November 2026

Penang Monthly | November 2026 is out now. This month, we journey through Penang’s South Asian links—from the enduring energy of George Town’s Little India to the remarkable restoration of Wadda Gurdwara Sahib. Discover stories of Punjabi cha, Ganesha at the threshold, traditional trades, migration, literature, art and the people keeping living heritage alive across Penang. Because heritage is more than buildings and archives—it is found in the languages we speak, the food we share, the work we do and the memories we carry.

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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.

A Day in the Life of a Tutor

5 min read

Connie Koay, a self-employed tutor in Penang, reflects on 35 years of tutoring. She highlights the challenges of maintaining discipline, balancing parents' expectations, and the changing role of tutors in modern education.

by Chee Kai Bin

Chee Kai Bin

Water Management: Selangor Can Borrow Buckets from Penang

7 min read

Selangor's water crisis highlights the failures of privatisation in Malaysia. Penang’s success in water management serves as a model, offering low tariffs and efficient services despite challenges in Selangor.

by Tricia Yeoh

Accommodating Heritage

5 min read

Angela Hijjas is transforming 15 terrace houses on Hutton Lane into a boutique hotel while advocating for stronger state support for cultural heritage, traditional trades, and innovative urban reuse.

by Penang Monthly

George Town as an Engine of Growth

5 min read

Penang has the assets to thrive, but to succeed, it needs vision and leadership. George Town must reinvent itself as an attractive place for investment, work, and family life to maintain its international status.

by Datuk Dr. Goh Ban Lee

Tun Lim Chong Eu: The Past Is Not Passé

4 min read

Tun Lim Chong Eu's reflections on history and politics show that, while we may be shaped by our past, we are not prisoners of it. Penang’s future hinges on learning from history to innovate and adapt.

by Dato' Dr. Ooi Kee Beng

Penang Finance:Strong Roots, Stunted Growth

13 min read

Penang faces economic struggles due to federal control over its finances, relying on federal funds for development. The state must seek greater self-reliance to overcome challenges and thrive independently.

by Ong Wooi Leng & Dr. Suresh Narayanen & Lim Mah Hui

Lim Mah Hui

Repossessing the Future of Penang

4 min read

Penang once led Malaysia's progress but has since faced stagnation. To reclaim its future, Penang must focus on governance, economic reform, and human capital development, positioning itself as a global model.

by Lim Guan Eng

Lim Guan Eng

Giving federalism a future

5 min read

Universiti Sains Malaysia's funding in 2009 was RM9oo million. Penang's state budget was RM477 million.ALTHOUGH MALAYSIA officially practises federalism,...

by Tricia Yeoh

Regional power politics and the birth of Penang

4 min read

PENANG'S HISTORY is directly tied to that of Kedah, a sovereign — and the oldest — kingdom on the peninsula before its annexation by Siam in the 13t...

by Abdur-Razzaq Lubis

Abdur-Razzaq Lubis

Marketing Culture

6 min read

They say that the success or failure of a business venture boils down to “location, location, location”. LPSM, situated along the pedestrianised UPR, is surrounded by some of the state's most beautiful heritage buildings, including the world-famous E&O Hotel and the refurbished Garage.

by Rosalind Chua

Rosalind Chua

A dream for Penang

4 min read

I HAVE A DREAM. That one day Penang will become a cultural hub and that it will not only be one for the Malaysian north but for the region as well.I have a dr...

by Kee Thuan Chye

Evolution of a museum

6 min read

The general attitude towards museums in Penang has, it has been said, been one of apathy. One museum is quietly attempting to change that - by talking science and culture directly to the people.

by Ooi Kok Chuen

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