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.

A-G’s report on Penang’s financial status: Positive feedback with some concerns

4 min read

Despite the positive response from the Auditor-General regarding Penang’s financial statement and financial management, it is nevertheless important to understand to what extent the current government spends its resources.

by Ong Wooi Leng

Raising Komtar

5 min read

The records show that the Komplex Tun Abdul Razak's (Komtar) tower at its completion in 1985 was the tallest building in Asia - and Malaysia of course.

by Rosalind Chua

Rosalind Chua

Lim Chong Eu Revisited

16 min read

Those who worked with and knew Tun Dr. Lim Chong Eu share their recollections of Penang's former Chief Minister.

by Jeffrey Hardy Quah & Rosalind Chua

Rosalind Chua

Penang's news

3 min read

A snapshot of everything happening in Penang now!

by Penang Monthly

Turning Points: Ups and downs of Penang’s economy

10 min read

Today, there is a wide variety of methods used by different agencies to detect and announce dates when the economy makes a regime change from the peak and going into recession, and from the trough to begin another period of expansion.

by Ong Wooi Leng

Making future artists better

9 min read

Throw a stone and you would hit a few Datuks. The joke may be trite, but for artists, “Datukships” are exceptions to the rule. Still, Penang is one state that has conferred the coveted award on six of its visual artists, and all deservingly so.

by Ooi Kok Chuen

Jordan Plofsky: Acknowledging Results and Recognising Performance

5 min read

With more than 20 years of leadership experience, spanning from system and technologies to semiconductor and marketing, including positions at LSI Logic, Analog Devices and Harris Corporation, Jordan is a firm believer in leadership development.

by Poh Heem Heem

Poh Heem Heem

Palm Oil Remains Key Export For Malaysia

4 min read

The palm oil industry has been in existence in Malaysia for more than a hundred years. The palm originated in West Africa, and it was the British who first brought it to Malaya in the 1870s.

by Rafiq Idris

Rafiq Idris

Before Palm Oil, There Was Coconut Oil...

5 min read

Coconuts turned out to be the only crop successfully cultivated on a large scale on the island, contributing considerably to the economy for almost one century. Why and how did coconuts become such as an important commercial crop in Penang?

by Dr. Wong Yee Tuan

The day George Town grew up

4 min read

IT IS THE MORNING OF the New Year. The face of the Victoria Memorial Clock Tower blocking the rising sun to the east shows the time to be 8.50.

by Dato' Dr. Ooi Kee Beng

Death and The Undertaker

5 min read

When a family mourns a loved one recently departed, there is no greater help than that offered by the undertaker. pem talks to Ooi Thean Choo, a funeral director whose experiences have made him ever more philosophical and caring.

by Daniel Lee & Daniel Lim

What the Selangor State Secretary issue teaches us

6 min read

IN 1993 the Federal Constitution of Malaysia was amended with the aim of removing legal immunity of the royalty. Articles 32, 38, 42, 63, 72 and 181 were amended as a result.

by Tricia Yeoh

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