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.

Sign of The Times

5 min read

Penang's commercial property market is on the up and up with more new malls making their appearance. One new giant Penang . Times Square, developed by Ivory Properties is taking a brave new approach to retail and entertainment.

by Rosalind Chua

Rosalind Chua

The serious brain drain problem

18 min read

MALAYSIA SUFFERS a voluntary emigration of people of different races and religions who possess talent, skills and knowledge. Their decision to settle in other countries brings high economic costs to Malaysia.

by Teh Kim Woon

Teh Kim Woon

Penang's Place in the 10mp

9 min read

The 10th Malaysia Plan is now announced. Analysts have generally found it wanting in detailed information. More importantly, it marks a break from the past with its greater focus on corridor development.

by Chan Huan Chiang

Chan Huan Chiang

Just a minute

3 min read

A quirk in the Chinese and Islamic calendar systems has led to the Hungry Ghost Festival and Ramadan coinciding with one another this year. There’s plenty of food going around this month, for very different reasons...

by Penang Monthly

Buses bring economic benefits

10 min read

It is not customary for Malaysians to see cost and benefit reports for public investments, even though fiscal spending on development projects has gone on for decades under Malaysia’s five-year plans.

by Chan Huan Chiang

Chan Huan Chiang

What now, after Teng (Sr)?

7 min read

Datuk Chuah Thean Teng, known as Teng (Senior) was Malaysia’s only artist acknowledged to have started a world art form, Batik Painting. He died two years ago at the age of 96, leaving behind children and grandchildren, many of whom are artists in their own right.

by Ooi Kok Chuen

EMC lab to encourage product designing

6 min read

From september 2010 onwards, Penang can boast an EMC laboratory of its own. This cutting edge technology determines whether or not a new electronic product design may generate or transmit unintended electromagnetic energy that interferes with other electrical equipment.

by Poh Heem Heem

Poh Heem Heem

Stronger states, greater progress

4 min read

The recent spat between the Penang Chief Minister and the State Development Officer heated up an issue that most people think about but dare not discuss – more autonomy for Penang. Always the bellwether state, Penang holds the potential for being a new model of development for Malaysia.

by Neil Khor

Civil servants at an impasse

5 min read

Since taking over several state governments, one of the areas the Pakatan Rakyat has had to contend most with is the civil service. A majority of the bureaucrats...

by Tricia Yeoh

Secrets only ghosts can know

5 min read

Review of The Blue Mansion, a film directed by Glen Goei and shot at Penang's Cheong Fatt Tze mansion.

by Shakila Rajendra

Shakila Rajendra

Putting Penang’s waterfronts to work

5 min read

Penang’s history and development has always been linked to the sea. Since the British East India Company sailed into Penang’s coastal waters and established George Town on the island’s north-east tip, waterways have configured Penang’s development in fundamentals ways.

by Richard Ho

Richard Ho

A Man Who Always Made An Impression

7 min read

Teik Chee touched many lives, and even those who got to know him for only a brief spell came away impressed. When news spread of his death, I received SMSes, phone calls and e-mails from my friends who had been acquainted with him, asking what had driven him to it.

by Kee Thuan Chye

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