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.

Lubna Jumabhoy: A Global Citizen of Penang

5 min read

Born in Bombay and growing up in Karachi before moving to Malaysia (then Malaya), Lubna Jumabhoy is a teacher of the Japanese floral art ikebana, and is France’s representative in Penang.

by Lim Wan Phing

Greening Penang Rules

5 min read

If Penang wants to maintain its status as one of the most liveable cities in the region, investing in quality green spaces is a given path to take.

by Dr. Matt Benson & Stuart Macdonald

Tenun Pahang DiRaja: Heading for the Global Market

8 min read

Originating from a small village, Tenun Pahang was worn by royalty, nobles or the chief of state. It later became the gift of choice for guests of the palace, whether they were locals or from abroad.

by Rachel Yeoh

Through The Lens of Time: A Family's Century of Optical Craftsmanship

5 min read

When an eviction notice came in 2018, forcing the company to relocate, the family uncovered a trove of vintage optical equipment while packing—forgotten treasures tucked away for decades.

by Iylia De Silva

Bukit Mertajam: The Mount That Decides Borders

12 min read

“KEEP YOUR PISTOL cocked and ready, tuan, when you see me uncover my kris, as we pass through the blukar…

by Eugene Quah

Defining Penang Exceptionalism Through Its Geography, Its Biology and Its Human History

4 min read

One trait in people from Penang is that they are passionate about the place. Besides being their home, it is almost a holy place to them—a blessed place that inspires, attracts and awes most visitors.

by Dato' Dr. Ooi Kee Beng

Edgecumbe on Penang Hill: A Trip up Memory Lane

5 min read

PERCHED HIGH ON Penang Hill and setback from a road which has a gradient of 45 degrees, sits Edgecumbe. This…

by Anne Tan

Penang National Park: A Treasure Trove of Biodiversity That Can Only Get Better

5 min read

By investing in its preservation and potential, we ensure that PNP continues to thrive—not just as a park, but as a symbol of Penang’s commitment to sustainable living and environmental stewardship.

by Allen Tan

Postcards and Photos of Penang's Hills

3 min read

*Images from Marcus Langdon Collection. TWO YEARS AFTER setting foot on Penang Island in 1786, Francis Light set his sights…

by Rachel Yeoh

Collectibles in The Hills

9 min read

THERE IS SOMETHING deeply satisfying about crossing off an item that has lingered far too long on your to-do…

by Eugene Quah & Rexy Prakash Chacko

The Wisdom of Keeping An Emergency Bag

4 min read

IN THE EVENT of an emergency evacuation—whether due to an explosion, earthquake or a tsunami—do you have an…

by Nurul Natasha Amir

Lessons From My Father: Zhong Nanshan on the Pursuit of Medical Truth

6 min read

This article is based on an interview with Professor Zhong Nanshan, done on March 8 during his visit to Penang…

by Iylia De Silva

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