July 2026

Discover Penang’s living heritage in this month’s issue: from the revival of historic clan houses and district associations to new voices in the arts, community, and cultural preservation. Explore how tradition meets modernity as Penang’s diverse communities adapt, innovate, and celebrate their unique identity.

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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.

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

Finding Love Again In Old Age

4 min read

Zainal and Rohani’s late-life marriage in Seberang Perai proves that companionship is essential at any age. Beyond physical activity, emotional bonds protect against loneliness and enrich the daily rhythm of older life.

by Nidhal Mujahid

Nidhal Mujahid

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…

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…

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

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