural Tropfest SEA took Penang by storm, uniting audiences from near and far for one night of films under the stars.

by Julia Tan

East Malaysia in numbers

3 min read

With consciousness of East Malaysia being heightened, especially post GE-13, we explore its demographics, along with its economic contribution and literacy rate...

by Penang Monthly

Sungai Lembing – A World of Ore-some Tunnels and Rainbows

5 min read

A trip to Sungai Lembing is a trip both into the past and into the bosom of Mother Nature. The magic of darkness and light awaits the valiant traveller into this part of Pahang.

by Lim Shu-Lin

Top 12 earners at art auctions

7 min read

Chuah Thean Teng, Lullaby (batik, 90cm x 90cm, c.1970s-1980s).Once, the honour of top grosser in Malaysian art in auctions was a toss-up between Datuk Ibr...

by Ooi Kok Chuen

The Streets of George Town are Alive - Maybe Too Alive

4 min read

George Town’s charm lies in its people and its air of old world decadence. However, it is at risk of losing its appeal unless better ways of promoting tourism are implemented.

by Cynthia Hoo

Cynthia Hoo

Around the region

6 min read

Around the region1The long simmering territorial dispute over the Senkaku/Diaoyu islands has led to increasingly nationalistic and aggressive stances in bot...

by Penang Monthly

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