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.

Need for Speed: Penang’s Broadband Dilemma

7 min read

It was not too long ago when the modem sang a dial-up tune every time I wanted to connect to the internet. Mum’s occasional phone call meant tha...

by Timothy Choy

Timothy Choy

After a Year in Power, Has Pakatan Harapan Learnt Enough to Save Malaysia from Itself?

4 min read

The big debate in Malaysia one year after the change in government on May 9, 2018, concerns the unfolding nature of Pakatan Harapan (PH).No one seriously doub...

by Dato' Dr. Ooi Kee Beng

Do You Remember Having a Memory?

2 min read

Have you noticed that one easy way to look cool nowadays is to carry a book with you? It can sit leisurely in your hand or be lightly squeezed under your armp...

by Dato' Dr. Ooi Kee Beng

Carbon Offsetting: A Faulty Solution That Encourages Fraud?

2 min read

Carbon offsetting is a concept that involves investing in projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions to compensate for (or offset) one’s own carbon footprint...

by Hans Weemaes

Middle Bank – Penang’s Central Park

7 min read

HISTORY seldom follows a distinct and predictable line of events. Contingencies, serendipities, good luck and bad luck, all come into play. Naturally, therefore...

by Dato' Dr. Ooi Kee Beng

Organic Does Not Equal Sustainable

3 min read

ORGANIC FOOD HAS gained a lot of traction in Malaysia and around the world in recent years – the label has even extended to non-food products like lipsticks mad...

by Goh Chun Sheng

Covid-19: Fiscal Challenges Await Most Governments

7 min read

COUNTRIES ARE LIKENING the Covid-19 pandemic to war and indeed, we are observing wartime spending levels across the globe. Malaysia’s RM260bil fiscal stim...

by Yap Jo-yee

Covid-19 and the Rohingya: Staying Home when One is Homeless

7 min read

On April 16 Malaysia made headlines when the Royal Malaysian Navy turned away a boat carrying 200 Rohingya men, women and children; the boat is still reportedly adrift at sea.

by Braema Mathi

Braema Mathi

How Aware Are We?

9 min read

AS THE COMBINED Covid-19 cases reach a staggering 2 million and counting, global healthcare systems are being stretched beyond their limits.Initial public res...

by Enzo Sim

Working for Peace and Justice is an Uphill Battle

5 min read

WORKING FOR PEACE is an attractive, but nebulous cause. Without Justice, conflicts are hard to avoid and peace gets disrupted. And so, the work begins again on...

by Braema Mathi

Braema Mathi

Celebrating Ten Years of Art Writing

5 min read

TEN years ago, Penang was still a backwater in the national art narrative. There were signs of little titillations, though, that signaled a potential resurgence...

by Ooi Kok Chuen

Catharsis The Rebirth of Malaysia Finally Begins

9 min read

 This article first appeared in our June 2018 issue. In celebration of our 10th anniversary, we put together for you in this issue some of our most memor...

by Dato' Dr. Ooi Kee Beng

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