Exciting Indie Publishers of Penang
6 min read
Penang Monthly speaks with two indie publishers on how they, despite the odds, have successfully carved out their niches in the local publishing scene.
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 Complete Printing Press
8 min read
Phoenix Press, one of the oldest printing presses in Penang, began operations as a commercial printer along Lebuh Gereja at the turn of the twentieth century.
Keeping a Log on Penang’s Trees
4 min read
To manage and protect Penang’s street trees – something that needs to be considered at every stage in urban planning – a systematic tree inventory system is needed that is also easily accessed by relevant authorities.
Pesta Pulau Pinang - An Unexpected and Popular Legacy
5 min read
Pesta Pulau Pinang was the brainchild of Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu, Penang’s chief minister from 1969 to 1990. It began in 1970 as part of an effort to create a healthy environment for businesses during a period of high unemployment and an uncertain economic climate.
Penang 2030: A Vision for our Future
5 min read
In the midst of the momentous change that occurred in Malaysia on May 9, 2018, there has been one constant: the Pakatan Harapan government of Penang was retained for the third term in a row, having been at the forefront of the movement for change since winning power 10 years ago in 2008.
Something to Whet Your Appe-Thai
6 min read
Penang, on top of its myriad cuisines, has a wide array of Thai eateries, from restaurants to hole-in-the-wall establishments. While a lot of the dishes are distinctly southern Thai, here and there one finds gems that serve up mouth-watering, less familiar dishes.
Sireh Pinang Leaves Us A Rich Art Legacy
7 min read
Once popular among royalty and later among commoners in Asia as a social custom and a stimulant, the pernicious habit of betel-nut chewing is remembered in Malaysia for its paraphernalia, which are celebrated as nostalgic keepsakes.
The Many Faces of Our Local Dishes
8 min read
Malaysian street food is not just mouth-watering and alluring; it is also very versatile in nature. We explore a few Penang favourites to see how they differ in...
Japan’s Matcha Takes Root in Penang
5 min read
Matcha, the quintessential tea of Japanese hospitality past and present, was introduced by the Zen monk Eisai to Japanese society in 1191.
Would You Like Some Devil In Your Curry?
8 min read
A fusion of East and West, and centuries of intermarriages have led to the creation of a community with a rich hybrid culture, language, customs and also cuisines: the Eurasians.
Treasures that Tickle Taste Buds and Save Lives
4 min read
Malaysia is abundant with agricultural products that yield an assortment of spices, i.e. black and white peppers, cloves, and cinnamon. But it is its pepper industry that is most developed.
The Early Promise of Penang Pepper
8 min read
In A Short Account of the Settlement, Produce, and Commerce, of Prince of Wales Island, in the Straits of Malacca, written by Sir George Leith, 2nd Baronet (1766-January 25, 1842), and published in London in 1804 are some interesting notes about the importance of pepper.
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