December 2025

Our December issue examines the flavours, practices and foodways that define Malaysian life, from home kitchens and inherited techniques to the diverse cultural influences that shape Penang’s palate.

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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.

Simplifying Tax Compliance

3 min read

Malaysia’s tax system consists of direct and indirect taxes, with the Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia (IRBM), known to many as Lembaga Hasil Dalam Negeri Malaysia (LHDN), helming its administration. Citizens tout it as one of the most efficient departments in the country.

by Goh Shuan Thing

The Limited Local Benefits of Swiftonomics

4 min read

TAYLOR SWIFT, the queen of pop, transcends the realm of music. She is a cultural force, a brand powerhouse and—according to Swifties in political leadership—a s...

by Philip Khor

Penang Internet Exchange: Accelerating the State’s Digital Drive

2 min read

DIGITALISATION HAS BEEN a subject of interest for Penang’s leaders and stakeholders, and faster connectivity continues to be a pressing need.According to the Pe...

by Kevin Vimal

Eid ul-Fitr in the Modern World: Navigating Traditions

3 min read

EID UL-FITR, or simply Raya (celebration in Malay), marks the end of Ramadan and holds deep cultural and religious significance in the Islamic calendar. Neverth...

by Dr. Rahida Aini

Snapshots of Penang Week 1977 in Adelaide

3 min read

Photos by courtesy of Tun Dr. Lim Chong Eu FoundationA PARTICULAR INTEREST shown to visiting delegates of the Penang Development Corporation (PDC) to Adelaide b...

by Rachel Yeoh

Finally a Trip to Beijing: A Personal Cross-Cultural Connection

5 min read

MY FASCINATION WITH Chinese culture started at age nine, when I transferred to a Chinese vernacular school. While other children watched cartoons on weekends, I...

by Iylia De Silva

“The Islander Surge”: Exploring Cultural Uniqueness in Music

4 min read

An island’s cultural traditions and social contexts often render “islanders” with unique yet versatile identities. Hence, they are sometimes described as having...

by Pan Yi Chieh

Pursuing the Meaning of Equality and Liberty (With Some AI Assistance)

4 min read

WHETHER WE LIKE to think so or not, modern political thought gained effective sloganic expression during the French Revolution (in 1789), incidentally around th...

by Dato' Dr. Ooi Kee Beng

A Perfect Hike on Pulau Rimau

5 min read

JUST OFF THE southern tip of Penang Island sits the lush tree-covered isle of Pulau Rimau. Having ticked off all the other large isles around Penang, Pulau Rima...

by Rexy Prakash Chacko

A Short History of Pulau Rimau

9 min read

WALKING ALONG THE Queen’s Waterfront promenade at Bayan Lepas, you see a large, heavily forested island nearby that once hosted a leper colony and, later, a pri...

by Eugene Quah

Witness Collection: The Struggles that Span the Creation of Astonishing Art

5 min read

THE BLAME GAME often takes off when multiple stakeholders are involved. Let’s look at Penang’s art industry. One time, I wrote about the media’s role in promoti...

by Rachel Yeoh

AI-Empowered Schools: Happier Teachers, Better Learners?

4 min read

PEOPLE FEAR ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI) may soon take over our jobs, making our vocations obsolete. Already, AI has made its way into every part of our lives—t...

by Samantha Khoo

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