November 2025

This November, Penang Monthly explores language, place and memory. As GTLF returns, we highlight Penang’s multilingual streets and the dialects that keep local history alive.

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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.

The Hokkien Vernacular

3 min read

In lieu of a normal editorial, and in keeping with this month’s cover story being about Penang Hokkien, I am providing here in a somewhat truncated form, the Introductory from The Hokkien Vernacular.

by Dato' Dr. Ooi Kee Beng

Ageing in Numbers

4 min read

We look at the population data to identify Penang’s population trends, compared to that of the nation and to other states. The data also identifies &ldquo...

by Penang Monthly

Glimpses of Yayoi Kusama’s Art Universe

7 min read

A major survey exhibition of the most expensive living woman artist (since 2014) known for her hypnotic 3P’s – Prolific polka dots, Patterned Pumpki...

by Ooi Kok Chuen

A Guided Hike that is Hard to Repeat

5 min read

The Penang State Forestry Department actively protects three areas of virgin rainforest – that is, forest which has never been cleared for logging, agricu...

by Louise Goss-Custard

When Penang and the Dindings were One

6 min read

Penang today consists of the island and the mainland (Province Wellesley), but at one time its territory extended all the way south to the Manjung district in P...

by Luke Ng

Luke Ng

Cows and the City

6 min read

Caring for a herd of 50 dairy cattle is no easy feat. For cousins M. Meharaj Servai, 25, M. Paandiy Muthu, 19, and B. Revinraj, 17, the opportunity it offers to...

by Regina Hoo

Suicides are a Social Ill

6 min read

On July 8, 2016 my friend jumped from the 15th floor of his apartment block. We were buddies in primary school and lived in the same neighbourhood – one t...

by Ooi Kok Hin

Facing Death and Surviving Grief

12 min read

Talking about Death and DyingAll of us are going to die – there are no exceptions. But talking to people who are about to die about dying is no easy thi...

by Emilia Ismail

Helping the Handicapped and their Helpers

5 min read

Projections indicate that by 2030, Malaysia will be in the category of ageing nations, with older persons constituting more than 15% of the population.1 In this...

by Elizabeth Su

Charity Starts at Home for the Aged

5 min read

The women were smiling broadly when we walked past the row of beds, excited to have visitors to talk to.“I take a lot of medicine because my leg hurts,&...

by Ooi Kok Hin

On Sexism, Racism, Ageism and other Bigotries

3 min read

A racist act is the conscious effort by one group identity to effectively reduce the social status and the security, the rights and the privileges, and the in...

by Dato' Dr. Ooi Kee Beng

Tanjung Bungah in Numbers

3 min read

Map 1: Area of Tanjung BungahSource: Penang Geographic Information System (PeGIS). Note: The area of Tanjung Bungah suburb is based on the postcode of 1...

by Penang Monthly

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