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.

Qing Ming: Paying Respects, Renewing Ties

4 min read

Once a year, during the months of March and April, Chinese families gather together at the gravesites of their loved ones for the Qing Ming Festival, or Tomb-Sweeping Day.

by Ooi Kok Hin

Women's work

1 min read

According to a recent Grant Thornton International Business Report, 40% of Malaysia's women are in the workforce, apparently the highest in Asean1 . From the ge...

by Penang Monthly

A “Wholistic” Treat for the Health-Conscious Tourist

2 min read

The popularity of medical tourism in Penang brings with it demands for post-treatment services, i.e. wellness and spa. That’s a need that Shangri-La’s Rasa Sayang Resort and Spa is fulfilling.

by Julia Tan

A glance at Pulau Tikus Market

3 min read

Pulau Tikus Market turned 60 this year in August, and its long-time traders have a tale or two to tell. A lot of them went into the business at a young age – at first to help earn a living for their family, and later to finance a better education for their children.

by Ong Siou Woon

Postcards from the Hill

2 min read

As an amateur photographer in the 1990s, while taking pictures of historic George Town, I eventually came to appreciate photos typically from postcards taken in the bygone era.

by Ganesh Kolandaveloo

Ganesh Kolandaveloo

The Arts in Numbers

3 min read

As the arts have been burgeoning in Malaysia and Penang, we take a glimpse at the number of arts-related societies and arts and humanities education in the coun...

by Penang Monthly

Why Vaccinate?

3 min read

Access to healthcare is a basic human right. The Malaysian government and in particular the Ministry of Health (MOH) have poured financial and human resources i...

by Penang Monthly

Penang’s Waterfronts May be Its Future Identity

3 min read

Penang’s free port status began eroding after the final boundaries of Malaysia were defined with the exit of Singapore in 1965. By 1974, the federal gover...

by Dato' Dr. Ooi Kee Beng

Cities are Many Different Creatures

2 min read

Thinking about the liveability of cities makes me wonder in what ways cities are similar enough to each other for us to compare them to each other, not to menti...

by Dato' Dr. Ooi Kee Beng

The Startup Landscape in Malaysia

3 min read

 With a sound foundation in science and technology education, Penang should be able to reap the rewards for which it has dedicated time and investments....

by Penang Monthly

Penang is Blessed - If You Want It

3 min read

No one can doubt that Penang is going through a very dynamic period today. It is evident in how the cityscape and the street life are changing, and in how vibrant the economy and the art scene have become.

by Dato' Dr. Ooi Kee Beng

A Honeymoon in Penang

3 min read

We didn't exactly know where to go for our belated honeymoon this year. All I knew is that it had to have a South-East Asian flavour. Numerous options were thro...

by Karren Vergara

Karren Vergara

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