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.

Moving beyond manufacturing

7 min read

AS A MAJOR manufacturing country, Malaysia is necessarily a huge market for many imported commodities. It is important to clearly identify the more expensive imported commodities in order to reduce Malaysia's dependence on imports.

by Carolyn Ch’ng Sue Ern

Carolyn Ch’ng Sue Ern

PSDC 3.0 - bridging the gap between Policy-making and industrial needs

4 min read

IN MARCH 2010, members of the PSDC Management Council were in Phuket for its highly important bi-annual Offsite Meeting. Such gatherings are now a tradition and are held in quiet retreats away from Penang.

by Poh Heem Heem

Poh Heem Heem

Information in restricted public space

7 min read

ONE OF THE FUNDAMENTAL pillars of any modern democracy is a free mass media. It is through transparent and responsible reporting by independent journalists that the public is provided with unbiased information and can form opinions based on it.

by Tricia Yeoh

The 1867 Penang riots

6 min read

FORTY-YEAR-OLD Lieutenant-Governor A.E.H. Anson, a veteran of the Crimean War, had just arrived in Penang to take up the appointment in early June, about two months after Sir Harry Ord from the Corps of Royal Engineers became Governor of the Straits Settlements.

by Yong Check Yoon

Yong Check Yoon

Curitiba: An Ideal City of Buses

4 min read

The standard of urban living nowadays is largely judged by public transport standards. George Town has a lot to learn from others, such as Brazil's Curitiba.

by Datuk Dr. Goh Ban Lee

Building the Penang Bridge

8 min read

Penang has a few iconic structures, the most photographed of which is the Penang Bridge, opened in September 1985. PEM talks to Liaw Yew Peng, the chief resident engineer for the project.

by Jeffrey Hardy Quah

Sign of The Times

5 min read

Penang's commercial property market is on the up and up with more new malls making their appearance. One new giant Penang . Times Square, developed by Ivory Properties is taking a brave new approach to retail and entertainment.

by Rosalind Chua

Rosalind Chua

The serious brain drain problem

18 min read

MALAYSIA SUFFERS a voluntary emigration of people of different races and religions who possess talent, skills and knowledge. Their decision to settle in other countries brings high economic costs to Malaysia.

by Teh Kim Woon

Teh Kim Woon

Penang's Place in the 10mp

9 min read

The 10th Malaysia Plan is now announced. Analysts have generally found it wanting in detailed information. More importantly, it marks a break from the past with its greater focus on corridor development.

by Chan Huan Chiang

Chan Huan Chiang

Just a minute

3 min read

A quirk in the Chinese and Islamic calendar systems has led to the Hungry Ghost Festival and Ramadan coinciding with one another this year. There’s plenty of food going around this month, for very different reasons...

by Penang Monthly

Buses bring economic benefits

10 min read

It is not customary for Malaysians to see cost and benefit reports for public investments, even though fiscal spending on development projects has gone on for decades under Malaysia’s five-year plans.

by Chan Huan Chiang

Chan Huan Chiang

What now, after Teng (Sr)?

7 min read

Datuk Chuah Thean Teng, known as Teng (Senior) was Malaysia’s only artist acknowledged to have started a world art form, Batik Painting. He died two years ago at the age of 96, leaving behind children and grandchildren, many of whom are artists in their own right.

by Ooi Kok Chuen

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