Penang’s neglected industry
5 min read
The gold and jewellery industry in Penang was established almost 200 years ago by guilds founded by the Chinese, the Indians and the Indian Muslims.The state...
Gender Parity Still A Distant Dream
6 min read
The 3GS conference highlighted the persistent gender gap in Malaysia, where societal expectations and structural barriers hinder women’s progress. Key recommendations include implementing a 30% gender quota for leadership roles.
Recognising Penang’s Inherent Cosmopolitanism
3 min read
Penang, once a thriving regional hub, faces the challenge of overcoming insularity to tap into its rich cultural and economic heritage. Embracing its regional role can revitalise the state and foster growth.
A Short History of The Khoo Kongsi
4 min read
The Khoo Kongsi complex, a historical gem in Penang, symbolises the perseverance of the Khoo clan in preserving their heritage. From its origins in 1835 to restoration efforts, it remains a testament to multiculturalism.
Transforming Bus Stops To Transform City Living
6 min read
Transform bus stops into transit hubs to promote public transport. Integrating seating, shelter, and services, these hubs can become social spaces that enhance community engagement and support sustainable transport.
Saving Tanjung Tokong
9 min read
Kampung Tanjung Tokong, older than George Town, is Penang’s last coastal urban village—its 300-year-old living heritage now under threat from luxury development and a long battle over land rights.
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.
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.
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?
Garbage Graves of Penang
8 min read
Most of us are happily unaware of where our garbage goes after leaving our bins. Very few of us on the island know that our rubbish takes a sea cruise from the Batu Maung Waste Transfer Station on barges to their final resting place on the mainland.
The miracle of Penang Jazz
7 min read
The Seventh Penang Island Jazz Festival was spread over four days in early December 2010. It may not yet be “seventh heaven” but it is something of a small miracle that this festival started, survived and has begun to flourish.
Freeing education from politics
5 min read
New nations tend to suffer from excessive politicking. Being moderate in many ways, politicking in Malaysia has permeated most aspects of nation building, bringing effects that are more long-term than if we had not been so moderate. This is most obvious in the field of education.
