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.

New dynamics demand new directions

4 min read

When resources are limited, new approaches to research are needed if the results are to be of the type that are not only useful but that also hold their own momentum. With global dynamics changing fast, new directions for research which promise higher efficacy are a pressing need.

by Liew Chin Tong

On vibrant port cities and anomalous nation states

6 min read

Ooi Kee Beng sat down with Professor Ho Eng Seng, a Penang Free School alumnus, who shared with him some of the most important lessons he had learned on his long academic journeys.

by Dato' Dr. Ooi Kee Beng

Turning disability into a national asset

8 min read

Malaysia is signatory to numerous conventions on equal opportunities and equal treatment for disabled persons. However, Malaysian society has yet to give adequate thought to the productivity factor of disabled persons and whether they can be gainfully employed.

by Khor Hung Teik

Khor Hung Teik

Priced off Penang: Who can afford an island home?

12 min read

Property prices in Penang have skyrocketed in recent years, particularly in the northeastern region of the island, and young Penangites now face the prospect of renting, or finding a home much further away.

by Jeffrey Hardy Quah

Parables, Prophets & Pillocks

5 min read

Parables, Prophets & Pillocks is divided into four “testaments” in which run four different themes. The first testament takes on political shenanigans both local and abroad.

by Carolyn Ch’ng Sue Ern

Carolyn Ch’ng Sue Ern

A matrix to predict Penang’s population distribution

9 min read

There is a policy document, I am told, that says 40% of Penangites shall, in the near future, be living on the island and the other 60%, on the mainland. One...

by Chan Huan Chiang

Chan Huan Chiang

New life for old masters?

8 min read

For the pioneer artists, most of whom had their base, or at least their early beginnings, in Penang, it set bench-mark prices for their works of specific series and media.

by Ooi Kok Chuen

E&E sector as a National Key Economic Area

4 min read

2010 promises of economic transformation in Malaysia. The key message is loud and clear – Malaysia must not become a middle-income country which loses its...

by Poh Heem Heem

Poh Heem Heem

A Bowl of Porridge Doesn’t Come Easy

4 min read

Hawkers are everywhere in Penang, and their stalls are an irreplaceable part of its street life. In fact, there wouldn’t be much of a street life if they were not as numerous as they are; in markets, coffee shops, hawker centres and along roads. Let’s meet one of them.

by Aimy Lee

Aimy Lee

Penang’s development still depends on the PDC

5 min read

Ever since the PDC was formed in 1969, it has spearheaded Penang’s development into a modern economy. The PDC’s groundbreaking industrialisation efforts included establishing Malaysia’s first Free Industrial Zone at the Bayan Lepas Industrial Park in 1972...

by Shahril Cheah

Shahril Cheah

Emilies of Emerald Hill

4 min read

Emily of Emerald Hill is a classic drama that traces the life, loves, travails (and recipes) of an overbearing Singaporean Nyonya trapped in her gilded cage.

by Ben Wismen & Rosalind Chua

Ben Wismen Rosalind Chua

No liveable city without good coastal access

5 min read

Penangites are a lucky lot. Besides luxuriant hills, a city centre worthy of being classed a Unesco World Heritage Site and endless tasty street foods, they get to enjoy long stretches of sandy beaches.

by Datuk Dr. Goh Ban Lee

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