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.

Placing heritage on the map

1 min read

When George Town was listed as a World Heritage Site (WHS) on July 7, 2008 (together with Malacca), the city’s profile as an international cultural tourism destination rose instantly.

by Penang Monthly

Hidden Heritage

7 min read

George Town’s entry into the Unesco World Heritage Sites listing is a recognition of Penang’s unique history. But while Unesco’s “heritage zone” applies only to George Town, other historical treasures can be found outside the zone.

by Ben Wismen & Daniel Lee

Ben Wismen

All you hybrids, emerge from your closet

2 min read

Ethnocentrism is not the opposite of multiracialism. For some reason, we tend to suppose it to be so. The truth of the matter is, the contradistinction between the two is political, not logical.

by Dato' Dr. Ooi Kee Beng

A defensive psyche is colonialism’s legacy

2 min read

Continental conditions create polities and mindsets that vary remarkably from those found in maritime and riverine areas. In modern day Malaysia, the underlying socio-economic structure and primary acculturating forces instigated by our archipelagic geography shine through quite clearly.

by Dato' Dr. Ooi Kee Beng

Polar bears don’t lie

1 min read

Polar bears don’t lie. Politicians do...

by Cecil Rajendra

Cecil Rajendra

The age of cities is at hand

2 min read

Penang is a unique city with a unique history. How would it fare in an age of urbanisation?

by Dato' Dr. Ooi Kee Beng

PENANG ASSESSMENT RATES

4 min read

Statistics for Penang's rates and property assessments.

by Ong Wooi Leng & Chan Huan Chiang

Chan Huan Chiang

Remember Penang

2 min read

The revamped Penang Economic Monthly marks the beginning of reawakening Penang's potential. It’s about remembering its past, rethinking its future, and rebuilding a vibrant, innovative Penang.

by Dato' Dr. Ooi Kee Beng

A Sea Odyssey that Led to a New Home

7 min read

Jim, the watermaker repairman, working in small-space conditions under the starboard settee.Asylum's navigation station.IT WAS ALMOST 22 years ago,...

by Enzo Sim

Covid-19 in Penang: Part Three

4 min read

2020November 14Two clusters are detected in Penang. The Assumption cluster involves the North and Central Seberang Perai districts, as well as Kulim, Keda...

by Enzo Sim

Penangites, How are We Doing with Work-life Balance?

5 min read

WHAT IS THE state of work-life balance (WLB) in this unprecedented era of lockdowns and remote working? Penang Monthly asks Penangites their views through a s...

by Ng Kar Yong & Yap Jo-yee

Ng Kar Yong

Working Hard is Working Smart

5 min read

Worldviews, a new column in Penang Monthly, shares perspectives learned from different cultures. The idea is to facilitate meaningful conversations and inter...

by the Royal Norwegian Embassy, Malaysia

the Royal Norwegian Embassy, Malaysia

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