October 2025

This October, Penang Monthly explores death rituals across Malaysia. From Muslim burials to Taoist and Hindu traditions, we reflect on how communities honour the departed with dignity.

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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.

When The Factory Befriends The Forest

3 min read

A pioneer in green industrial design in Penang, Paramit is a vision for the future. Looking less like a factory and more like a tropical resort, its design incorporates courtyards, roof gardens and skylights that provide natural light to the production floor.

by Goh Shuan Thing

Penang Institute Localises the George Town Literary Festival

7 min read

ALREADY FAMOUS FOR its street food and street art, Penang is determined to capture the word on the street too.…

by Lim Wan Phing

A Japanese Love Affair with Penang

6 min read

THE FUMAKILLA TAUKEH is the owner of this house,” my mother quipped as my father snailed the car past Villa…

by Rachel Yeoh

Latah: An Individual Reflex Against the Grip of Conformity

4 min read

BEING A MOMMY’S GIRL, if I could fuse with my mom at a cellular level, I would. That is…

by Husna Shafirah

Kenaf: A Crop for the Future

4 min read

HAVE YOU HEARD of Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus)? Probably one of the most underrated herbaceous crops in the country’s vast…

by Ian McIntyre

Same Same But Different: A Keralite Gypsy’s Reflections on Penang

5 min read

WHAT’S IT LIKE being a 21st century gypsy? Not easy. Constantly moving from where we currently are to greener…

by Sasank Gopinathan

Khoo Kongsi: 118 Proud Years of History

5 min read

FROM SIN KANG VILLAGE in Fujian, China, men sailed south for greener pastures. Steer left, and you would arrive in…

by Lim Wan Phing

Gunung Jerai: The Prominent Peak on The North

7 min read

ALONG JALAN TANJUNG BUNGAH, part of Penang’s scenic north coast road leading to the tourist belt of Batu Ferringhi,…

by Eugene Quah

Penang: A Natural Stop on The Hippie Trail

5 min read

“THERE ARE WESTERN papayas in Batu Ferringhi!” whispered some of the older boys in school. I was rather innocent then,…

by Wong Teik Aun

A Life in Full Colour: Remembering Charles Stephen Ramachandran

4 min read

CHARLES STEPHEN RAMACHANDRAN was a chameleon, constantly shifting between roles, each more remarkable than the last. A masterful hairstylist, an…

by Agnes James

Byte-Sized Chips

1 min read

…

by Azmi Hussin

I Know Why Penang Food Is So Amazing...

3 min read

BORN WITHOUT ANY spoon of any metal in my mouth, food was a matter of having enough to dispel any…

by Dato' Dr. Ooi Kee Beng

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