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.

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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.

Embracing A.I.

9 min read

According to the World Bank, Malaysia’s economic growth will continue at a moderate pace over the next two years. This goes together with the bank’s expectation of lower capital expenditure growth in Malaysia.

by Timothy Choy & Ng Peng Zui & Tim Niklas Schoepp

Timothy Choy Ng Peng Zui

Painting for Peace

7 min read

During end November-early December 2017, Myanmar’s International Watercolor Society (IWS) set about a trial run for its 2019 fully international programme of a global watercolour phenomenon which saw the biggest gathering of artists practising watercolour in the name of peace and art.

by Ooi Kok Chuen

Capturing Vanishing Worlds

5 min read

Jimmy Nelson’s job is no walk in the park: constantly gallivanting in jungle thickets around the world, he leaves his family of four in Amsterdam, where they reside, and spends up to nine months every year in search of forlorn cultures.

by Marco Ferrarese

A Short and Splendid Hike

5 min read

Located just opposite the soaring peaks of the greater Penang Hill range, Bukit Hijau sits on a lesser ridge that runs between the residential township of Island Park and Bukit Jambul, rising up to its highest point at the 418m Bukit Kukus peak, just behind Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM).

by Rexy Prakash Chacko

Magic in the Malay World

5 min read

The difference between divination and the divine is a fine one. South-East Asia is a region with strong beliefs in the spirit world, blending modern rationality and traditional knowledge.

by Izzuddin Ramli

Let Them Not Crumble

12 min read

Seberang Perai’s decaying mansions symbolise the beauty of a glorious, bygone era. Who were the owners, and why were they built in remote places?

by Dr. Wong Yee Tuan & Koay Su Lyn

Bringing Japanese Technological Excellence to Penang’s Young

3 min read

The Disted Japanese Transfer Programme (JTP) is the first degree-seeking programme of its kind in Malaysia which provides a fast-track study path for students who are keen to pursue a world-recognised Japanese education in engineering and science.

by Regina Hoo

Penang Monthly Book Prize is Launched

4 min read

Seeing Penang as a Culture City as much as a Unesco heritage site and electronic hub, Penang Monthly decided to pronounce that fact by initiating a book prize.

by Regina Hoo

Agents of Change: Chong Eng

4 min read

Penang Institute’s dialogue session with policymakers and influencers saw a stimulating discussion with state exco member Chong Eng, who is chairman of the state’s Youth and Sports, Women, Family and Community Development Committee as well.

by Penang Monthly

Tourist Arrivals and Hotel Occupancy in Penang

3 min read

Penang’s total number of hotel guests has steadily hovered at around six million since 2008, except in 2013. As can be seen from Figure 1, nearly half of...

by Ng Kar Yong

Ng Kar Yong

Between Worlds, Contemplating Impressionism

6 min read

Good things come in twos, as a “2-in-1”, in what is the National Gallery Singapore (NGS)’s current art-peritif, under the banner of Century of...

by Ooi Kok Chuen

“Placemaking” Penang’s Public Art

5 min read

In recent years, Penang has become famous for its creative street art. The eclectic murals, sculptures and art installations definitely upgrade Penang’s...

by Nicole Chang

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