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.

Making Green Policies Sustainable

5 min read

The United Nations Climate Change Conference held in December 2009 in Copenhagen left little to cheer about. How should Malaysian urban centres position themselves on such issues?

by Tricia Yeoh

From 'Malay Town' to Acheen Street (Lebuh Acheh)

8 min read

ON HIS ARRIVAL in 1786, Captain Francis Light, the founder of the British trading post on Penang Island, laid out the original grid of George Town as we know it...

by Abdur-Razzaq Lubis

Abdur-Razzaq Lubis

Remember the city status of George Town

5 min read

ACCORDING TO the Ministry of Housing and Local Government, there are 12 cities in Malaysia. They are Alor Setar, Ipoh, Kuala Lumpur, Petaling Ja...

by Datuk Dr. Goh Ban Lee

Stormy Weather in Penang

8 min read

Penang has long produced some of the best musicians in the country. Yet despite all the talent, recognition is getting harder and harder to come by.

by Jeffrey Hardy Quah & Daniel Lee

Think globally, act locally. A blueprint for Penang's transformation

4 min read

WHAT IS HEARTBREAKING about the current economic crisis, caused by the collapse of key financial institutions in the West, is that the culprits are seldom the victims.

by Lim Guan Eng

Lim Guan Eng

Meeting a legend that grows and grows

12 min read

Champions don't grow on trees, especially champions like Nicol David, who has been world No.1 in women's squash since August 2006. Ooi Kee Beng tries to find out what makes her tick, and tick so consistently and impressively.

by Penang Monthly

Parenting Penang's pride

17 min read

There is a mystery about world champions that stems from the inability of common folk to imagine how otherwise normal persons can get to be so special and successful in what they do.

by Penang Monthly

Malaysia’s chance for some serious soul-searching

3 min read

Sixty odd years after Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad first deliberated on politics as a student and almost three decades after he assumed the office of the Prime Minis...

by Barry Wain

Barry Wain

The short but significant story of the Khean Guan Insurance Company

3 min read

In 1885, the Chinese-owned Khean Guan Insurance Company was established in Penang. This was in response to the growing number of Western insurance companies operating in the city in the final decades of the 19th century.

by Dr. Wong Yee Tuan

Sculpturing Penang’s public spaces

11 min read

A squat oval marble sculpture on a circular pedestal sits forlornly at the edge of the paved estuary dominated by The Garage entertainment centre. Many people pass it by without batting an eyelid, or stopping for a breather or to take pictures beside it.

by Ooi Kok Chuen

On-the-job training critical to present-day education

3 min read

In this day and age, education is a requirement for success. Gone are the days when informal apprenticeship programmes were the route of choice for school-lea...

by Poh Heem Heem

Poh Heem Heem

Giving it everything

5 min read

According to 20something Chee Beng Kean, there's a void in the market in terms of computer knowledge. The usual practice for it services companies is just reselling computer products, and computer servicing.

by Jeffrey Hardy Quah

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