Three Historical Markets of George Town
8 min read
This style of simple shed market halls – with minimal ornamentation – was once popular in Malaya.Alongside amenities such as post offices, tow...
Lessons on Democracy from the Middle East
8 min read
We were not quite sure what to expect. Initially, the expedition was meant to be a study trip to Muslim-majority countries to learn about the diverse ways in wh...
Komtar’s Hidden Gems
5 min read
At its most basic level, Komtar is the administrative heart of Penang’s state and local governments. While the 65-storey (soon to be more) tower is recogn...
HDB Republic: Housing, Homeownership and Heritage in Singapore
7 min read
From its economy to its education system, Singapore leads in Asia. And one should not forget one very remarkable aspect of the country’s development: its...
New Cycling Lanes are Changing the Penang Experience
4 min read
Penang is leading other Malaysian states in promoting cycling and does that by trying to provide good cycling infrastructure. In August 2013, Chief Minister Lim...
Will Getting Around Penang Without A Car Become Possible Again?
7 min read
Penang has ambitious public transport plans. It needs to if it is to keep its population on the move. The state’s transport masterplan – which seeks...
A Foreign Language Learned is a Cultural Gap Bridged
4 min read
Foreign language centres have long had afirm foothold in Penang. The Malaysian- German Society (MGS), for one, emerged more than 50 years ago as a friendship so...
The Kopitiam: The Hearths Of Penang
3 min read
Apart from filling bellies, a kopitiam serves as a venue for tête-à-têtes, which more often than not turn into friendly group discussions—“coffee shop talk”.
The Remarkable Resurgence of Penang’s Hindu Endowment Board
6 min read
When Pakatan Rakyat took power in Penang in 2008, they inherited an underperforming Hindu Endowment Board (HEB) that was generating a mere RM3,000 a month in in...
Going Back to Nature Comes Naturally
9 min read
No Horsing AroundWhen Wan Adam was five years old, he would frequently pass by a signboard advertising horse-riding at the Tanjung Country Club when on car jo...
Where Students Return to be Teachers
5 min read
Established in 1955 as a Chinese independent mission school, SMJK Sacred Heart in Balik Pulau lies ensconced on church grounds, in a rural setting where time se...
Durians are a Growing Industry
7 min read
Green AcresIt was 2009 when Eric Chong and his wife Kim Wong purchased their orchard after stumbling upon it during a hike. Covering 16 acres, Green Acres is...
