The Young Liberals and Democrats of Asia (YLDA) is coming to Malaysia this May.

With the view on the future, YLDA, with support from Friedrich Naumann Foundation (FNF) and in partnership with Parti Gerakan-Youth Malaysia will hold an Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Workshop for its member organizations and organizations with observer status from 17 to 22 May, 2007 in Penang, Malaysia. At least twenty-five young participants from all over Asia are expected to converge in Penang for the workshop, which aims to train young Asian leaders on how to use ICT instruments such as the Internet, Blogging, and Podcasting as tools for publicity, fundraising, and expanding networks and memberships.

YLDA President Rajendra Mulmi, in formulating the program for the event, envisions the workshop "to enhance and develop the ICT capacity of each YLDA member-organizations so that they can maximize the opportunities presented by the information and communications revolution."

"In coordination with our partners from Parti Gerakan-Youth Malaysia, we made sure that our participants in this event learn both from the classroom and practical setting of the Malaysian IT revolution experience," adds YLDA Secretary General Jan Argy Tolentino.

Local partner-organizer and Parti Gerakan-Youth representative Chee Wey Hng, Having prepared hard for the hosting of the event, anticipates a fruitful and successful five-day workshop for the delegates. "The Gerakan-Youth leadership is completely supporting the holding of this event as this provides us the opportunity to showcase not only how far Malaysia has gone in developing its IT infrastructure but more importantly, how successful we have prepared our youths to assume leadership roles in a globalized world," adds Hng, who also serves as Membership Committee Chairperson for YLDA.

Towards the end of the workshop, a general meeting of officers and members of YLDA to discuss organizational matters will be held to officially close the five-day event in Malaysia, which also includes the participation of FNF Manila Representative Siegfried Herzog as lecturer.

The Malaysian Minister of Energy, Water, and Communication is also expected to grace the opening ceremony and deliver the welcome remarks during while the Penang State Chief Minister and Parti Gerakan National President is expected to formally close the workshop on May 22 during the visit by the delegates at the Penang State's Assembly building.