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.

Entranced (and possessed) in Sumatra

4 min read

During a trip to Berastagi, a mountain town at the foot of the active Sybayak volcano in northern Sumatra, we saw ultimate proof of that when we stumbled across a street ritual called reog ponorogo.

by Marco Ferrarese & Chan Kit Yeng

A Record of Penang’s Love of Popular Music

6 min read

It may be hard to believe, but once upon a time, Malaysia had women with silky, permed hair and short skirts shaking to the rhythms of Western rock ‘n’ roll. For this reason, the existence of popular music in the country has often been dismissed by those concerned with “moral decadence”.

by Marco Ferrarese & Chan Kit Yeng

An Intercontinental Trip A Year Keeps the Psychiatrist Away

2 min read

Not long ago, messages had to be written on physical media to arrive only after being carried across oceans and mountains. Now, with the Internet and the smart phone, we receive endless news and personal texts as if time and space do not matter.

by Dato' Dr. Ooi Kee Beng

Something fishy in Kampung Sungai Udang

3 min read

A visit to Nibong Tebal is never complete without dropping by Kampung Sungai Udang. This fishermen’s village is located at the end of Sungai Kerian towards the Straits of Malacca.

by Ivan Lim

Noses Don’t Grow Back

3 min read

It is very sad that the state of Penang is being ignored in the 11th Malaysia Plan (2016-2020). None of the infrastructure projects the Penang government presented for financial support has been accepted by the federal government.

by Dato' Dr. Ooi Kee Beng

The Trishaw Maker of George Town

3 min read

Saw Chin Choon is a traditional trishaw maker in George Town. His workshop is located on Lebuh Stewart, just behind the Goddess of Mercy temple.

by Ivan Lim

Penang Monthly goes free in June

3 min read

Spread the good news!Penang Monthly will be a free magazine from June 2015 onwards. Next month, you will be able to pick up a copy at selected locations thr...

by Dato' Dr. Ooi Kee Beng

Penang’s economy in 2015: Growth continues, but more slowly

11 min read

Penang’s GDP has been growing over the last five years. Following the recent release of data on Malaysia’s GDP growth for 2014 by Bank Negara Mala...

by Ong Wooi Leng

Let’s be cosmopolitan and leave multi-ethnicity behind

2 min read

It is fascinating how seemingly innocuous words actually are not. Especially those that sound neutral, even ethically positive. That is why the sage never think...

by Dato' Dr. Ooi Kee Beng

Chowrasta,after the market closes

3 min read

This is a compilation of images from my personal project capturing moments and activities during after-trade hours at Chowrasta Market.

by Azri Zainul

Towards Substantive Democracy

2 min read

Democracy is a big word, and like all big words it is given to controversy and misuse. Since the magazine’s cover story this month and in April will be about local elections and local governments, it may be suitable to discuss what Democracy is.

by Dato' Dr. Ooi Kee Beng

The Kelantan Floods

4 min read

Freelance journalist and documentary filmmaker Jules Ong was one of many to organise contributions of such aid to be delivered to blind spots in the coverage of flood relief efforts.

by Danny Lim

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