February 2026

Our latest issue explores how third places—from bookstores and gardens to KOMTAR—shape community life in Penang, while reflecting on sustainability, inclusion, and the island’s rich history.

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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.

Yoga: From Ancient Traditions to Modern Healing

2 min read

At its core, yoga aims at taking care of the individual, assuming the rationale that a good, balanced and integrated person is more useful to oneself, family, society, nation, nature and humanity.

by Priyanka Bansal

Readings@Tanjong: Experiential Waves of Stories and Poetry

5 min read

READINGS@TANJONG was established in 2023 as a bimonthly reading event featuring literary works by Penang writers. Produced by Dabble Dabble Jer Collective (DDJ....

by Miriam Devaprasana

One Man's Trash is Another Man's Art

…

by Azmi Hussin

Taking Physical Space or Making Cultural Space? Multicultural Peace Depends on Which We Prefer

4 min read

SPACE: The final frontier… Good slogan. Classic. Melodramatic, evocative. And totally anthropocentric; to be sure, Space is after all 100% of the Universe, minu...

by Dato' Dr. Ooi Kee Beng

Events in January

3 min read

Find inner peace with OtherHalf Studio’s OH!Tenang, an immersive sight and sound installation. Tenang, which means calm in Malay, is an art exhibition with gent...

by Penang Monthly

Penang as Launchpad for Fine Arts Graduates to Craft Art Careers?

4 min read

FORMAL FINE ARTS programmes remain relatively uncommon in tertiary education institutions in Malaysia, and in Penang, only Equator College and the School of The...

by Nicole Chang

Easing the Weight of Truth Through Theatre

4 min read

THE SILENCE IS haunting as Darynn Wee breaks down in tears, surrendering to her character’s anguish in between breaths— In. Out. In. Out.Darynn did not expect t...

by Liani MK

The Crowning Jewels of Penang's Biodiversity: Wild Orchids of Penang Hill

7 min read

PENANG HILL, with its cooler climes and dense forest coverage, is a renowned tourist destination and a favourite hiking spot. It harbours rich biodiversity, key...

by Rexy Prakash Chacko

The Deep Cultural Significance of Hindu Ornaments and Jewellery

5 min read

In Indian culture, gold symbolises prosperity as well as long-term commitment, making it the preferred choice of jewellery for weddings. Gold is also associated with the Hindu goddess Lakshmi and the auspicious days dedicated to the goddess.

by Priyanka Bansal

Being Funny Gets Serious in Malaysia

9 min read

MOVE OVER, Marie Kondo. In the post-pandemic era, it is the stand-up comedy shows (not the art of tidying up) that have become celebrated across Malaysia. Rizal...

by Rachel Yeoh

Cameron Highlands: The Making of Malaysia’s Largest Hill Station

7 min read

IN 1884, the British administration in Malaya became interested in developing a hill station in the Titiwangsa mountain range. Sir William Cameron, a government...

by Enzo Sim

Love Across Borders: Celebrating Multiracial Families

4 min read

“ FOR SO MANY YEARS, I just wanted to fit in. At one point, I wanted to have blue eyes and blonde hair, and wished my hair wasn’t so thick, dark and curly. My f...

by Kristina Khoo-Rhodes

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