June 2026

Discover Penang Monthly’s June issue: explore the stories behind Penang’s enduring heritage brands, the richness of its multilingual and multicultural heritage, innovative local businesses, community-led initiatives, and the challenges shaping the state’s future. From family enterprises and semiconductor pioneers to traditional food, festivals, education, and environmental sustainability, this issue celebrates Penang’s resilience, identity, and capacity for renewal.

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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.

“Hoppy” New Year in Penang

3 min read

When Chinese New Year comes around many of Malaysia’s major cities become ghost towns, as Chinese families make their annual “balik kampung” journeys to be reunited with extended family. However, Chinese New Year in Penang is anything but quiet!

by Penang Monthly

Turning isolating distance into social space

2 min read

Like people in most developing countries, Malaysians suffer automobiles not only as a necessary tool for modern living, but as a purported key driver of the economy.

by Dato' Dr. Ooi Kee Beng

Revolutionary roots

4 min read

Plans hatched by Dr Sun Yat Sen and his supporters in Penang had far-reaching repercussions on the history of…

by Kwong Wah Yit Poh & Daniel Lim & Ong Ee Lynn & Daniel Lee & Sun Yat Sen in Penang by Khoo Salma Nasution

Kwong Wah Yit Poh

Ong Ee Lynn

Sun Yat Sen in Penang by Khoo Salma Nasution

CEO insights “Expectations drive organisations”

5 min read

OOI BOON CHYE has had over 30 years of experience in the manufacturing industry, of which, 25 were spent in Intel Corporation within a variety of positions.

by Poh Heem Heem

Poh Heem Heem

Covid-19 or Not, Life Continues for These Heritage Traders

3 min read

Ng Kee Cake Shop is one of the oldest traditional Chinese bakeries in George Town. Its decadent bakes include kaya puffs, tao sar pneah (salted bean cake) and coconut tarts, which are also served as offerings during major Chinese Lunar holidays, like the Ching Ming and Hungry Ghost Festivals.

by Lim Sok Swan

Local Solutions in Integrated Engineering Generate Huge Possibilities

5 min read

PENANG’S INDUSTRIAL GROWTH is anchored in its promoted sectors, especially the electrical and electronics (E&E) and machinery and equipment industries...

by Ong Wooi Leng

The Pressure and Power of Pregnancy

4 min read

The first few weeks after childbirth are often fraught with confusion and self-doubt for new mothers. Caring for a new-born forces to the surface an identity crisis, e.g. “will I still be my own person?”, and demands a complete reshuffling of priorities to balance a family, a career and life.

by Priyanka Bansal

Anwar Fazal: Seeing New Possibilities for Social Activism Post-Pandemic [PART TWO]

7 min read

PENANG MONTHLY CONTINUES the conversation with Penang’s most prolific social activist, Dato’ Seri Dr. Anwar Fazal, on social activism, on having a p...

by Dato' Dr. Ooi Kee Beng

Penang Gets Competitive as a Visual Arts Education Centre

5 min read

THE STUDY OF visual arts is not a popular major for Malaysian students pursuing tertiary education. In fact, it is safer to place one’s bet – and...

by Nicole Chang

Penang’s Creative Sector Struggles to Stay Afloat

5 min read

Hin Market is the place to be on weekends. Photo: Hin Bus DepotPOP-UP MARKETS are a viable platform for creative start-ups and their products. But when Co...

by Nicole Chang

Labouring for Sustainable Space in Literary Creativity

7 min read

“SUSTAINABILITY”, “SOLIDARITY”, “MEANINGFULNESS”. These terms are especially pertinent when it comes to discussing the creat...

by William Tham

Penang Stays Wide O:PEN to a New Era of Creativity

4 min read

PENANG BECAME THE first Malaysian state to introduce the Creative Economy portfolio when Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow reshuffled the portfolios of state executi...

by Emilia Ismail

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