Join the community!

November 2025

This November, Penang Monthly explores language, place and memory. As GTLF returns, we highlight Penang’s multilingual streets and the dialects that keep local history alive.

Hello and welcome!

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.
Teochew Gong Tek Funeral Rituals: Staging the Yulanpen Sutra

Teochew Gong Tek Funeral Rituals: Staging the Yulanpen Sutra

7 min read
It is believed that the performance of the story from the Yulanpen Sutra or Mulian Saves His Mother from Hell during the gong tek ritual helps the soul of the dead to journey safely and quickly towards rebirth, or to Western Paradise, the auspicious and heavenly world where Amitabha Buddha resides.
by Prof. Dr. Tan Sooi Beng &  Tan Yng Ling
When Goodbye Is Not the End

When Goodbye Is Not the End

6 min read
“Amazing Grace”, was written in 1779 by John Newton, who spent the first 20 years of his life faced with hardships after his mother passed away when he was six. Later in life, Newton faced many near-death experiences, and this, he documents in this hymn.
by Hazel Lim
Explore column
Great! Next, complete checkout for full access to Penang Monthly.
Welcome back! You've successfully signed in.
You've successfully subscribed to Penang Monthly.
Success! Your account is fully activated, you now have access to all content.
Success! Your billing info has been updated.
Your billing was not updated.