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.

A New Dynamism Pervades the City’s Art Scene

5 min read

The visual art scene in Penang has for many decades now been nourished with various elements borrowed from local and neighbouring regions. In recent years, however, it has witnessed more dynamism, with the emergence of different art forms and their respective platforms.

by Pan Yi Chieh

The Art of Architecture

5 min read

Ar. Mei Chee Seong, 48, founder of ALM Arkitek in Penang which is a multi-disciplinary firm engaging in the practice of architecture, urban design, town planning, interior design, green building and heritage building conservation introduced me to the concept of “timescaping”.

by Lim Sok Swan

When the Artistic Impulse Becomes a Key Economic Asset

3 min read

“Creative Industries” is an elusive term. It reflects the postmodern condition, unsettling notions of modernity while signalling socio-economic and cultural shifts tied to 21st-century globalisation.

by Dato' Dr. Ooi Kee Beng

Events

3 min read

ComedyWant to flex your comedic chops or just try your hand at stand-up? Then head over to the Little Art House Studio’s Comedy Open Mic because a...

by Penang Monthly

Penang’s Key Economic Indicators

3 min read

In 2018 Penang registered a gross domestic product (GDP) of RM91.2bil, with a year-on-year (y-o-y) growth rate of 5.1%, which is 0.4% higher than the national rate of 4.7%. The state continued to contribute 6.7% to the national GDP.

by Ng Kar Yong

Ng Kar Yong

Readying Pulau Tikus for the Future

2 min read

An old town it may be, but Pulau Tikus and its surroundings will soon be given a fresh lease of life with the opening of Gurney Wharf.

by Regina Hoo

The Changing Faces of Iconic Gurney Drive

4 min read

The beloved Gurney Drive waterfront has witnessed many changes in the last 100 years; from clear blue waves breaking on its reclaimed shore and the loss of its beaches.

by Andrea Filmer

Penang Goes Public - Making Space Open and Welcoming

12 min read

Public spaces help build a community, diverse as individuals may be, by being areas that are welcoming, safe, relaxing, comforting, social; and encouraging of various activities.

by Regina Hoo

Strengthening Penang’s Concert Industry

5 min read

Penang is setting its sights on becoming the new destination of choice for concerts in Malaysia, rivalling KL and Genting Highlands’s Arena of Stars. Currently, the Setia SPICE Arena is the go-to venue for concerts in the state.

by Regina Hoo

Empire of the Winds Awarded Penang Book Prize 2019

3 min read

On November 24, Philip Bowring’s book, Empire of the Winds: The Global Role of Asia’s Great Archipelago, published by I.B. Tauris, took home the 2019 Penang Book Prize, which is awarded annually by city magazine Penang Monthly.

by Penang Monthly

Liveability Lies in Public Spaces being Properly Planned and Maintained

3 min read

Urbanity changes our relationship to space and loosens our link to Nature. As societies grow in size, they acquire space that then needs to be planned, managed and endlessly maintained.

by Dato' Dr. Ooi Kee Beng

The 2019 Food Issue

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by Penang Monthly

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