December 2009 - Penang Monthly

A Tree to Call Our Own: The Pinang

3 min read

Once abundant, the pinang tree is central to Penang’s identity—deeply rooted in trade, culture and tradition, from betel chewing rituals to the state’s very name and emblem.

by Penang Monthly

“It never starts with an idea. It starts with a feeling” — Yasmin Ahmad, 2009

3 min read

Tunku Datuk Dr Ismail Jewa, Yasmin Ahmad, and Datuk Brother Tiberius Lawrence Spitzig each shaped Malaysia through education, art, and compassion, leaving behind enduring legacies.

by Penang Monthly

Penang’s Way Forward

3 min read

After a record year in 2008, Penang faced sharp investment declines in 2009, but recovery efforts and new growth industries hint at a shift from sweatshop to smart shop.

by Penang Monthly

Is Fiscal Federalism the Answer?

3 min read

Localising parliamentary debate and resource allocation could better reflect regional needs, empower state legislators, and diversify Malaysia’s governance beyond a centralised system.

by Penang Monthly

Penang Art: Chance, Renewal and Sustenance

11 min read

Penang’s vibrant arts scene, once nurtured by state support and iconic spaces, now grapples with shrinking funds, shuttered institutions, and an exodus of talent. What will it take to revive it?

by Ooi Kok Chuen

We Are All Little Indian Boys

4 min read

In tribute to Yasmin Ahmad’s Little Indian Boy, Amir Muhammad reflects on Merdeka, memory, and what it means to grow up Malaysian with dignity and hope.

by Penang Monthly

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 Penang Monthly

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 Penang Monthly

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 Penang Monthly

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 Penang Monthly