Penang's potential as a hub for literary translation

PENANG, 29 SEPTEMBER 2026 —

Penang Institute argues that Penang is uniquely positioned to revive its historical role as a regional hub for literary translation, citing the state’s cosmopolitan heritage and existing academic infrastructure as foundations for rebuilding an ecosystem that has declined since independence.

This convergence of diverse trading communities created fertile ground for intellectual activity, the institute says, allowing local societies to engage with global ideas while discussing issues directly relevant to their lives. During the colonial era, translation served as a primary channel for political expression when direct participation was restricted, with fiction translation providing space for communities to convey political messages without confronting authorities directly.

The institute identifies several key historical figures and works. Tan Beng Teck produced the 1889 translation Chreta Dulu Kala Pasal Heng Guan Seo Chia, while Chan Kim Boon translated Journey to the West between 1911 and 1913. In the 1930s, progressive religious texts gained prominence through the Kaum Muda movement.

Penang-born Muslim nationalist and scholar Syed Sheikh Al-Hadi translated the detective fiction Cherita Rokambul dalam Jel dan di-Paris in 1928, followed by Cherita Rokambul dalam Siberia and Cherita-Cherita Sherlock Holmes.

These works opened spaces for political participation beyond providing reading material, the institute notes. Al-Hadi’s adaptation of the Egyptian novel Hikayat Faridah Hanom sparked debates on women’s emancipation, challenging conservative groups often associated with the traditionalist Kaum Tua.

Penang Institute acknowledges that the state’s status as a literary centre has diminished since independence. The expansion of publishing and cultural activities to other cities, particularly Kuala Lumpur, led to a gradual decline in influence, with many historical figures forgotten. However, the institute argues that Penang’s contemporary cosmopolitan nature offers a strong basis for revival.

The proposal envisions translation flows beyond converting world languages into Malay, facilitating bidirectional exchange including Malay to other languages and between Malay, Chinese and Tamil communities within the state. The institute points to existing academic translation programmes, language and literature groups, writers, translators, publishers and printing companies as evidence of this potential.

These elements need to be reconnected, the institute says, with translation viewed as integral to the state’s intellectual life rather than a technical task. The institute proposes modest but continuous programmes — translation workshops, publication of translated works, meetings between writers and translators, and cooperation between universities, publishers and cultural organisations.

Space must also be created for a new generation of translators to learn Penang’s translation history and build networks with regional and international translation communities.

Related: Syed Sheikh Al-Hadi · Penang