September 2026

The September Issue Is Out Now! Penang Monthly’s September issue explores the vibrant world of Penang’s pasar malam, highlighting their food, culture, community, traditions, and evolving role in island life.

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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.

Defending Literacy among the Visually Impaired

6 min read

New forms of media following the rise of technological advances have eclipsed the written word, and Braille literacy among the visually impaired appears to be on a gradual decline.

by Regina Hoo

The Hopeful Future of the Malay Novel

7 min read

My curiosity of what makes Malay novels – particularly romance fiction – popular for so many decades brings me to the doorsteps of pundits as well as novelists.

by Izzuddin Ramli

Traversing South-East Asia’s Fractured Literary Landscape

5 min read

Minh Bui Jones’ life is very much tied to words and his South-East Asian roots. Born in Vietnam, he migrated to Australia in 1978 where he began his media career.

by Regina Hoo

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.

by Regina Hoo

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.

by Regina Hoo

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.

by Sri Vaitheki Ramasamy & Tan Lii Inn

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.

by Tho Mun Yi

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.

by Zairil Khir Johari

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.

by Tan Lii Inn & Johnson Lee Chong Fatt

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.

by Ooi Kok Chuen

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...

by Ernest Mah Herh Sun

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.

by Regina Hoo

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