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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.
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Gardens going to seed
June 2010 Feature

Gardens going to seed

7 min read
The public wants to be involved before a project is carried out.” But the public wasn’t informed, not until the projects were well under way. Then it was too late, and widespread outrage soon followed.
by Jeffrey Hardy Quah &  Ben Wismen
Jeffrey Hardy Quah Ben Wismen
Butterworth Remains the Ugly Duckling
June 2010 Voice In The Crowd

Butterworth Remains the Ugly Duckling

5 min read
When a clear vision for growth is missing, places and plans that hold promise turn into disappointments. Such is the case for Butterworth. But now that the town is richly represented in the state assembly, perhaps the aging duckling can yet turn out to be a swan.
by Datuk Dr. Goh Ban Lee
Datuk Dr. Goh Ban Lee
An Eminent Malaysian Academic Abroad
June 2010 Penang Profile

An Eminent Malaysian Academic Abroad

10 min read
Professor Aihwa Ong is an internationally respected anthropologist with at least 10 books to her name. Born in Penang where she had her entire pre-tertiary education, she is now a Professor of Socio-Cultural Anthropology at the University of California at Berkeley, the United States.
by Datuk Dr. Goh Ban Lee
Datuk Dr. Goh Ban Lee
Nation In A Dilemma
June 2010 Cover Story

Nation In A Dilemma

15 min read
The mere mention of migrant workers is usually greeted with a sneer, and when not, it is because of indifference. Foreign workers are often seen as a wage depressant, and accused of “taking” jobs away from locals.
by Ivy Kwek
Ivy Kwek
Voter registration
June 2010 Just A Minute

Voter registration

2 min read
On May 1, 2010, a voter registration drive was held throughout Penang, with the aim of encouraging more Penangites to get involved in the parliamentary process.
by Penang Monthly
Penang Monthly
Democratising women
July 2010 States Of Reform

Democratising women

6 min read
“ Change” was the rallying cry in the last general elections which managed to excite voters throughout Northern Peninsular Malaysia. One of the basic changes needed, and often more implied than expressed, is the betterment of the economic, social, legal and political situation of Malaysian women.
by Cecilia Ng
Cecilia Ng
Finding Penang’s niche
July 2010 Feature

Finding Penang’s niche

2 min read
From left to right:Professor Dr p. Ramasamy, Penang Deputy Chief Minister ii; Lim Guan Eng, Penang Chief Minister; Liew Chin Tong, seri executive director and...
by Dato' Dr. Ooi Kee Beng &  Datuk Dr. Goh Ban Lee
Dato' Dr. Ooi Kee Beng Datuk Dr. Goh Ban Lee
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