The political, economic and social trends in Asia and the corresponding challenges and opportunities for liberals and democrats were discussed by the panel consisting of Dr. Neric Acosta, Philippine Congressman from the Liberal Party (L), Dr. Rajiva Wijesinha, President of the Liberal Party of Sri Lanka (2-L), Mr. Heri Akhmadi MP of the Indonesian ruling party - Democratic Party of Struggle (2-R) and Mr. Toshimasa Yamada MP of the Democratic Party of Japan. The session was moderated by ELDR's Dr. Elly Plooij-Van Gorsel MEP from the Netherlands and Dr. S. Vijayratnam, Senator from People's Movement Party of Malaysia and a member of the CALD Executive Committee.