Defining Penang Exceptionalism Through Its Geography, Its Biology and Its Human History
By Dato’ Dr. Ooi Kee Beng
June 2025 EDITORIAL
“DOES PENANG EXCEPTIONALISM still exist?” That question was put to me recently by a learned and slightly agitated visitor.I assume the query stems from distress over how recent developments in the state have been too much, too hasty and too uncontrolled. It is a valid worry—and also an increasingly common one. The speedy spreading of built environment in Penang is real enough. While some see this as economic success and necessity, others hear the death knell of an environmental and cultural...
Dato’ Dr. Ooi Kee Beng
is the Executive Director of Penang Institute. His recent books include The Eurasian Core and its Edges: Dialogues with Wang Gungwu on the History of the World (ISEAS 2016). Homepage: wikibeng.com
