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.

Reading and Writing Yourself Free

3 min read

The fact that literacy began as a privilege assumed by the religious and political elite and remained so for centuries throughout the world before it slowly became a popular ability, left deep marks in human history.

by Dato' Dr. Ooi Kee Beng

Representativeness is the basis of social harmony

2 min read

I remember spending a lot of time in my teenage years wondering how societies are possible. Noticing how difficult it is for people to get along, I wondered w...

by Dato' Dr. Ooi Kee Beng

While the Women Meet, the Men Cook

4 min read

Women empowerment is a term many people take for granted. It’s like buying an organic food product; you won’t necessarily taste the difference compared to its non-organic equivalent.

by Puah Sze Ning

Can Our Cuisine Remain the Same While We Change?

3 min read

It is in Penang’s street and kopitiam dishes more than in anything else that the island’s social history and cultural pluralism are best captured and preserved; and it is gratifying to see books on Penang recipes appearing in steady numbers in recent years.

by Dato' Dr. Ooi Kee Beng

Toward a political culture that suits a two-party system

2 min read

Following the General Election in 2008, BN had the strange situation of being in the opposition in five states. Before March 8 that year, it only had that rol...

by Dato' Dr. Ooi Kee Beng

Events

2 min read

EVENTSJULY 1-31 JulyPenang Durian FairVenue: Anjung Indah, Balik PulauContact: 016 411 0000Email: info@visitpenang.gov.my...

by Penang Monthly

The Kim Giak Low Choon Teochew Opera Troupe

3 min read

It all began when Goh Hooi Ling (also known as Ling Goh) represented Penang at the International Teochew Festival in China in 2008. Being a third generation traditional Chinese opera performer, she could not resist the idea of having her own opera troupe.

by Ch’ng Shi P’ng

Let's Perfect The Two-Party System

2 min read

The pattern of change in Malaysia became ever more discernible after the 13th General Election. While the ruling BN understandably wishes to describe its vict...

by Dato' Dr. Ooi Kee Beng

Let’s not go back to the late Abdullah era

2 min read

One important effect of the March 8, 2008 elections was that it forced the BN government in Putrajaya into crisis management. That became the responsibility o...

by Dato' Dr. Ooi Kee Beng

Federalism is Still The Future

2 min read

Let’s face it. Whatever the election results, certain things will not go away easily.For one thing, Malaysia will be ruled by a coalition for a long t...

by Dato' Dr. Ooi Kee Beng

The Rest of Sabah

3 min read

Over the last few weeks, Sabah demanded the attention, thoughts and prayers of Malaysians as a small group of Suluks’ claim to the northern Borneo state of Sabah led to bloodshed in the town of Lahad Datu, shocking a country which has enjoyed many years of peace.

by Puah Sze Ning

Change in Life's Norm

2 min read

It’s April now, the month at the end of which the Malaysian Parliament has to be dissolved to make way for general elections to be held, and within 60 d...

by Dato' Dr. Ooi Kee Beng

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