Reading the Signs: Penang’s Streets Have a Lot to Say
8 min read
I STEP OUT of the house, shoulders slumped, still half-asleep. It’s still dark; it’s before sunrise, and the…
Marking the End of Life: Rituals Across Malaysia
10 min read
Death may arrive suddenly, but it is never endured in isolation. What follows depends on your race, religion and family background.
Nibong Tebal: A Heritage Haven on Penang’s Mainland
12 min read
To the Chinese community, Nibong Tebal is known as 高渊, or ko-ean in the local Teochew dialect, which is both a transliteration of the Kerian River that runs through the town and a reference to the said river’s deep currents.
Bujang Valley Excavations Expose the Peninsula’s Exciting Past
11 min read
Nestled in the foot of Gunung Jerai and the riverine plains of the Merbok River, the Bujang Valley is widely regarded as the cradle of early civilisation in the Malay Peninsula.
Celebrating the Kebaya
9 min read
The kebaya holds deep cultural significance for women and communities across Southeast Asia, symbolising refinement, femininity, tradition, cultural heritage, women’s empowerment and identity.
Bukit Mertajam: The Mount That Decides Borders
12 min read
“KEEP YOUR PISTOL cocked and ready, tuan, when you see me uncover my kris, as we pass through the blukar…
Philosophy Is Activism: The Curious Case of Ooi Kee Beng
11 min read
This interview provides a glimpse into the life of Ooi Kee Beng, a writer, editor and thinker who celebrates his 70th birthday this year.
Renewable Energy In Malaysia: The Hard Truth And The Way Forward
11 min read
MALAYSIA IS AT an energy crossroads, but most Malaysians don‘t even realise it. For decades, the global narrative on…
Protecting Women: An Overview of Women’s Legal Rights in Southeast Asia
11 min read
“‘WHY DO MEN feel threatened by women?’ I asked a male friend of mine… ‘They’re afraid women will laugh…
Pulau Pinang and Its Malay Beginnings
10 min read
THE ORIGINAL COMMUNITY in Pulau Pinang was indigenous or Malay-Muslim, similar to the case in any state or region on…
The Chip War: A Wide Window of Opportunity for Malaysia
8 min read
SEMICONDUCTOR PRODUCTION HAS emerged as the latest geopolitical battleground, replacing oil as the 21st century’s strategic resource. This new…
Taking Penang's Street Food Global
12 min read
The Michelin Guide started listing Penang food establishments in 2023. Since then, two Penang restaurants have been awarded one star, 32 are listed as Bib Gourmand Restaurants and another 35 as Michelin Selected.