July 2026

Discover Penang’s living heritage in this month’s issue: from the revival of historic clan houses and district associations to new voices in the arts, community, and cultural preservation. Explore how tradition meets modernity as Penang’s diverse communities adapt, innovate, and celebrate their unique identity.

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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 Goodbye Is Not the End

6 min read

“Amazing Grace”, was written in 1779 by John Newton, who spent the first 20 years of his life faced with hardships after his mother passed away when he was six. Later in life, Newton faced many near-death experiences, and this, he documents in this hymn.

by Hazel Lim

Keeping the Art of Death Offerings Alive

5 min read

When people die, they take nothing with them to the afterlife. Or do they? In the Chinese Taoist and Buddhist beliefs, the deceased do.

by Lim Wan Phing

Behind the Wheel: The Physical and Mental Toll of Driving Express Buses

5 min read

Responses in news articles and social media posts after accidents tend to do the following: Blame the bus companies. Blame the road conditions. Blame the drivers. Where lie the faults?

by Samantha Khoo

Relying on the Proximate and the Immediate to Keep Sane in a Virtual World

4 min read

Narratives are, by their nature, a collective event and a social event; in sum, they are an exercise of power as well, a nexus where different wills and opinions wrestle each other to emerge with as much claim to being true as possible.

by Dato' Dr. Ooi Kee Beng

Nibong Tebal: A Heritage Haven on Penang’s Mainland

12 min read

To the Chinese community, Nibong Tebal is known as 高渊, or ko-ean in the local Teochew dialect, which is both a transliteration of the Kerian River that runs through the town and a reference to the said river’s deep currents.

by Teioh Nuan Ning

Once Upon a Time in Batu Kawan

8 min read

It may not feel like it, but Batu Kawan is actually an island. It is separated from Seberang Perai by Sungai Jawi, a wide tidal river, and Sungai Tengah in the south.

by Samantha Khoo

Flashes in the Dark: Learning to Protect Fireflies

5 min read

As part of this year’s World Firefly Day celebration on July 5, researchers, families and firefly enthusiasts had gathered in Bukit Kiara to spot these rare insects. It is also a way for researchers to connect science with public curiosity and encourage community-led biodiversity conservation.

by Liani MK

A Short History of Penang’s Port, Ferries and Wharves

6 min read

BRITISH WRITER AND philosopher, Julian Baggini once wrote, “Looking out over the port of Dover, with the endless stream of…

by Elizabeth Su

Walkability Badly Desired in Batu Kawan

5 min read

Unlike George Town, Batu Kawan was—ostensibly—built “from scratch”. You live in one area, work or study in another, and hang out somewhere else. It sounds great in theory, but unless you have a car—which is not something to expect of students—getting around takes much more energy than expected.

by Nurul Natasha Amir

Penang’s Keramat Roar: Football Fandom as Community Identity

3 min read

SOMETIMES, YOU DON’T need a map to know where you are. You just need a sound. In Penang, it…

by Dr. Suresraj Therambarajoo

Getting to Know Seberang Perai Selatan

7 min read

Home to about 188,000 people, SPS is Penang’s least populous mainland district, and recorded the state’s lowest growth rate in 2024, at just 0.7%. Its population has remained mostly steady over the past three years, shaped by a mix of Bumiputera, Chinese and Indian communities.

by Hajar Ariff

Tan Sooi Beng: The Revivalist of Dying Cultural Arts in Penang

10 min read

Penang Monthly sits down to chat with her after she recently received the 20th BOH Cameronian Arts Awards (BCAA) Lifetime Achievement Award as recognition of her outstanding contributions to dance, music, theatre and musical theatre.

by Rachel Yeoh

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