June 2026

Discover Penang Monthly’s June issue: explore the stories behind Penang’s enduring heritage brands, the richness of its multilingual and multicultural heritage, innovative local businesses, community-led initiatives, and the challenges shaping the state’s future. From family enterprises and semiconductor pioneers to traditional food, festivals, education, and environmental sustainability, this issue celebrates Penang’s resilience, identity, and capacity for renewal.

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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.

Taiping Beyond The Lake Gardens

5 min read

Taiping is more than a tranquil town—it is a layered historical landscape. Today, efforts to reconnect heritage with community point to a new model: small towns as engines of sustainable, place-based development.

by Sheryl Teoh

The Geography Of Ambition: Building Meaningful Work Beyond The City

6 min read

Challenging the pull of big cities, stories from Terengganu, Cherating, Baling and Balik Pulau show how moving to smaller places can reshape ambition—where careers grow through purpose, community and slower rhythms, proving opportunity is not confined to urban centres.

by Aqilla Latif

One of Malaysia’s Few Female Silversmiths Reinvents The Craft

5 min read

AS JESSIE KOH switched from her front- to back-facing cellphone camera, I leaned in closer to my laptop screen for…

by Samantha Khoo

The Penang Monthly Short Story Prize 2026

2 min read

RM1,000 grand prize Crossing. Interchange. Potential. In the second edition of the Penang Monthly short story prize, we invite…

by Penang Monthly

Acquiring A Pro-Active Life Should Make Active Ageing A Walk In The Park

3 min read

We celebrate active ageing as aspiration and policy goal. But the term hints that growing old means becoming passive. In truth, to age actively is to reclaim initiative—to nurture the inner capacity to act, choose and give meaning.

by Dato' Dr. Ooi Kee Beng

COSMOPOLISES: A Necessary Interpretation of The World of The Future

4 min read

COSMOPOLIS. That is an exciting word that is full of positive connotations. The original Greek expresses this idea by pairing…

by Dato' Dr. Ooi Kee Beng

Dementia: A Disease An Aging Nation Cannot Ignore

7 min read

Dementia doesn’t diminish a person’s worth. Through supportive spaces like dementia-friendly day care or pop-up cafés, individuals like Mary can regain joy, agency, and connection—reminding us that empathy is the key to living well in ageing societies.

by Dr. Cecilia Chan

Growing Old In A System That Isn’t Forthcoming With Support

5 min read

Caring for elderly parents is labour-intensive, emotional, and mostly shouldered by women. Without systemic support, filial duty can become unsustainable, making professional care homes and innovative living arrangements essential.

by Aadah Lee & Sheryl Teoh

The Digital Divide Among Seniors Has Changed From Having Access To Gaining Assurance

4 min read

The pandemic pushed seniors online, revealing a digital divide. Programs like DahDigital helped older Malaysians gain skills and confidence—but also exposed them to online scams, showing that digital inclusion requires both access and safety.

by Ng Kwang Ming

An Ageing Penang: What The Numbers Show

5 min read

Penang is ageing as births fall and people live longer. With smaller families and rising life expectancy, the state’s population is shifting toward older age groups—reshaping its dependency ratio and redefining future social and economic priorities.

by Hajar Ariff

We Need To Care For The Carers

5 min read

HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS ARE often seen as pillars of strength, calm under pressure and endlessly compassionate. Yet, behind the white coats…

by Nisha Kumaravel

Managing An Ageing Society Is A Holistic Undertaking

5 min read

In Penang, ageing often means isolation despite financial security. True active ageing requires mobility, social connection, and support for both seniors and caregivers, so longevity is matched by quality of life.

by Ian McIntyre

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