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.

Nothing Says “Malaysia” Like Nasi Lemak Does

5 min read

Nasi lemak is irrefutably Malaysia’s national dish. And that’s not because Wikipedia says so.A few years ago, I was travelling to London to attend...

by Ooi Geok Ling

An Ulam A Day…

4 min read

Healthy, ubiquitous, affordable – ulam (Malay salad) is the centerpiece of many a warung, and for obvious reasons.

by Noorhasyilah Rosli

Bringing the Cendol to the World

5 min read

Penang’s street food is top notch – no arguing about that. But the work that goes into making these delightful dishes is often backbreaking: it is a labour of blood, sweat and – if you’re in the business of frying stuff, tears as well.

by Ernest Mah Herh Sun

Kids from the 90’s Would Know

2 min read

We 90’s kids grew up just fine, didn’t we? A cavity here, a tip of the weighing scale there, the grins that light up our faces as we open that box of Ding Dang to peek at the surprise toy.

by Julia Tan & Ch’ng Shi P’ng

A Hike Filled with Fruity Delights

5 min read

The Relau hills have been farmed for over a century, with records as early as the 1860s showing the existence of large spice plantations here. These plantations have been replaced by acres and acres of fruit trees, supplying Penang’s finest durians, mangosteens, jackfruits and the like.

by Rexy Prakash Chacko

Old Crops Waiting to be Revived

7 min read

Map of the Moluccas Islands (currently known as Maluku Islands), the origin of Penang nutmeg and cloves.Penang’s potential for plantation agricultur...

by Stephanie Kee

Seafood – Now and Forever

8 min read

Seafood – fish, crustaceans, molluscs and other invertebrates – are an important source of nourishment, providing a healthy source of animal protein and good omega-3 fatty acids which are required in our diets.

by Annette Jaya Ram

Dr Dzul Seeks to Fight Obesity on Multiple Fronts

7 min read

Food is a way of life in Malaysia. With its countless traditional and fusion cuisines, many of us live to eat, and not vice versa. It’s no surprise then that Malaysia is also the most obese nation in Southeast Asia.

by Lim Chee Han & Esther Sinirisan Chong Shiaw Yee

Ripples from the Sales and Services Tax

11 min read

The historic change of government on May 9, 2018 saw the removal of one of the previous administration’s most unpopular economic policies: the GST. Introd...

by Yeong Pey Jung

Numbers on the Penang Economy and Labour Force

3 min read

Penang’s gross domestic product (GDP) and per capita GDP have been growing steadily from 2012 to 2017, with average annual growth rates of 5.9% and 6.1% r...

by Ng Kar Yong

Ng Kar Yong

Budget 2019: Balancing Fiscal Responsibilities and Economic Growth

4 min read

The 2019 Budget, the first budget under the new government, was tabled by Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng on November 2, 2018 in Parliament.With the theme &ldqu...

by Negin Vaghefi

The Economy Remains Widely Robust

10 min read

According to the latest World Economic Outlook report published by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the global economy is expected to remain robust at 3.7...

by Negin Vaghefi

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