The Edge Malaysia has launched its latest Penang Special Edition, featuring a unique double-cover format that encapsulates two distinct narratives of the vibrant northern state.
On one side, the magazine reads “PENANG: The Future Is Here”, presenting a forward-looking perspective on Penang’s rapid transformation. This section highlights the state’s strides in high-tech development, infrastructure, investment opportunities, and its aspirations under the Penang2030 vision.
An editor’s note by Patma Subramaniam on Page 6 sets the tone for a compelling narrative on progress, innovation, and sustainable urban growth. This section also features a six-page in-depth interview with Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, under the heading “From Vision to Execution”, in which he outlines efforts to future-proof the economy, attract innovation, and embed long-term resilience through reforms and regional partnerships.
Flip the magazine over, and readers are greeted with a second front cover: “PENANG: Island In The Sun – The Northern Star Continues to Shine Bright as a Destination.” This section celebrates Penang’s enduring charm as a travel destination, highlighting its heritage, food, leisure, and rich cultural experiences that continue to enchant both local and international visitors.
Datuk Ho Kay Tat, publisher and group chief executive officer of The Edge Media Group, said that although The Edge is based in Kuala Lumpur, two of its founding directors and many staff members hail from Penang. He personally regards Penang as his adopted state, having pursued his tertiary education at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM).
“Penang is the second most important state in Malaysia. Over the years, our reporters have regularly covered the investment, property, and leisure scenes in Penang,” Ho said in his remarks at the launch, held at the Majestic Theatre in George Town yesterday.
“Occasionally, The Edge publishes a magazine. This latest one is over 250 pages, compared to about 100 pages in the edition we did some years ago. That alone shows how much has happened in Penang. Penang has done very well.
“The magazine captures what has happened over the past five or six years, what is happening now, and what lies ahead. Of course, we could only cover a bit of what Penang is, but I believe this is a fantastic effort by our team, editors, and writers. Well done!”
Among the distinguished guests at the launch were state executive councillors Wong Hon Wai (Tourism and Creative Economy), Zairil Khir Johari (Transport and Infrastructure) and Datuk Seri Sundarajoo Somu (Housing and Environment), Pulau Tikus assemblyman Joshua Woo, and InvestPenang chief executive officer Datuk Loo Lee Lian.
Ho also complimented them for their hard work to build up the economy of Penang, as well as expressed his gratitude to Mercedes-Benz, other partners and advertisers for helping make the magazine and event a success. He also introduced David Tan, a former Star journalist, as The Edge’s correspondent in Penang.
YB Wong described the magazine as “remarkable,” noting that it not only covers Penang’s infrastructure development but also its culture, arts, religious institutions, food, and tourism landscape.
“This special edition combines the hardware – the infrastructure – and the software – the culture and spirit of Penangites, the colourful Penang tourism landscape. We appreciate the work of The Edge.
“I’ve been reading The Edge for many years, from the first page to the last. When I was MP for Bukit Bendera, I relied heavily on its financial and economic reporting. The Edge served as a valuable reference.
“Because I wasn’t trained in economics, through reading The Edge, I picked up quite a bit of knowledge that eventually motivated me to pursue further studies. I obtained my Master’s in Economics Management from USM in 2022. I came from a science background, so it was about overcoming limitations,” he said.
He also shared that he had read the commemorative book Behind The Stories: The Making of The Edge, published in conjunction with The Edge’s 30th anniversary in 2024.
“It chronicles the publication’s history and challenges since 1994, with a focus on its major corporate and political reporting. I recommend it to young journalists. It can be very inspiring. I believe journalism remains a very attractive career,” Wong added.
The Penang Special Edition magazine is complimentary with the purchase of The Edge weekly (June 30–July 6 issue), priced at RM7 per copy.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by K.H. Ong and courtesy of PETACE