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.

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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.

Books Are the Preferred Medium: Even for the Gods

3 min read

“BEST PRACTICES” is quite a clever term. I had trouble accepting it at first, trained to be relativistic as I am by the social sciences. I had to ask questions...

by Dato' Dr. Ooi Kee Beng

Exploring New Territory at the 2023 George Town Literary Festival

4 min read

THE GEORGE TOWN LITERARY FESTIVAL (GTLF) will be held this year from 23 to 26 November. A festival thoughtfully curated each time to bring book lovers together,...

by Samantha Khoo

Exposing the Extraordinary in the Ordinary

5 min read

A Play Review: Material Woman in the Beauty World. Written by Leow Puay Tin, directed by Tung Jit Yang, performed by Ling Tang. Featured as part of the George Town Festival 2023.

by Yee Heng Yeh

What Are the Penang Monthly Editors Reading?

6 min read

In between books and wondering what to read next? Here are the books Penang Monthly’s Editor and Assistant Editors are currently reading.

by Rachel Yeoh & Dato' Dr. Ooi Kee Beng & Sheryl Teoh

On Libraries, Printers and Publishers

1 min read

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by Philip Khor

Women Powered by Digital Alliances

4 min read

AT A RECENT Accelerate Women Entrepreneurship with Exabytes (AWEWE) 2023 Conference hosted by Exabytes, a web hosting company, Penang Monthly had the privilege...

by Iylia De Silva

An Hour with the Author: Tan Twan Eng. A Global Penang Tale on Meaning and Marriage

11 min read

Tan Twan Eng, one of Penang’s most famous authors today, was in town in July. He granted Penang Monthly an interview at the E&O Hotel, where some key scenes...

by Dato' Dr. Ooi Kee Beng

Events in August

3 min read

CHARITYFURRY HOPES PET CARNIVAL 2023

by Penang Monthly

What Writers Think About Writing

7 min read

Penang’s vibrant literary scene is home to writers, poets, translators, and more. With the George Town Literary Festival on the horizon, a spotlight falls on local talents whose works transcend genres, mediums, and languages.

by Yee Heng Yeh

The Making of A Literary Festival

5 min read

LATE IN 2019, I received a text message from Pauline Fan, the director of the George Town Literary Festival (GTLF), Malaysia’s largest literary festival. She ha...

by Izzuddin Ramli

Don't Forget the Little Guys

3 min read

I’M NOT A Penangite (much to my own detriment, I know). However, in April, my wife and I were lucky enough to travel to Penang for a vacation, choosing to stay...

by Penang Monthly

My Home on Chew Jetty

5 min read

THE CLAN JETTIES have traditionally been perceived as male-dominant communities. Though the gender divide within the jetties is not as evident as it used to be,...

by Chew Siew Pheng

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