With the political uncertainties experienced in recent years, along with the challenges visited upon all Malaysians during the Covid-19 pandemic affecting all aspects of the workings of governments and of society, the need for federal devolution in the country and for a rethinking and restructuring of federal-state relations has become increasingly strong…

Penang Institute and UNICEF are conducting a study to assess the impact social welfare service delivery systems had on their beneficiaries by tracking beneficiary households’ socioeconomic conditions, welfare, and wellbeing. It also makes comparisons against pre-pandemic household conditions, to understand how living standards have altered.

A country’s progress is no longer solely measured by its economic development. Countries are increasingly using the measurement of happiness as an important component in national policy and decision-making. In Penang, the Happiness in Penang (HIP) Index which comprise of four domains, Freedom and Governance (F), Economic Wellbeing (E), Environmental Sustainability (E) and Liveability and Social Wellbeing (L), or FEEL in short, is used to measure the quality of life in the state.

Founders’ Grit highlights the entrepreneurial journey of twenty-nine notable engineering companies as well digital technology start-ups in Penang. Be inspired by the foresight these entrepreneurs had to venture out on their own to build successful enterprises, overcoming significant challenges and obstacles along the way. This book celebrates their achievements and success, showing everyone that the fundamental element to “making it” is the grit to succeed.