More Than an Air Force Station
7 min read
It was Australia’s biggest single engagement with Asia.At one point in the 1970s there were thousands of Australians in Penang, but few here now know wh...
June 2026
Discover Penang Monthly’s June issue: explore the stories behind Penang’s enduring heritage brands, the richness of its multilingual and multicultural heritage, innovative local businesses, community-led initiatives, and the challenges shaping the state’s future. From family enterprises and semiconductor pioneers to traditional food, festivals, education, and environmental sustainability, this issue celebrates Penang’s resilience, identity, and capacity for renewal.
A Museum that Sounds Like No Other
7 min read
I texted Paul Augustin that I would be a little late to our appointment, mainly because Komtar had closed off parking that day for some reason and I had to leav...
Between Rose and Thorn
4 min read
She is known as Roja to her customers. She is 36 years old, and a maven in Penang’s escort industry. “I’ve been in business for 17 years now,...
Talking about Ageing: The Greying Elephant in the Room
15 min read
We live in unprecedented times: more people are living longer and have healthier lives than ever before. The Department of Statistics Malaysia has revealed that...
The Sad Lot of Migrant Workers Affects Us All
4 min read
For years, I have spoken both in and outside Parliament about the need for Malaysia to empower women in economic and public life.We need to increase our femal...
Navi Pillay: People Need to be Treated Equally
9 min read
Navi PillayE.E. Cummings said, “It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are.” This is true for Navanethem (Navi) Pillay, who is...
Drawing on a Deeper World
5 min read
The Cheahs.Delwin Cheah, 14, is more accomplished than any of his peers. He has received letters of recognition from former US President Barack Obama and...
Dialects and Languages in Numbers
4 min read
Over 60% of Penang’s 654,828 Chinese population speak Hokkien. The Hokkiens not only dominate in Penang, they also constitute the largest Chinese group in...
A Man with a Mission
5 min read
For SK Sundaram, the man behind Raviraj, the key to success is winning the hearts of employees and leading a balanced life.
One More Nyonya Kuih for the Road?
7 min read
Some kuih took a good six years to get right while others took longer. The kuih lapis took about 10 years just to get right. According to Kei Vin, the conception of Li Er Cafe can be traced back to when his mother, Lee Ngau, was a child living in Paya Terubong.
Planting Our Green Future
4 min read
Global warming is real. Human progress over the past centuries has steadily led to the decline of the environment, measured through the quality of water, air and soil, UV exposure, disease, climate change and other direct and indirect impacts on our well-being.
Hin Bus Depot – Derelict No More
5 min read
Once dilapidated, Hin Bus Depot Art Centre has undergone an astounding transformation. Welcome to one of Penang’s most vibrant community spaces.
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