November 2026

Penang Monthly | November 2026 is out now. This month, we journey through Penang’s South Asian links—from the enduring energy of George Town’s Little India to the remarkable restoration of Wadda Gurdwara Sahib. Discover stories of Punjabi cha, Ganesha at the threshold, traditional trades, migration, literature, art and the people keeping living heritage alive across Penang. Because heritage is more than buildings and archives—it is found in the languages we speak, the food we share, the work we do and the memories we carry.

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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.

Sustainable Development There is No Other Choice

2 min read

I just returned from Japan, and like every other visitor, I was struck by how clean the place is.To be sure, there are lots of spotless countries and cities...

by Dato' Dr. Ooi Kee Beng

Events

2 min read

An Afternoon with Penang Philharmonic Jazz NonetDate:November 4Contact:+604 262 2462Venue: Komtar Auditorium AWebsite: www.penangphilharmonic....

by Penang Monthly

Climate Change: Are You Not the Problem?

3 min read

It is understandable that the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are vague in formulation and loose in categorisation. Be that as it may, it is h...

by Dato' Dr. Ooi Kee Beng

The Penang2030 Guide Is Now Out

3 min read

Members of parliament and state assemblypersons at a brainstorming session.Much has been done to make concrete the state vision, Penang2030: A Family-focu...

by Penang Monthly

Mothers, Thy Name is Worry

3 min read

Women may not all have been born multitaskers, but mothers, whether working mums or not, definitely are.In fact, it may not be possible to define motherhood...

by Dato' Dr. Ooi Kee Beng

Income Gap, Outcome Bad

2 min read

It is certainly true that never before in human history have so many been lifted out of poverty as has been the case in East Asia over the last few decades. T...

by Dato' Dr. Ooi Kee Beng

Things Gain Value as They Disappear

3 min read

What did heritage conservation look like or sound like in the pre-modern age when things changed slowly, and conservatism was not an ideology but a...

by Dato' Dr. Ooi Kee Beng

Give Me a Town Square, or Give Me a Death

2 min read

One thing that strikes me when I travel from city to city nowadays is that the ones I enjoy most and have the fondest memories of are simply those that boast...

by Dato' Dr. Ooi Kee Beng

The Seas ‘r’ Us

2 min read

Ooi Kee Beng.Penang lies at the southern end of the Andaman Sea, the eastern end of the Bay of Bengal and the northern end of the Straits of Melaka. It al...

by Dato' Dr. Ooi Kee Beng

Knowing Me Through My Multiple Names and Faiths

2 min read

The history of naming is an extremely interesting one that varies greatly from culture to culture. In some, surnames are important, in others, they are not even existent. In some, personal names are important, in some, less so.

by Dato' Dr. Ooi Kee Beng

Dignity is the basic human right

2 min read

The so-called Arab spring that began with the public suicide on December 17, 2010 of a miserable Tunisian vegetable seller whose cart was towed away by the po...

by Dato' Dr. Ooi Kee Beng

The Longest Journey Starts with the First Step

2 min read

The conference organised by Penang Institute and held on June 25, 2012 at the famed Eastern & Oriental Hotel is interesting for many reasons outside of al...

by Dato' Dr. Ooi Kee Beng

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