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 Trail of Beauty and History

5 min read

The Lily Pond Circular Walk is one of the most attractive and accessible hikes in Penang, and takes only a couple of hours even at our slow pace. For this reason it is one we come back to again and again.

by Louise Goss-Custard

The History of Bukit Mertajam, Part II: From Rural Board to Town Council

6 min read

With the rubber boom of the mid-20th century, Bukit Mertajam develops to become a major town, spurred by the tenacity of the locals, an able council and – interestingly – the triads.

by Koay Su-Lyn

Schooling for Rohingya children in Penang

5 min read

When the Burma Citizenship Law was enacted in 1982, 800,000 Rohingya were left stateless because it no longer recognised them as citizens. Stateless and vulnerable to abuse, they were subject to forced labour, harassment, rape, arbitrary land seizure and destruction of property.

by Emilia Ismail

It Is Time We Help the Stateless Among Us

6 min read

The local media and the international press have been strongly drawn to the plight of the Rohingyas, who have been denied citizenship by their government and who are left stranded at sea in their attempt to seek greener pastures.

by Matthew Tan Kiak Hin

Making Full Use of a Creative Economy

6 min read

The importance of a creative economy is undeniable – it generates income, jobs and export earnings based on the practical ingenuity of individuals and groups. According to Unesco’s 2013 Creative Economy report, a total of US$624bil in world trade was generated by creative goods and services in 2011.

by Ong Wooi Leng

Moving Towards High-performing Shared Services and Outsourcing

6 min read

Global capitalism is changing. MNCs are now expected to build the next generation of high-performing support services operations at their offshore centres throughout the world.

by Ong Wooi Leng

Cautiously but Surely, Penang's Growth Continues

8 min read

Penang’s economy is dependent on national and global economic conditions; the US economic recovery, lower oil prices, the Asean Economic Community (AEC) and the implementation of GST in Malaysia are likely to change consumers’ spending and producers’ output, as well as business strategies.

by Ong Wooi Leng

Can Malaysia Achieve High-speed Widely Penetrative Broadband by 2020?

4 min read

The 11th Malaysia Plan (11MP) highlighted that broadband infrastructure will continue to expand to cover rural households, and to provide affordable broadband and high quality digital infrastructure.

by Ong Wooi Leng

Are 11MP’s Projections Not Too Optimistic?

5 min read

With factors such as a creeping debt service cost and tepid investors, can Malaysia achieve Vision 2020 at the end of the 11th Malaysia Plan?

by Dr. Lim Kim-Hwa

Penang: Malaysia’s Stepchild or Prodigal Child?

6 min read

The grandiose plans of the 11th Malaysia Plan, in a bizarre and unfair manner, excludes Penang.

by Zairil Khir Johari

Penang In A Nutshell!

6 min read

Who lies and who doesn’t? What do different people do throughout the day? And who identifies himself or herself as homosexual? These are questions that may be asked at the opening performance of George Town Festival 2015.

by Julia Tan

George Town Festival 2015: An exploration of community and humanity

5 min read

Since its inauguration in 2010, George Town Festival (GTF) has grown into a dynamic month-long event that showcases and highlights a multiplicity of spaces, people and art, as well as acclaimed local and international performances.

by Kat Knutson

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