Walking Through Penang’s Lesser Hill Range—The Trans Nine Peaks
7 min read
MENTION HILLS ON Penang Island, and Penang Hill and its greater range comes to mind; this starts at the southwest…
March 2026
Our latest issue explores ageing as renewal, inspired by Ooi Kee Beng’s “liberational ageing.” Stories include love rediscovered, digital confidence among seniors, caregiving, and ageing in Penang, alongside women’s underrepresentation in politics, Penang’s GBS innovation frontier, future-ready education, GTLF highlights, outdoor adventures—and more, reflecting how purpose, participation, and meaning can be cultivated at every stage of life.
Philosophy Is Activism: The Curious Case of Ooi Kee Beng
11 min read
This interview provides a glimpse into the life of Ooi Kee Beng, a writer, editor and thinker who celebrates his 70th birthday this year.
Narrating the Nation: Ooi Kee Beng’s Art of Storytelling
3 min read
Ooi Kee Beng turns 70 this year. A driving force behind Penang Monthly since its start in 2009, his steady leadership has helped shape it into one of Malaysia’s standout publications.
Finding My Way Back to Ladakh-and to Myself
7 min read
Penang blends island beauty and cultural vibrancy, while Ladakh contrasts bustling Leh with a tranquil countryside shaped by farming, herding and Tibetan Buddhism.
The Evolving Identities of Craft Artists in Taiwan and George Town
6 min read
Kenny Loh’s story is particularly remarkable—of Penang Baba Nyonya descent, he transitioned from nutrition to fashion design, mastering Nyonya embroidery through self-learning. He is now a fashion designer dedicated to preserving Baba Nyonya culture.
Always On Call: A Day In The Life of Honorary Consuls In Penang
6 min read
An Honorary Consul-General of Pakistan in Penang since 2007, Abdul Rafique Karim attends to the needs of the Pakistani community who reside in Penang. He himself is a fourth-generation naturalised Malaysian of Pakistani descent from Punjab.
Towards a Sustainable Water Services Industry
5 min read
Since its inception, PAAB has invested in numerous projects across Peninsular Malaysia. As of December 2024, the organization has successfully completed or invested in projects worth more than RM7.47bil.
Do Your Homework Before Taking a Seat In The Boardroom
4 min read
WHEN N, a female engineer in her late 20s was offered a directorship in a company she had barely heard…
US-Imposed Tariffs May Advance ASEAN Economic Integration
5 min read
Since 5 April, every Malaysian product shipped to the US is stamped with at least a 10% duty; and from 9 April, a 24% rate, with some exemptions.
Farms of the Future Are Emerging from Penang
5 min read
Kebun Kita(R), launched in 2020 at the Penang Digital Library, is Penang’s first self-sustaining urban farm, courtesy of the innovative technology provided by Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI).
Art As An Inclusive Force
5 min read
Penang artist Sumay Cheah blends aesthetics with community impact. With 24 installations since 2017, her immersive works have won awards like the Singapore Good Design and Taiwan’s Golden Pin Design Award.
Seaweed as a Pillar for Aquaculture and Food Security
6 min read
Although 44% of Malaysia’s aquaculture output in terms of tonnage is seaweed,it doesn’t seem like farmed seaweed made it in our dishes—but let’s look at the edible weeds from the sea.
Explore column