Penang Silent Book Club

27/03/2026

Reminder ALL updates will be in the WhatsApp group, not on this page. PM me for the WhatsApp link 😊

09/03/2026

Looks interesting!

𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐓𝐚𝐥𝐤/𝐋𝐚𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐡 | 𝐄𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐲: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐮𝐦 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐠𝐞
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How does the way we communicate shape how society understands gender, power and intimacy?

Drawing on Marshall McLuhan’s idea that “the medium is the message,” Professor Maznah Mohamad explores how concepts of sexuality and intimacy evolved across different forms of media—from sixteenth-century Malay manuscripts to poetry, policy frameworks and legal codes.

Using the issues of marital r**e and wife-beating as focal points, the talk examines how the same story can take on different meanings as it moves through spiritual texts, literary traditions, and modern policy discourse.

🗓 7 April 2026
🕒 3:00 – 4:30pm
📍Penang Institute

🎤 Speaker: Dr. Maznah Mohamad
💬 Discussant: Dr. Azza Basarudin
🎙 Moderator: Penang Institute

🔗 Register here:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/talk-the-emotion-and-passion-of-gender-policy-the-medium-is-the-message-tickets-1984277861499?aff=oddtdtcreator

27/02/2026

Join the WhatsApp group and see who is coming to the next SBC☺️ PM me for the link.

28/01/2026

This Sunday's SBC will be the last one with a regular host. SBC will still continue but without a host. I suggest you join the WhatsApp group to see who will attend future SBCs. DM me or comment below for link to WhatsApp group.

22/01/2026

Another book launch! Please note you need to register to attend☺️

[Book Launch/Talk] Documenting Two Centuries of Transformation: The Story of Seh Tek Tong Cheah Kongsi, Penang by Pan Yi-Chieh & Teoh Kooi Pei

Details
Date: Wednesday, 4 February 2026
Time: 3:00 – 4:00 pm
Venue: Penang Institute
Co-organiser: Seh Tek Tong Cheah Kongsi, Penang

Authors/Panelists: Pan Yi-Chieh (Analyst, History and Regional Studies, Penang Institute) & Teoh Kooi Pei (PhD in Architectural History, Tongji University)

Moderator: Ong Siou Woon (Director of Operations, Penang Institute)

This talk will be held in English and Mandarin.
此讲座将以英语及华语进行。

Register Here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/documenting-two-centuries-of-transformationthe-story-of-seh-tek-tong-cheah-tickets-1980838165275?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl

Note: Registration is FREE. However, only in-person attendees are required to register. Online viewers may watch the live stream on Penang Institute’s Facebook and YouTube channels.

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Event Abstract:
Penang, a gem for historical studies in this region, is home to some of the oldest clan associations and civil society organisations, especially non-profits, in the country. Seh Tek Tong Cheah Kongsi, Penang embarked several years ago on a journey together with Penang Institute to uncover and document the association’s transformation. The association was established in 1810, and two centuries of development of hard work has brought the Cheah Kongsi to where it is today. The present publication provides descendants of the Cheah clan, originally from Sek Tong Seah in Fujian Province, China, with a formal record and provides future generations with fundamental references about the clan and its association.

槟城是区域性历史研究的重点，拥有马来西亚历史最悠久的血缘组织与民间社团。数年前开始，槟城世德堂谢公司与槟州研究院（Penang Institute）合作，共同记录并梳理了其组织的演变历程。槟城世德堂谢公司始建于1810年，历经两百余年的发展，方成就今日之规模。此项记录工作为源自中国福建省石塘社的谢氏后裔提供了珍贵的文献参考与历史凭据，以期启迪未来的传承与发展。

17/01/2026

Who was James Richardson Logan, and why does his story still matter?

Join Mike Gibby for the launch and discussion of Spiky, Like a Durian (Entrepot Publishing, 2025), a richly researched account of Logan’s life and legacy. Born in rural Scotland, Logan became the most prominent legal mind in the Straits Settlements, challenging colonial authority through the courts and the pages of the Pinang Gazette. A reformer and provocateur, he defended pirates and sultans alike, exposed abuses of power, and pursued justice with uncommon resolve—leaving questions that still resonate today.

Opening remarks by Dato’ Seri Dr Anwar Fazal.
Emcee and Q&A moderator: Keith Hockton.

📅 Thursday, 29 January 2026
⏰ 8.00–9.30pm
📍 Penang Institute, 10 Jalan Brown, George Town
🔗 Register here: https://bit.ly/JRL-26

Organised by Penang Institute and Entrepot Publishing.

14/01/2026

Join next Siti Network Book Club!

Save the date 🌹 SITI Book Club Jan 2026

11/01/2026

Please note! SBC will be at a different location this Sunday, January 18. We'll be at Your Bakers. They close at 6pm so we'll start 4pm on the dot and try to leave by 6pm😂. I'll be there a bit early if you want to chat or have a tasty pastry and coffee.😊
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/jG38XFniYoyeitWs6