April 2026

Our latest issue explores efforts to preserve and innovate local traditions, support creative industries, and promote sustainable growth in small towns across Malaysia.

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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.

Baby Goh: Ages Forward Through Purpose And Community

3 min read

As health improves and lifespans lengthen, ageing is being reimagined. Baby Goh’s sustained work in business and community life shows that growing older can mean recalibrating—not receding.

by Engel Cheoh

GTLF: When Writers Converge In George Town

5 min read

“WE LIVE IN a world of myths and memories, in that grey area where we choose our facts and our…

by Carolyn Khor

The Freedom And Precarity of The Nomadic: On Carving Out Sites For The Ephemeral And The Invisible

5 min read

A reflection on curating performance-based practice.

by Vanini Belarmino

Yang Shuang Zi: Writing Taiwan Through Food

5 min read

“WHEN DOES FOOD stop being just food?” During last year’s George Town Liter-ary Festival (GTLF), Taiwanese author Yang Shuang…

by Iylia De Silva

Fishing For Durians

11 min read

by Joshua Lim. Runner-up, Penang Monthly Short Story Prize 2025. Only once in my life have I gone fishing for…

by Joshua Lim

Tenby Schools: Future-Proofing The Young

5 min read

Many parents still think quality education is the imparting of knowledge in a manner that produces excellent examination results. Others would comment that quality education is an effective, inclusive and all-round learning experience that prepares children for life.

by Rachel Yeoh

Malaysian Plants: From Garden To Plate And To Canvas

7 min read

BY HER OWN admission, botanical artist Esther Geh is no good with plants. “I have no green thumbs, fingers or…

by Yong-Yu Huang

The Challenging Journey For Women Representation In Malaysian Politics

4 min read

SINCE THE Beijing Platform for Action was formalised in 1995, governments have strived to meet the minimum threshold of 30%…

by Yeong Pey Jung

The GBS Sector Powers Penang’s Innovation Frontier

5 min read

FOR DECADES, Penang has worked to solidify its position as a global industrial powerhouse. Beyond its manufacturing sector, the Global…

by Kenneth Ong

Bukit Kolam: A Surprisingly Tough Hike

5 min read

THE HILLS AROUND Mengkuang Dam form the largest area of green space on mainland Penang, comprising both forested areas and…

by Rexy Prakash Chacko

Austrian Hikes That Left Me Dreaming

7 min read

I HAD AN opportunity to plan a trip in Austria when my sister had a company trip in mid-May last…

by Celine Tay

Celine Tay

Expanding Comfort Zones and Third Places

3 min read

If urban living means that I possess a little space to call home, feel safe in and control, then how much I feel at home in a city would depend very much on how much home-like access I have when out in public.

by Dato' Dr. Ooi Kee Beng

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