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.

A Rite of Passage

2 min read

The Rohingya, an ethnic group that is predominantly Muslim, originate from the Rakhine state in Myanmar where they are being violently persecuted in what has been deemed an ethnic cleansing.

by Seth Akmal

The Word and the World(Part One)

12 min read

Transmitting Culture through TranslationTranslators are the unsung heroes of the literary world. Their products are widely enjoyed and consumed but their names...

by Izzuddin Ramli

Let’s Talk Food – Across Religious Divides

2 min read

Most religions are defined by their rituals and by the regimenting the collective behaviour of its followers. That is what ultimately defines a “religious...

by Dato' Dr. Ooi Kee Beng

Events

3 min read

MarathonThe Cassia Half Marathon is definitely an event not to be missed by avid marathon runners. A certificate of participation and a finisher’s medal...

by Penang Monthly

Bridging the Divide Through Music

1 min read

The A+SEAN concert was part of George Town Festival 2016. Held at the historical Padang Kota, the event featured Malaysian bands and artists such as Datuk Sheil...

by Ch’ng Shi P’ng

Should We Beware Humanity’s Collective Capacity Reaching Critical Mass?

2 min read

Man’s discoveries and inventions revolutionise him. That is a truismThe conquest of fire altered how and what we eat; the invention of the wheel chang...

by Dato' Dr. Ooi Kee Beng

Stay Young, Stay Spontaneous

2 min read

Much of youth is definitely wasted on the young, and this is because the young as a rule are not aware enough of what it means to be old.They are not burdened...

by Dato' Dr. Ooi Kee Beng

An Arts Agenda for Penang

15 min read

There have been many art societies in Penang throughout its history. It was as early as 1920, for example, that Penang Impressionists was formed.

by Julia Tan & Elizabeth Su

Event

3 min read

FestivalPenang's most anticipated cultural festival, the George Town Festival (GTF>, returns this year with hundreds of theatre, music, art, dance...

by Penang Monthly

By the Water’s Edge

1 min read

Weld Quay, or Pengkalan Weld, harbours a rich history that dates back to 1882. Stretching from Swettenham Pier to Gat Lebuh Prangin, it was named after Sir Fred...

by Jonathan Lim

Balik Pulau: A Pace Apart

Balik Pulau is one of the earliest Malay settlements in Penang, populated by refugees from Kedah who sought escape from Siamese invaders. Colonial-era buildings...

by Izzuddin Ramli & Khairunnisa’ Ahmad Mokhtar

Khairunnisa’ Ahmad Mokhtar

IN MEMORIAM: ANDY GROVE

6 min read

Penang owes a lot to Andy Grove.Grove, a Silicon Valley icon, became Intel’s President in 1979, its CEO in 1987 and its Chairman of the Board in 1997 up...

by Elizabeth Su

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