January 2026

Our January issue explores how artificial intelligence is redefining work, security and everyday life, from the promises of automation and digital finance to the ethical questions it raises about creativity, ownership and the future of human thinking.

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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.

Keep Solid Waste Local

6 min read

ON A MALAYSIAN online directory listing, Alam Flora Sdn Bhd’s description of itself reads: “We’ve been entrusted by the Government to manage the privatisation of the national solid waste management system for Selangor, Wilayah Persekutuan and Pahang.”

by Tricia Yeoh

Addressing The Housing Issue

6 min read

Ong Ee LynnDEMAND FOR HIGH-END property in Penang has been robust and finding new houses or apartments on the island in the RM250,000–RM350,000 rang...

by Rosalind Chua

Rosalind Chua

Clarifying The Role of Politicians in Development Control

5 min read

RECENTLY, residents of Taman Desaria on Penang Island went to the press to complain that the developer of a housing project that was under appeal in the Appeals Board had begun clearing the land and paving an access road to the site (New Straits Times, July 15, 2011; Sunday Star, July 17, 2011).

by Datuk Dr. Goh Ban Lee

A Vertical Road to George Town

7 min read

Akram Khan: When you finally create something, the history of how it was made becomes vague and is lost. You forget the origins of the ideas, when they started as fragments.

by Rosalind Chua

Rosalind Chua

A Pressman’s Progress

5 min read

THE STRAITS ECHO WAS Tan Thean Peng’s first employer. He joined as a reporter in 1978 after finishing his A-levels at St Xavier’s Institution only t...

by Dato' Dr. Ooi Kee Beng

Making A City Liveable The Secret Is Economic Growth From Below

17 min read

According to the Economic Intelligence Unit of The Economist, Vancouver topped the World’s Most Livable Cities list in 2011 for the second consecutive year based on five main criteria: stability, healthcare, culture and environment, education and infrastructure.

by Chan Huan Chiang

Chan Huan Chiang

The Wider Implications of Minimum Wage

12 min read

On June 30, 2011, the National Wage Consultative Council Act 2011 was passed after four hours of debate. It replaces the Wages Council Act 1947 and will assess wage levels by sectors, types and regions in preparation for a national minimum wage policy by the end of the year.

by Chan Huan Chiang

Chan Huan Chiang

Living Life As Art

8 min read

SO OBVIOUS, yet so odd. Syed Ahmad Jamal: ARTIST – that was the title of his last major exhibition, held from October 2009 until January 2010.Maybe it c...

by Ooi Kok Chuen

Medical Devices Manufacturing: Penang Pursues The New Frontier (Part 2)

5 min read

The healthcare industry is a robust and stable industry, comprising several sectors which are dedicated to providing healthcare services and products. Apart from primary activities which focus on human wellbeing, it also includes the high-technology aspect of medical equipment, instrumentation...

by Poh Heem Heem

Poh Heem Heem

Economic Ripples of July’s Rally

5 min read

AS GLOBAL MARKET STOCKS rise and fall, bringing with them more financial uncertainty and a likely global slowdown at least for the short term, it is important to examine how political conditions within Malaysia affect its economic performance.

by Bridget Welsh

Bridget Welsh

No Two Ways About Integrity

6 min read

On August 12, 2011, Tunku Abdul Aziz, the senator representing Penang in the Dewan Negara, was conferred the degree of Doctor of Laws honoris causa by his alma mater, the University of Tasmania at Hobart, Australia. We proudly reproduce his acceptance speech here for all to read.

by Tunku Abdul Aziz

Tunku Abdul Aziz

The Spice Island of Penang, 1834

5 min read

PENANG HAS been a spice island from the period nearly of its first settlement. Pepper engrossed the consideration of capitalists for many years, and until...

by Dato' Dr. Ooi Kee Beng

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