The State of The Economy
10 min read
The 2011 Budget signals troubling reliance on private growth. Without economic decentralisation and public sector expansion, Malaysia risks stalling in the middle-income trap.
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.
SERI seeks to offer policy alternatives
6 min read
There are think tanks, and there are think tanks. Penang’s own think tank, the Socio-Economic and Environmental Research Institute (SERI), is seeking to differentiate itself by playing a role as not just the state’s preeminent think tank, but also as “devil’s advocate”.
Tighter cooperation between Pakatan Rakyat-run states
6 min read
From left to right: Former Perak Menteri Besar Mohamad Nizar Jamaluddin, Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, Kelantan Menteri Besar Nik Aziz, Selangor Mente...
A-G’s report on Penang’s financial status Positive feedback with some concerns
4 min read
Despite the positive response from the Auditor-General regarding Penang’s financial statement and financial management, it is nevertheless important to un...
Raising Komtar
5 min read
The records show that the Komplex Tun Abdul Razak's (Komtar) tower at its completion in 1985 was the tallest building in Asia - and Malaysia of course.
Lim Chong Eu Revisited
16 min read
Those who worked with and knew Tun Dr. Lim Chong Eu share their recollections of Penang's former Chief Minister.
Penang's news
3 min read
Penang as economic hub of the regionPrime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak announced that the federal government intends to turn Penang into a regional...
Turning Points: Ups and downs of Penang’s economy
10 min read
IntroductionWe take keen interest on economic news only because we realise that recessions have a way of creeping up on us and messing up whatever big plans w...
Making future artists better
9 min read
THROW A STONE and you would hit a few Datuks. The joke may be trite, but for artists, “Datukships” are exceptions to the rule. Still, Penang is one...
Jordan Plofsky: Acknowledging Results and Recognising Performance
5 min read
With more than 20 years of leadership experience, spanning from system and technologies to semiconductor and marketing, including positions at LSI Logic, Analog Devices and Harris Corporation, Jordan is a firm believer in leadership development.
Palm Oil Remains Key Export For Malaysia
4 min read
The palm oil industry has been in existence in Malaysia for more than a hundred years. The palm originated in West Africa, and it was the British who first brought it to Malaya in the 1870s.
Before Palm Oil, There Was Coconut Oil...
5 min read
Coconuts turned out to be the only crop successfully cultivated on a large scale on the island, contributing considerably to the economy for almost one century. Why and how did coconuts become such as an important commercial crop in Penang?
Explore column