Cover Story - Penang Monthly (Page 11)

Exporting Grey Matter: What is the Brain Drain Costing Us?

15 min read

Can there really be any benefits to the persistent brain drain out of Malaysia? The numbers seem to say so. But knowledge and skills are intangible commodities that are the basis of innovation – commodities that we are rapidly losing as more and more high-skilled Malaysians emigrate.

by Dr. Lim Kim-Hwa & Yap Jo-yee

Is the Nursing Profession in Good Health?

12 min read

In February, an Air Asia advertisement caused an uproar among the nursing community – and for good reason.

by Julia Tan

My Oh My George Town! Public spaces need publicity – and polish

8 min read

Much emphasis is placed on George Town’s historic buildings. Their architectural styles, unique features and building techniques are the subject of many...

by Penang Monthly

Making federalism REAL

17 min read

Malaysia Day celebrations.Many West Malaysians will find it mind-boggling for Malaysians one day to celebrate three national days: August 31 as Merdeka Da...

by Penang Monthly

Malaysia’s special role in the South China Sea

13 min read

Malaysia has a stake in the South China Sea dispute—and not just where territory is concerned. As ASEAN Chair next year, there are opportunities to take advantage of and complications to avoid.

by Ho Yi Jian

A history of local elections in Penang Part I: Democracy Comes Early

13 min read

Fifty years ago, in March 1965, local elections were suspended throughout the newly founded Federation of Malaysia.Those were turbulent times in many ways, no...

by Steven Sim

A history of local elections in Penang Part II: A legacy to protect

12 min read

In response to the increased dynamism evident in Malaysian politics today, and in order to mark the 50th anniversary of the end of local elections in Penang and...

by Steven Sim

One Heck of a Hill

12 min read

A bright future awaits Penang Hill, and keeping the balance between old-world charm and new innovations is the key.

by Matthew Tan Kiak Hin

The Ringgit and Sen of Festivals

11 min read

Festivals are always a draw, attracting people looking for fun and inspiration. But fun costs money, and balancing the bottom line well is what turns them into events that can run year after year.

by Sarah George & Julia Tan

Sarah George

A City’s Status and its Civil Society

12 min read

It’s not easy getting a Unesco listing. Apart from the rigorous assessment criteria, the nomination process can be highly political – tourist income, public recognition and federal funding drive state governments to compete with one another for endorsement.

by Shu-yun Ma

Shu-yun Ma

The Unity Fetish

10 min read

Building a nation involves sustained emotional stimulation, while building a state is more of a legal and technical matter. Balancing the two is the key to social stability and dynamism.

by Dato' Dr. Ooi Kee Beng

Local Elections as the Foundation of Democracy Part I: The Athi Nahappan Report Revisited

8 min read

It is not an exaggeration to say that we always have local governments. In the most traditional form of government in Malaysia, there were local chieftains governing sub-regional units such as “daerah” and smaller ones such as “kampung”.

by Steven Sim & Koay Su Lyn