Democratic Progressive Party (Taiwan)

Mr. Bruce Wei
Managing Secretary
Multimedia Center, Department of Culture and Information
Democratic Progressive Party

Mr. Bruce Wei is the managing secretary of Multimedia Center of the Department of Culture and Information of the Democratic Progressive Party. He is also the chief information officer of Shung Ying International Construction Group and Line-In International Consulting Service Co., Ltd. Previously he worked as editor, writer and website designer of PC Builder. In 1999 he received his Management Information System degree from the International Open University, and received his MBA from the Centenary College, NJ, USA in 2006.

Mr. Toru Sakai
Program Officer
Democratic Progressive Party

Mr. Toru Sakai, a Japanese national, is the Program Officer, New Frontier Foundation, Taiwan under the Department of International Affairs of the DPP. He is in charge of DPP’s  Japanese website and newsletter. He received his Master of Laws degree major in Comparative Constitutions from the National Taiwan University, Graduate School of Law and his Bachelor in Political Science from the Waseda University in Japan.  Prior to his current work, Mr. Sakai worked as staff writer for the Kyodo News Agency, Japan.

Ms. Ping-Ya Hsu (DPP Liaison / Workshop Secretariat)
Program Officer, Department of International Affairs
Editor of Democracy & Progress

Ms. Hsu is the Program Officer & Editor of Democracy & Progress (DPP’s English newsletter) of the DPP Department of International Affairs. She has an extensive work history which includes stints as Editor of Eurotrade Magazine; Singapore Program Coordinator of the Jordan Institute of International Awareness at the Texas A&M University, USA; Marketing Communications Consultant at the Electronic Data Systems, U.S.A; Account Supervisor at Pinnacle Worldwide Public Relations, Inc., USA; and was a Resident Fellow at the Bush Presidential Library Complex, International Center, U.S.A.  Ms. Hsu finished her studies at the Texas A&M University, U.S.A. with a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies and Public Relations. She participated in the 3rd CALD Communications Workshop in Kuala Lumpur.

Liberal Party of the Philippines

Ms. Adela Sta. Cruz-Espina
Managing Editor, The Liberal (Official Publication of the Liberal Party)

Ms. Adela Cruz is a freelance writer and public relations practitioner. She is currently a media consultant for the Liberal Party of the Philippines (LP) National Headquarters and managing editor of The Liberal, the official publication of the Party. She is a freelance public relations and corporate communications consultant to various companies and organizations. Among her many previous stints in media, she served as the online editor and website administrator of the Philippine Star Online Edition and day desk editor / copy editor of the Philippine Times Journal. Ms. Cruz received her education from the University of Santo Tomas with an Industrial Engineering degree.

Ms. Patricia Eugenia Artadi-Facultad
Head of Political Communications
Office of the Senate Majority Leader 

Ms. Artadi-Facultad is the head of political communications of the Office of the Senate Majority Leader Francis P.N. Pangilinan, Chairman of the Liberal Party of the Philippines. Previously she has worked for the Asian Institute of Management (AIM) as project development officer for Institutional and Investor Relations. She received her Bachelor of Arts major in Development Studies from the Ateneo de Manila University and is currently a candidate for a Master in Public Administration degree from the same university. Ms. Artadi-Facultad also participated in the 2006 Leadership and Development Program for Youth Legislators of the Asian Institute of Management.  She currently writes for various publications such as Smart Parenting Magazine and F&B World Magazine.

Liberal Party of Sri Lanka

Mr. George Kamal Wijetunga Nissanka
Secretary General (website administrator)

Mr. Nissanka is the secretary general of the Liberal Party of Sri Lanka. He was recently tasked as administrator of their website. In the government, he served as deputy mayor of the Rathnapura Municipal Council. He has been a member of the Liberal Party since 1987 where he served in various capacities from member of the National Committee and then, deputy secretary general.  He graduated from the University of Peradeniya with a degree in Political Science. He is a lawyer by profession. He participated in the 2nd and 3rd CALD Communications Workshop in Phnom Penh (2004) and Kuala Lumpur (2005).

National Council of the Union of Burma

Mr. Soe Aung
Spokesperson, Foreign Affairs Department

Mr. Soe Aung is the spokesperson and director of the Foreign Affairs Department of the National Council of the Union of Burma (NCUB). Concurrent to his NCUB post, he is the Director of the Foreign Affairs Department of the Network for Democracy and Development and deputy secretary for foreign affairs of Forum for Democracy in Burma (FDB) which is a coalition of youth, women and workers.  He received his Bachelor of Science in Physic from Rangoon University in 1985. He also attended the International Human Rights Training Programme of the Canadian Human Rights Foundation in Montreal, Canada. He participated in the 3rd CALD Communications workshop in Kuala Lumpur last year and also in various CALD activities.

Mr. Naing Ko Ko
Member
National Council of the Union of Burma

A graduate of Rangsit University in Bangkok, Thailand, Mr. Naing Ko Ko was born in 1971 at Mon State, southern part of Burma. As a high school student in the late 80’s, he began participating in democracy and human rights movements. He took part in the Phone Maw Affair, named after a slain student activist. He worked as a leading member of All Burma Federation of Student Unions-ABFSU and a youth organizer for Federation of Trade Unions -Burma inside Burma. In December, 1992, he was arrested by the Military Intelligence Service-MIS and was tortured and interrogated. After his release in 1988, he became a member of All Burma Federation of Student Unions and Federation of Trade Unions-Burma inside Burma. In 1998, he went to Thai-Burma border to join the democratic movements outside the country. He has been assigned as International Campaign Secretary of Federation of Trade Union-Burma by FTUB. He had traveled extensively, mainly to Europe, to attend seminars and testify against the military dictatorship in Burma. Mr. Ko was the second NCUB nominee to have participated in the Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats - Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (CALD-ALDE) internship at the European Parliament in Brussels (Belgium) and Strasbourg (France).

Parti Gerakan Rakyat Malaysia

Mr. Teng Yoo Soon
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Energy, Water & Communications
Government of Malaysia

Mr. Teng is the press secretary of the Office of the Minister of Energy, Water and Communications. He received his MBA from the University Kebangsaan, Malaysia. He joined Parti Gerakan Rakyat Malaysia in 1990. In the party he has held various posts including branch chairman for Temiang, Seremban division secretary and State liaison committee secretary. He is also a trainer for topic on HIV Aids and actively involved in International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

Mr. Chiong Cheng Hoow (Gideon)
Executive Secretary

Mr. Chiong is Executive Secretary at the PGRM Headquarters. His portfolio includes managing the operations of the NGO and Community Bureau; Political Training Bureau and the Alex Lee Excellence Award. Prior to his current work with the party, he was involved with advertising promotions and public relations; education; information technology and software; and business development. Mr. Chiong received his business degree from Monash University in Australia and has participated in various trainings in the UK.

Sam Rainsy Party (Cambodia)

Mr. Keo Phirum
Deputy Chief of Cabinet
Sam Rainsy Party

Mr. Keo is the deputy chief of cabinet of the Sam Rainsy Party. For six (6) years he served as the treasurer and executive member of the New Zealand National Party, Kaikoura Electorate. In New Zealand he has been involved with various business enterprises. He received his Bachelor of Commerce, Major in Accounting from the Nelson/Marlborough Institute of Technology in New Zealand; Certificate in General Psychology from the International Correspondence Schools;, and Certificate in Computer and Data processing from Otago Polytechnic.

Mr. Srey Kimheng
Computer Technician and Website Designer 
Sam Rainsy Party

Mr. Srey has been working for 12 years for the Sam Rainsy Party as computer technician and website designer. Prior to his current stint, he served as editor of the Cambodia Trade Union newsletter. He also served as the Secretary of the Cambodian Independent Teachers' Association. He received his Bachelor in Management, Major in General Management from Build Bright University, Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

Singapore Democratic Party

Mr. Kao Wen Sheng
Singapore Democratic Party

Mr. Kao received his Diploma in Visual Communitarians from the School of Visual Arts of the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts. He is currently a volunteer and photographer for the SDP where he is also involved with media and public relations. Currently he works as a photojournalist for the Travel Malaysia Commission website.

Liberal Forum Pakistan

Mr. Mahmood Ahmed Khan                  
Provincial Coordinator and Central Board Member
Liberal Forum Pakistan
 
Mr. Khan is currently managing editor of the Daily Balochistan Tribune, Quetta. Previously he served as mayor of the U/C Manzari, District Pishin, Balochistan, Pakistan and chairman of the Monitoring Committee of District Pishin, Balochistan, Pakistan. He previously served Liberal Forum Pakistan as information secretary. 

Uri Party (Korea)

Ms. Mi-Young Choi
Director General
Promotion Planning Team
URI Party

Ms Choi is the director general of the Promotion Planning Team of the URI Party. Her job is to enhance competitiveness of the ruling URI Party and enlarge the organization by collecting information and opinion of the people mainly through the internet. Prior to her current role at the Promotion Planning Team, she served at the Women Affairs Committee in the URI Party. She also served at the Secretary to the Office of the Chairman of the URI Party. She is currently studying Public Administration at the Graduate School of Joong-ang University.

PKB - Nation Awakening Party (Indonesia)

Mr. Sabilillah Ardie
Nation Awakening Party

Mr. Ardie is the chief technology officer of Intechactive Indonesia in Bandung. Previously he worked in Philadelphia, USA as the lead programmer of Stuzo, Inc. He also worked for the Fox School of Business and Management of Temple University as assistant webmaster. He graduated from Temple University, Philadelphia with a Bachelor of Science degree in Information Science and Technology (magna cum laude).

PDI-P Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle

Mr. Hendra Kusumah
Assistant to the Secretary General

Mr. Kusumah is currently the assistant of the secretary general of Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle. Previously he served the party headquarters as data analyst for the Mega-Hasyim Presidential Campaign Team and website developer of official website of PDIP-West Java. Mr. Kusumah participated in the 2002 CALD Young Leaders' Workshop in the Philippines.

Friedrich-Naumann-Foundation Philippine Office

Dr. Ronald Meinardus (Workshop Facilitator)
Resident Representative

Dr. Meinardus is the Resident Representative of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation in the Philippines. Before moving to Manila in early 2002, he served as FNF Resident representative in Seoul, Korea for nearly six years, where he also taught at Hanyang University.  A former journalist, Dr. Meinardus writes political commentaries for media in Asia and Europe. He received his journalistic training at Radio Deutsche Welle, where he worked in different departments. He left the German broadcasting corporation in 1992 after he served as head of the Greek language service. Dr. Meinardus received his doctorate in the field of international relations from Hamburg University. He will leave Asia soon, to assume a new position in the Liberal Foundation in the Middle East. 

Mr. Narwin Espiritu
Web Developer

Mr. Espiritu is the Web Developer of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation and is also in charge of the maintenance of the regional website of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation’s East and Southeast Asia Office.

Dr. Busarin Dusadeeisariyawong
Program Manager - Malaysia Project

Dr. Busarin Dusadeeisariyawong has been a Program Manager for the Malaysia Project at the Friedrich Naumann Foundation since April 2004. She obtained her PhD in International Relations from the University of Aberdeen in Scotland, United Kingdom in 1999. She completed her master’s degree in International Politics at the University College of Wales at Aberystwyth, UK in 1993 and her first degree from Bangkok University. She has an extensive work experience in the management, export, printing, research, hotel administration, travel industry prior to her current post.  

Ms. Girawadee Khao-orn
Program Officer, Thailand Project

Ms. Khao-orn is a Program Officer of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation’s Regional Office in Bangkok. She received her Master in Political Science from the Otto Suhr Institute for Political Science of the Free University of Berlin and her AB International Affairs from Thammasat University in Thailand.

Friedrich-Naumann-Foundation Pakistan Office

Ms. Gulmina Bilal
Project Coordinator

Ms. Bilal is a young and dynamic Pakistani woman with a strong interest in political systems and advocacy. This interest has enabled her to work with a number of leading organizations both within Pakistan and outside. She  has the distinction of  leading a  national  political advocacy organization  of Pakistan in addition to designing a number of political advocacy campaigns and has  also  penned a  report documenting the  experience of women parliamentarians  titled, ``Women  Parliamentarians: Swimming against the tide” as well as an impetus report on the need for reforms in the Election Commission of the country titled  “Conducting elections for truly public representatives” as well as another report titled `Power to the grassroots or grass without roots?” She   writes regularly for the opinion pages of leading Pakistani English newspapers and political magazine besides having a television show on international politics. Prior to her current work as project coordinator of the Pakistan Office of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation she worked for various organizations including the UN World Food Programme and Liberal Forum Pakistan. She received her Master of Philosophy in Psychology from the Quaid-I-Azam University, Islamabad and Master of Science in Psychology from Peshawar University.

Friedrich-Naumann-Foundation Indonesia Office

Ms. Vera Jasini Putri
Programme Assistant for Law and Legal Affairs

Ms. Putri has been working for the Friedrich Naumann Foundation Indonesia Office as programme assistant for law and legal affairs since 2002. Her work includes maintaining relationships with various local partners of the Foundation which are located mostly outside Jakarta (Sumatra). Prior to this, she worked for a legal firm and as a private English tutor in Korea. She received her Law degree major in International Law from the Faculty of Law of the University of Indonesia.

Pinoyblog

Mr. Abe Olandres
Blog Consultant

Abe Olandres is a full time professional blogger and blog consultant. He has been in the Philippine web hosting industry for over 3 years and has been doing projects in unifying and organizing the Philippine blogosphere, one of which is the longest running community at PinoyBlog.com. A former consultant working for multinational companies such as Microsoft Business Solutions and HeadStrong, Abe left the corporate environment to build up several of his internet ventures. He received his education from the Ateneo de Manila University.

Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats

Mr. John Joseph S. Coronel (Workshop Co-Facilitator)
Executive Director

Mr. Coronel is the Executive Director of the Council of Asian Liberals & Democrats, a position he held since CALD opened its permanent secretariat in Manila in 2000.  Mr. Coronel previously served as Vice President of the Philippine liberal think tank, the National Institute for Policy Studies; consultant of Amnesty International; and consultant of Philippine Senate Majority Leader Senator Francis P.N. Pangilinan. He has been involved in various electoral campaigns in the local and national levels. He was also a contributing writer and art critic of Bluprint Magazine. He was a recipient of the Carlos Palanca Memorial Award for Literature. He is a trustee of Creative Collective Center in Manila and is a contributing writer to its publications. He studied at the University of the Philippines and the University of Hawaii where he was a scholar of the East West Center.    

Mr. Brian V. Gonzales (Workshop Secretariat)
Programme Officer

Before becoming CALD Programme Officer in 2004, Mr. Gonzales was previously the Southeast Asia Policy Officer of WWF, the World Wide Fund for Nature. His past work engagements include technical assistance project management and human resources management at the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and Ayala Corporation, respectively. He studied at De La Salle University-College of Saint Benilde, De La Salle University (Manila) and the Fribourg Summer School of the University of Fribourg in Switzerland.