Malaysia Truly Asia

Value For Money

Malaysia often attracts record event attendance due to its affordability, locality, and easy accessibility, especially for visitors from developing countries. Malaysia has favourable currency conversion, giving both visitors and event organizers a lot more by paying a lot less.

Socio – Political Stability

The unique Malaysia with diverse culture is by nature a peace-loving community. Celebrating its 55th Independence on 2012, Malaysian remains living with peace and harmony. Malaysia provides safe and stable environment for international visitors.

• "Top 20 ( 20th) in the Global Peace Index and 2nd among Asian countries" (Institute for Economics and Peace, Economist Intelligence Unit)
• "Malaysia is ranked 8th in 'happiest country' ranking list of a World Happiness Report." The Earth Institute, Columbia University. • "Ranked 37th Best Countries in 2010" Newsweek
• "Top 10 Friendliest Countries in the World and no 1 in Asia" HSBC Bank International's Expat Explorer Survey 2011
• "Ranked 4th as Best Shopping Destination in the World".

Unique Cultural Diversity

Malaysia is home to Malays, Chinese, Indians and many other distinct ethnicities which culminate into our rich and diverse cultural experience. Its peaceful and harmonic environment together with our social fabric based on the mutual understanding of differences creates a unique, colorful Malaysian culture. It can be reflected in its extraordinary fusion of food, festivals, architecture, art and lifestyle.

Climate

Located in South-East Asia, Malaysian enjoys a warm tropical weather all year round with balmy evenings, perfect outdoor eating, night markets and late night shopping. Just put on your jeans and shirts or any of your comfortable khakis and enjoy the green beautiful scenery of Malaysia.

Delegates can also choose to be in the comfort of air-conditioned venues and accommodation facilities during their stay.

Pre and post activities

Malaysia is rich with exciting tourism sites. Delegates are free to tailor their own pre and post touring plan to suit their own preferences. Options includes exploring the UNESCO world heritage and cultural sites such as Penang and Melaka, enjoy the beautiful beaches and island resorts in places such as Langkawi, Pangkor or any of the magnificent islands around Sabah and Sarawak, trekking through some of the oldest tropical forests and exploring indigenous cultures of the natives in Pahang, Sabah or Sarawak, or indulge in diverse and stylish urban lifestyle experiences in Kuala Lumpur such as late night shopping for local arts, crafts or feasting various options of local delegacies. Travelling in Malaysia made easy by its compactness and various options of means of transportation with mainstream and low cost airlines services.

Malaysia Worlds 2015 is destined for success. The Malaysian uniqueness as a country, together with modern facilities, infrastructure and all the expertise available will lead to the smooth planning of WUDC 2015 and leave the world debating community with an irreplaceable Malaysian experience.

Why Malaysia?

• "Selamat Datang"- Welcome to Malaysia!

Malaysia is a country well-known for its diversity in terms of culture, religion and of course, its people. It is apparent in our sights, sounds, food and our 41 different languages. With a population of more than 27.5 million people comprised of many different races, it is the 43rd most populated country in the world. Peninsular Malaysia and East Malaysia are separated by the effervescent South China Sea.

Sabah and Sarawak are in East Malaysia and have many beautiful islands untouched by human civilization. Pulau Tiga in the South China Sea off the Malaysian Coast of Borneo was the set of the TV series Survivor Season 1 and has received many critical acclaim for its beauty and magnificence of flora and fauna. And this is just one of the many islands Malaysia has to offer. Malaysia is not just a country filled with natural elements.

Kuala Lumpur, the main commercial and financial centre, provides a clash of the different elements in terms of entertainment, its night life and such. The liveliness in central Kuala Lumpur is all day long, all year round, creating a world of its own. The many different street markets are proof to such a richly-cultured society. We have our very own Chinatown which is Petaling Street. Our Little India is located in Masjid India and these markets operate until the wee hours of the morning where tourists and locals come and enjoy what these markets have to offer.

Attractions

Towns

• Georgetown, Penang

Penang's multi-cultural composition ensures a succession of colourful, exciting festivals and celebrations that are unrivalled anywhere else in the world. Considering the number of special events, festivals, celebrations, gods and deities' birthdays and religious occasions among the three main race groups (Malays, Chinese and Indians) when one big celebration is finished, another is just about to begin. For Malaysians, this town is all about food; the best street food in Southeast Asia. There are a few nice historical attractions too!

• Malacca

As the oldest trading port in Malaysia, this town hosted a wide array of international traders: Arabs, Portuguese, Dutch, English, Indian, and Chinese, all of whom left their stamp. Malacca is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Malaysia. A town filled with history and a clash of culture, apparent in its infrastructures, which is also relative to the urban lifetsyle. The highlight of Melaka for tourists would be Jonker Street, A Famosa and the famous Francis Xavier Church. In 2008 UNESCO listed Malacca as a World Heritage Site. Besides the many beautiful historical sites Malacca is also well known for its great food. Everywhere that you look you will find places to eat and experts claim the best local dishes in Malaysia originates from Malacca.

• Kuching, Sarawak

This romantic Borneo outpost, with quaint tropical-colonial architecture, picturesque back streets, and a pretty riverfront, has upped its hip quotient, hosting international music festivals, opening trendy hangouts and eateries, adding a few cosmopolitan hotels, and upgrading its tourism infrastructure.

• Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

Kota Kinabalu, formerly known as Jesselton, is the capital of Sabah as well as the capital of the West Coast Division of Sabah. Strategically situated in the Northwest Coast of Borneo Island, facing the South China Sea and Tunku Abdul Rahman Park on one side, and set against the backdrop of Mount Kinabalu; this beautiful "Nature Resort City" stretches for miles along the coast and towards the inland.

Beaches

• Sipadan Island, Sabah

The internationally famous island of Sipadan lies five degrees north of the equator in the Sulawesi Sea (Celebes Sea). Lying 35km south of Semporna on Sabah's mainland, like many tropical islands, it is thickly forested and surrounded by sandy beaches. Sipadan is an oceanic island and was formed by living corals growing on top of an extinct undersea volcano, which rises 600m from the seabed.

• Perhentian Islands, Terengganu

The Perhentian Islands are two islands named Pulau Perhentian Kecil and Pulau Perhentian Besar which is translated as "place to stop" in Malay and this is exactly what these two islands were for traders travelling between Malaysia and Bangkok in years gone by. These islands are still a gorgeous place to stop by and rest today, albeit for tourists disconnecting from the stress and routine of everyday life and not for weary seafaring traders.

• Langkawi

Langkawi is an archipelago made up of 99 islands on Malaysia's west coast. Surrounded by turquoise sea, the interior of the main island is a mixture of picturesque paddy fields and jungle-clad hills. If you're intent on carting off duty-free alcohol, cigarettes and chocolate, then this is the place to be. Still, Nature-lovers will find the island just as agreeable as the shoreline is fringed by powder-fine sand and swaying coconut trees.

• Pulau Tioman Island, Pahang

About 36 nautical mile off Malaysia's east coast lies Pulau Tioman, or Tioman Island a tear-shape paradise. An enduring and tranquil island, Tioman Island boasts miles and miles of white sandy beaches and swaying palm trees, charming villages and friendly people. Its crystal clear water promise spectacular marine life and colorful coral gardens. The striking profile of the twin peaks of Gunung Nenek Semukut provides a markable landmark to this beautiful island reputed to be one of the most beautiful and idyllic islands in the world.

Highlands

• Genting Highland

Genting Highlands is the most developed of the hill resorts in Malaysia, and was founded in 1965. Situated 54 km north of Kuala Lumpur, Genting Highlands is the perfect escape for those seeking relaxation and entertainment in a cool montane setting. Genting Highlands offers a lot of attractions such as an international class casino, international standard hotels, and fun and excitement at the Genting Indoor Theme Park and Outdoor Theme Park.

• Bukit Tinggi

Bukit Tinggi provides pleasant breaks for the weary travelers to the Far East. After all the exciting adventures in the hot and humid climate, what's more refreshing than a quiet stay in some of the hill resorts, where one could sit in an open verandah sipping freshly brewed tea or indulging in cream-soaked fresh strawberries. The Colmar Tropicale, a resort in Bukit Tinggi is a French-themed resort seated majestically on 80 acres of lush forestland, hovering 2,000 feet above sea level. Below, the luscious spread of the Pahang mountain range can be savoured in all its glory.

• Cameroon Highland

Situated at 1520m above sea level, this is Malaysia's green bowl supplying vegetables to the major cities of the country and to Singapore. The cool climate makes it an excellent tea growing area and indeed the Cameron tea is highly prized in the world market. With temperatures ranging between 25 and 10 degrees Celsius, this place is popular all year round with tourists. Places of interest are the Robinson Falls, the Rose Garden nurseries and the strawberry and vegetable farms. A visit to the tea plantation is well worthwhile, to see how one of the world's favourite beverages is processed fresh from the plantations. Stroll around and admire the old colonial buildings such as the Old Smokehouse. This hill station is surrounded by jungles and trails are marked for jungle trekking. There are various villages inhabited by Orang Asli. There is also a golf course.

• Fraser Hills

Rising 1,500 meters above sea-level on the Titiwangsa mountain range of Peninsular Malaysia is Fraser's Hill. Named after a solitary Scottish pioneer, James Fraser, who set up a tin-ore trading post in the 1890s, it actually consists of seven hills. Fraser's Hill is truly an idyllic place for one to rest and to escape from not only the heat and humidity but also the hustle and bustle of city life. It is perhaps the prettiest of the Malaysian Hill resorts. It has many attractions within and around the area. There is a nature education centre where visitors can learn about the flora and fauna of the area. Bird watching is a very popular pastime and Fraser's Hill is the venue of the annual Bird Race which attracts many foreign omithologists.

Religious/Cultural Sites

• Masjid Negara, National Mosque.

Masjid Negara, Malaysia's National Mosque located in Kuala Lumpur, is the nationwide symbol of Islam. Comprising a main prayer hall with 48 smaller domes around it, it has a capacity of 15,000 people and is situated among 13 acres (53,000 m2) of beautiful gardens. Its key features are a 73-metre-high minaret and an 16-pointed star concrete main roof and is reminiscent of the Grand Mosque in Mecca, featuring abstract shapes and geometric lattice incorporated into its roofing and ironworks. The Grand Hall is undoubtedly the most intricate part of the mosque with verses from the Koran decorating the walls.

• Kek Lok Si Temple

The Kek Lok Si Temple is a Buddhist temple situated in Air Itam in Penang and is one of the best known temples on the island and the largest Buddhist temple in Southeast Asia. The temple is heavily commercialised with shops at every level and inside the main temple complexes. Mahayana Buddhism and traditional Chinese rituals blend into a harmonious whole, both in the temple architecture and artwork as well as in the daily activities of worshippers. The Chinese New Year celebrations are particularly impressive. For 30 days following Chinese New Year, the temple remains open until late at night whilst thousands of lights turn the scenery into a sea of light.

• Batu Caves

Visiting Batu Caves is like undertaking a pilgrimage, as visitors have to make their way up a flight of 272 steps in order to reach the entrance of the caves. At the foot of the hills, a large golden statue of Lord Murugan, the principal Hindu deity connected to the site, stands, seemingly like a vigilant sentinel against unseen evil. The cave temple complex, a total of three main caves and a couple of smaller ones, is dominated by the biggest cave, known alternately as Cathedral Cave or Temple Cave. This cave, with a 100 metre high ceiling houses several shrines dedicated to Hindu deities. Other caves offer interesting perspectives into the Hindu pantheon and myths, and are adorned with statues of deities and paintings depicting the popular myth of Lord Murugan.

Duty Free

• Duty Free Shopping, Labuan

Conveniently located within Labuan Town Centre, duty free shops make your duty free shopping experience easy. This place offers an exciting range of duty free products, like imported chocolates, pearls, textiles, liquor and many others.

• Johor Bahru Duty Free Zone, Johor

The largest duty-free complex in Malaysia. It has a hotel and convention centre, a floating restaurant with a popular nightclub and a five-level shopping podium.

• Langkawi

Langkawi is a duty-free shopping haven offering an attractive range of local and imported goods for those with a thing for shopping. Most of the island's shopping establishments can be found in and around Kuah. Langkawi is a duty-free shopping haven offering an attractive range of local and imported goods for those with a yen for shopping. Most of the island's shopping establishments can be found in and around Kuah.

Food

Malaysian cuisine is exotic and blessed with the dynamic mixture of Malay, Chinese, Indian and also fusion food that evolved from the meeting of cultures notably those of the Nyonya and Indian Muslims. Very easily available at every hour and at competitively low prices, Malaysian cuisine offers a warm welcome to an endless and tantalizing gastronomic adventure to the visitors.

a) Malay Cuisines

Malay cuisine is rich and spicy arising from the use of hard spices and a wet spice mixture of "rempah" and coconut milk. Malay cuisine varies from region to region. Kelantanese cuisine, akin to Thai cooking for example, has a sweetish taste due to liberal use of coconut milk and sugar in cooking. On the other hand, the cuisine of Kedah is spicier due to the influence of Indians who arrived here centuries ago during the spice trade. For the adventurous, there is an array of popular Malay dishes to tantalize their taste buds. A favourite with Malaysians is "Nasi Lemak", rice cooked in coconut milk served with anchovies, squid, eggs, cucumber and sambal (chili paste). An East Coast favourite is "Nasi dagang", fragrant unpolished glutinous rice steamed with coconut milk and served with tuna fish curry. "Nasi Kerabu", another rice-based dish native to Kelantan, is served with local herbs and salted fish. A Malay banquet would not be complete without the ever popular "Satay", skewered chicken or beef marinated in spices, then grilled over charcoal fire. It is served with peanut gravy, rice cubes, cucumber and onions.

b) Chinese Cuisines

A wide variety of Chinese cuisines is available in Kuala Lumpur. Among the popular styles of cooking are those of the Cantonese, Hokkien, Hainanese, Hakka and Szechuan communities. Generally, Chinese cuisines are mild in flavor but local influence has given it a slightly spicier taste. In addition to breakfast, lunch and dinner, "Dim Sum" (steam snacks) is served around the clock. Apart from hotels outlets and large chain restaurants, Chinese food is also available in most coffee shops around Kuala Lumpur.

c) Nyonya Cuisines

Nyonya or "Peranakan" cuisines evolved out of a unique blend of Malay and Chinese cooking styles. It is characterized by sweet, sour, spicy and pungent flavors. Typical dishes include "Otak-otak" (fish meat marinated in spices, wrapped in banana leaves and grilled) and "Itik tim" (duck with salted vegetables). The cuisines are best tried in Nyonya restaurants which have become popular in recent years.

d) Indian Cuisines

Contrary to popular perception, Indian cuisines need not be searingly hot. Various spice blends are used in Indian cuisines to give a robust flavor to food but yoghurt almost always accompanies a meal at the end to cool down the taste buds. Milder on the taste buds are dishes such as "Kurma" (mild meat curry) and "Tandoori" chicken (chicken baked in clay oven). Generally, Southern Indian cuisines are hotter than its Northern Indian and Moghul counterparts and are characterized by the heavy use of cream meat-based dishes and "Naan" breads. Indian-Muslim cuisines are another local favourite one ought to try while in Kuala Lumpur. Popular dishes include fish head curry, "Murtabak" (pancake with spiced meat mixture) and "Mee goreng" (fried noodles).

Shopping

The shopping experience in Malaysia is a joyous one. With so many good quality products to buy, ranging from world renowned brands to our local designers; value for your money with distinct products will define your unique Malaysian shopping experience.

Kuala Lumpur has many interesting attractions; like Merdeka Square, the famous Petronas Twin Towers, Aquaria and much more. KL is also known as a shoppers' paradise with some of the largest shopping malls in Asia where you can literally shop 'til you drop.

The largest sales at every shopping mall are a biannual affair in Malaysia. Tourism Malaysia always uses this to attract more tourists to the country; they have named it the 'Mega Sale'. There is one mega sale around Christmas and one around Merdeka (Independence Day) in August every year. Mega Sales usually last up to two months. For most tourists shopping in Malaysia is already quite affordable due to the conversion rates of their own currency to the Malaysia Ringgit. During these shopping sales there are discounts up to 90% in many stores. Bargaining is usually not the best option in modern shopping malls, but you may always ask for a better price.

• Bukit Bintang

Some of the city's major shopping centres can be found along Jalan Bukit Bintang. Known as KL's ultimate shopping zone, Bukit Bintang presents a wealth of options that would appease even the shrewdest shopper. No matter what you're looking for, you'll find most of what you need at these shopping malls, like Pavilion KL, suiting every budget and need, from premium stores to specialty outlets.

• Kenanga Wholesale City Mall

KWC is the latest exciting mall in the Asian fashion wholesale industry. The exceptional development in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia is inspired by the success of wholesale centres in China, Indonesia, Thailand and Korea. KWC is Malaysia's first one-stop fashion wholesale shopping mall that brings together a large and comprehensive directory of businesses - fashion, accessories, shoes, gifts, and other lifestyle products, all under one roof.

Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), World-Class Hosting Facilities

The host, UiTM is the largest higher-learning institution in Malaysia in terms of size and population. UiTM was established in 1956 which came as response to a need in Malaysia for trained professionals. The university has experienced phenomenal growth with 12 branch campuses, 3 satellite campuses, 9 city campuses and 23 affiliated colleges. It is currently the home to some 172,000 students across Malaysia, with almost 15,000 in the main campus.

The university, with the total of 47 campuses, UiTM still maintains the best facilities for the student to ensure the best learning experience. Facilities like transportation, library, student activity centre, sports centre and health centre are well maintained, and the UiTM never hesitate to invest in more and more facilities for the university. The new Campus, located in Puncak Alam, is one of the proofs of university's commitment to ensure the facilities and learning environment for its members.

All debating rooms are spacious, air-conditioned and within walking distance to the briefing hall. We ensure that all facilities to be used for the tournament will be kept at the best operating level to ensure the tournament to run smoothly. The main campus where we plan to run the preliminary rounds is in Shah Alam, the capital of Selangor, about 20 minutes drive from Kuala Lumpur.

As mention before, the organizing committee will have full support from university to bear all transportation costs: to and from the airport, the debating venue and all social venues.

UT MARA Debate Society

Lauded as a powerhouse of Asian debating and a consistent frontrunner of Malaysian debating, UT MARA has a vision to contribute back to the international debating community. Established in 1998, UT MARA has been attending and hosting tournaments regularly; both in the national and international debating scene. Having hosted the Australasian Intervarsity Debating Championship in 2007 and will revisit the feat in 2013, we are up for a challenge!

History

Starting with two humble debaters laying down the groundwork for the establishment of this Society in 1998, UT MARA set off on a determined journey of changing minds. By 2004, UT MARA has made its mark as recurrent champions of the national varsity circuit. In 2007, UT MARA earned the title of Asian champions.

The Malaysian Universities Debating Council has consistently recognized this Society as the top achiever in the Malaysian debating circuit as well as the best-performing Malaysian institution in the international debating circuit. In present time, we hold over sixty championship titles and we are aiming for the open break of the World Universities Debating Championship after losing out only on speaker scores at Manila Worlds 2012.

From the modest start of two members; this Society now consists of one hundred members, fifteen committed High Committee executives and a fully-staffed Debating Unit established by the university administration to cater to the needs of this Society.

Giving Back

Even in our early years, this Society has pledged towards serving the debating community by establishing the Annual Vice-Chancellor's Cup as a measure to develop the debating societies in all MARA university branches. As the largest university in the world due to a unique concept of having thirty-five branches all across Malaysia, UT MARA as the main branch created this week-long tournament that also serves as a centralized training centre to educate and develop the 150 participating debaters.

As the Malaysian debating community grows more vibrant with new debating institutions joining the circle, UT MARA created the National Novice Debating Championship in 2004. The Championship was designed as a platform exclusive for amateur debaters to improve as we do away with the comparative advantage that is ever-present in the big leagues. As the largest tournament in Malaysia, rivaling Malaysia Debate Open with its regular 100 team cap for a 3-on-3 format; National Novice brings forth new institutions every year who move on to become regular participants of the Malaysian debating circuit.

However, MARA's pride and joy would be the establishment of the Malaysian Institute for Debating and Public Speaking (MIDP) by two of our most accomplished alumni. MIDP is purely motivated by passion and organizes nation-wide trainings, seminars and tournaments for the development of debating and communication skills. It connects smaller institutions with highly experienced members of the community for a nominal fee. Amongst many other things, MIDP is creating an accreditation database for all Malaysian adjudicators and a standardized national ranking system to facilitate the operation of the debating community. UT MARA unswervingly volunteers our assistance to all MIDP endeavours

Recent Achievements

- Highest-ranked Asian team at De La Salle University WUDC 2012
- Two teams in the main break of Korea Australs 2011
- Breaking team in all installations of WUPID
- A minimum of two breaking teams at all installations of Asian BP and UADC
- Grand finalist of Asian BP in 2010, 2011 and 2012
- Best National Team in 2010 and 2011 – Award by Malaysian Universities Debating Council
- National Champions (Royals) 2012 – both Junior and Senior Category
- Champion of Prime Minister's Cup 2011 and 2012
- Consistent national-level champion in a variety of tournaments throughout the year, with seven national titles in 2011 and six national titles in 2012 (thus far)

Organizational Experience

- We organize four tournaments annually:
- National Novice Debating Championship (90 - 100 teams)
- ICRC International Humanitarian Law Debate (50 – 60 teams)
- UT MARA IV (60 – 80 teams)
- Vice-Chancellor's Cup (40 – 60 teams)
- Other tournaments recently organized:
- Women's Open Debating Championship 2010 and 2012 (40 teams)
- We are the prospective host of UT MARA Australs 2013.

Malaysia Worlds

Why Malaysia Worlds?

• Adjudication

Co-CAs: Shafiq Bazari (UT MARA)
5 DCAs appointed through an open application process
Regional representation to be accounted for in the application process
50 subsidised adjudicators with full registration subsidy and full/partial travel subsidy
An experienced world-class tab team

• Accommodation

Hotel Maya Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Hotel Maya is an upcoming boutique resort located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia. Situated in the city's business and commercial districts, our neighbours include the Petronas Twin Towers and the city's premier shopping centre, Suria KLCC. With its resort-type environment, Hotel Maya sets a new benchmark for a unique yet pleasant experience: When you enter the Hotel Maya, your senses are truly transported to exotic realms! The stylish interior of the hotel is finished with bamboo panelling, a pathway over the flowing water and elegant furnishings create an ambience that is both contemporary and compelling. The Hotel name is derived from the word Maya, a familiar citation in the Malaysian language meaning 'illusion' or 'dream' which harmoniously embody class, inspiration and vision. The logo was conceptualised from elements of nature. Bronze dominates to represent this noble metal, whilst the blue curve on the 'y' indicates the water element. Both simultaneously signify nature to depict our boutique urban resort concept.

Grand Millennium Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

If first impressions are anything to go by, the newly-renovated Grand Millennium Kuala Lumpur wins hands-down. As you step foot into the lobby, the sight that greets you is truly one to behold. Delve deeper and you will find that Grand Millennium Kuala Lumpur is not just about good looks. Its impressive qualities go far beyond aesthetics, extending to its range of offerings and level of service. An oasis of elegant calm in the midst of a busy metropolis, the hotel does not only look and feel like a world-class, five-star establishment, it also gives each and every guest the five-star treatment that Grand Millennium Kuala Lumpur is infamous for, bestowing upon its guests a truly five-star experience.

Hotel Royal Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Hotel Royal Kuala Lumpur has a distinct personality and offers a warm welcome often missing from other hotels. We offer you the comfort and courtesy one would expect from a hotel with priority for efficiency and quality in place. Conveniently located in Bukit Bintang, many shopping, entertainment and fine dining opportunities are just a few steps from the hotel. The hotel rooms are lavishly furnished and equipped with all television sets, in-house movies and room safes. Upgrade to Summit Rooms, Deluxe Panorama Rooms or Suites to enjoy business extras including high speed Internet service and faxing. Dine in our tasteful restaurant with a choice of delicious local and international cuisine at the Makan-Makan restaurant. Whether you are here for business or pleasure, enjoy the splendid service and superior comfort when you stay in Hotel Royal Kuala Lumpur.

Prince Hotel & Residence, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Dedicated to the indulgence of the senses, Prince Hotel & Residence goes beyond a 5-star hotel. Combining elegance, luxurious comfort and award-winning service, this hotel aims to delight both business and leisure guests. Itself a landmark in the Golden Triangle area, Prince Hotel & Residence lies in the heart of the city, surrounded by the city's most sophisticated shopping centres, exciting entertainment outlets and fine dining establishments.

Empire Hotel Subang, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

World-class service that efficiently paints a tapestry of glowing memories. Sculptures of glass and steel that shape and colour the very air you breathe. Spaces that revive jaded minds; little flourishes that magnify the soul. Empire Hotel is the natural retreat for today's well-travelled and cultured urbanite, a gallery of creative experiences designed for modern, discerning and sophisticated sensibilities. Your stay here pays tribute to the ideals of all great civilizations, infused with the artist's matchless touch, transcending the ordinary, escaping mere existence, setting senses alight, refreshing the spirit. Check into your private cocoon of dreams where a symphony of modern luxuries and amenities await to serenade. Stop and admire the service – shaped and polished to match your expectations beautifully, infused with lots of smiles, warm touches and picture perfect memories. Soaring majestically in the Subang Jaya enclave bustling with youthful energy, shopping spectacle and red-hot nightspots, Empire Hotel captures and paints the world for your pleasure, presenting a stirring and unforgettable journey for every guest. Welcome to the new masterpiece of inspirational bliss.

Swiss Garden Hotel, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

An oasis of tranquility located in the heart of Malaysia's capital city. Providing modern yet homely accommodation, excellent business facilities as well as refined personal service, the hotel is the perfect destination for comfortable and convenient living. Only a short walk away are KL's shopping, business and entertainment venues, as well as the famous Chinatown. Step into the lobby of our hotel and you will be embraced by warm smiles and friendly greetings welcoming you to a pleasant and enjoyable stay.

• Socials

1) Welcoming Drinks
2) Opening Ceremony
3) Cultural Night
4) Comedy Night
5) Break Night
6) Grand Dinner
7) Closing Ceremony

Possible Venues for Socials Events

• Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC), Kuala Lumpur

Situated very near to the Twin Tower of Kuala Lumpur, this convention centre would be a great place for the grand finals to take place at. Spanning 2 levels, it is comfortable for audiences of 800 delegates to its capacity of 3000.

• Istana Budaya

The Istana Budaya, which means The Palace of Culture, is a home to all types of theatre including musicals, operetta, classical concert and opera from local and international performances. The Istana Budaya theatre hall Panggung Sari is designed uniquely with royal boxes inspired by the windows of the traditional Rumah Melayu or Malay house. This theatre hall can accommodate up to 1,412 audiences at a time.

• Craft Cultural Complex, Kuala Lumpur

If you're looking for traditional handicrafts, look no further, this is just the perfect place to be at! Assortments of handicrafts are offered here at the Kompleks Budaya Kraf situated in Kuala Lumpur. Enjoy seeing the reflection of the cultural diversity in Malaysia through these fine handicrafts made by locals at this complex.

• Sky Bar Kuala Lumpur

Experience the intoxicating view of Kuala Lumpur while enjoying cool drinks, in a very chic and cosmopolitan atmosphere from the Sky-bar Kuala Lumpur. The view of the city from the bar creates an irresistible desire to do what we often should do; chill out! The breathtaking scenery of KL's city skyline from Sky Bar is definitely one of the best things you should experience while you're here!

• Luna Bar Kuala Lumpur

Surrounded by towering skyscrapers of Kuala Lumpur, the Luna Bar is perched on the 34th floor rooftop of Menara Pan Global; it offers a great 360 degrees view of the skyline of Kuala Lumpur. With such an incredibly scenic view, it makes Luna Bar one of the hippest places to gather at night! Get intoxicated not only with the magnificent view, but also with the great music, and swimming pool!

• Zouk Club Kuala Lumpur

Zouk Club is constantly known as it offers the best nights featuring the greatest dance music acts in the world. This world-standard club offers an unparalleled level of clubbing experience as the club brings in world quality acts including the best and most famous resident DJs of the world!

• Circus

With its very flaunting and eclectic interior, Circus will draw you in a playful world of charm and extravagance. As the sun sets, the atmosphere will be evolving into a chic and casual eatery where you will experience fine dining at this modern lounge in the big city of Kuala Lumpur. Sit back and relax and just enjoy the comedy. Circus offers a variety of delectable cuisines, be prepared to indulge and satisfy your cravings.

• PICC, Putrajaya

With its motto, "Where great minds meet", this is certainly the best place to have the grand finals of WUDC! It is designed to be a world-class centre with a built-up area of 1.3 million sq feet ranged over 9 levels. The unique design of the centre is said to be inspired by the traditional Malay belt-buckle.

Shafiq Bazari

Exicited to be a part of the bid

When approached by the bid committee, being very familiar with the Malaysian debating community, I was initially very much skeptical with the Malaysian bid considering the fact that we are a growing debate community, seeing new debate institutions cropping up every few months, continuously adding new faces to our mildly saturated community.

Then they showed me their bid, they shared their visions for the tournament and in its running, and they showed to me the work they have done, I was impressed at the amount of support that they have garnered from both the local debating community and the government. I hereby proudly submit that Malaysia Worlds has the full backing the Malaysian collective. Being run also by one of the largest debating institutions in the country, the organizing committee, on an individual level has personally seen thru or been a part of the running of various tournaments making this one of the most experienced team I have had the privilege to work with.

Bringing the world's largest debating tournament to Malaysian shores is likely to benefit the upcoming debating institutions that are sprouting from various varsities across the country. Giving them a chance to observe and hopefully learn from the best that the world has to offer. Many would never be granted the be a part of and share the Worlds experience, something that we have all been privileged enough to be a part of for many years.

Having secured a sum of 65 000 USD, I commit to the world debating community that in order to ensure quality adjudication, that we will maximize the allocated sum in subsidizing adjudicators, and ensure that adjudication subsidy will ensure the most qualified adjudicators from all regions a spot, allocation will be primarily focused on meritocratic regional based representation.

I am very excited to be a part of this bid. I am very amazed at the amount of work and support the team has done in such a short span of time, I dare say give the team another year and we would have on our hands on of the best worlds we have ever seen.

See you in Malaysia Worlds 2015!

Jonathan Leader Maynard

To the World Debating Community,

When Mai Mokhsein approached me to ask if I would be the Co-CA for the Malaysia Worlds 2015 Bid, I was initially hesitant. The respectable lifespan of a debater is shorter than many appear to think, and I have definitely passed the "your presence at this tournament in no way implies that you lack friends outside of debating" stage. Once I started to find out more about the UT MARA team's plans, however, I didn't take much convincing. This is a truly exceptional bid. Carrying over the organisational team that will host Australs 2013, and with a track record of hosting four debating tournaments every year, UT MARA in 2015 will be in a position of unique experience to provide one of the best World Championships there has ever been. With ideal facilities for WUDC, and plans for some extraordinary socials and excursions in a country of stunning natural beauty, there is, in short, an awful lot for me, Shafiq, and our DCAs to live up to.

But we will, by ensuring that Malaysia Worlds meets the highest standards yet with motion-setting and adjudication. Shafiq and I carry extensive experience of judging and serving on adjudication teams at international and domestic tournaments all over the world. We have a strong record of setting motions of real interest and innovation – but which are strenuously tested for balance. And we will be accompanied at Malaysia Worlds by a panel of five DCAs that are genuinely representative of global debating – with one each from Europe, Oceania, the Americas, and the Middle East/Africa. That leaves one more DCA spot – we intend to use that to appoint the most outstanding applicant we receive who has not been allocated to one of the four regional slots. All five DCAs will be appointed by an open-application process. This is the fairest method available and one which allows you, the world debating community, to give your feedback on short-listed candidates and significantly shape the eventual appointments. This is about more than just creating the right appearances. If motions are to be fair and enjoyable, an adjudication team needs to have respected voices from multiple debating communities. If not, blind spots develop and, as has happened before, entire delegations can get their chances at the tournament ruined by a motion more inaccessible, antagonising or difficult for them than others. A regionally balance adjudication team tackles that problem.

Inside this bid document, you can find our detailed policies on adjudication – we've lots of innovations aimed at improving the Worlds experience of both debaters and judges – a revamped Worlds Masters tournament, subsidies for a minimum of 50 international adjudicators, expanded coaching workshops, a full how to debate and judge manual, and more. These are not the limit of our plans – but they demonstrate our commitment to constantly raising the standard of adjudication at Worlds. Shafiq and I will lead a professional, accessible and creative adjudication team that will devote unparalleled resources towards improving the features of WUDC that matter most to you. We will make adjudication and debating at Malaysia Worlds 2015 every bit as exceptional as the rest of the tournament – we hope you can give us your backing.

Jonathan Leader Maynard
Co-Chief Adjudicator
Malaysia Worlds 2015 Bid

Jonathan Leader Maynard

-Co-Chief Adjudicator

JLM is one of the most prolific debaters of our generation. Having topped the tabs of WUDC and as a two-time Grand Finalist of WUDC, Champion and Best Speaker of the European Universities Debating Championship as well as serving on the adjudication core of Amsterdam Euros, Oxford IV, Koç International Open, and nine other tournaments; the adjudication of Malaysia Worlds 2015 is in safe hands.

Shafiq Bazari

-Co-Chief Adjudicator

Shafiq is renowned in the Asian debating scene who most recently stamped his presence by being elected as a member of the adjudication core for both of Asia's regional tournaments: BIPEDS Asian BP Debating Championship 2012 and United Asian Debating Championship 2013. As a speaker, he has broken in the last four installations of World University Peace Invitational Debate, the recent Korea Australs 2011 as well as in all Asian-level debating championships for the last four years. In Malaysia's domestic circuit, he holds an impressive count of over twelve national championship titles under his belt and countless speaker awards.

Muhammad Abdul Latif

-Tab Consultant

Latif is one of Asia's most prolific debater, adjudicator, coach and tabmaster. He's been involved in global debating since his student days in the 90s and is one of the first few to attend WUDC from Malaysia. He is the Asian Debating Champion of 1996 and won the first ever national debating tournament in Malaysia. As a judge, his profile includes WUDC and Asian Grand Finals, countless CA and DCA positions around the world and still actively adjudicates today.

To say the least about his tabbing experience, Latif has been tabbing since before computers had tab programs. To name a few recent involvements, he was recently the co-tab director at Manila Worlds, Bangladesh Asian BP and still tabs at local inter-varsities as recently as a few months ago. We are honored to have our teacher and friend we call brother Latif on board Malaysia Worlds 2015!

Edwin "Clansman" Law

-Tab Consultant

Clansman is known for his perfectionist tabbing strategy. As the Co-creator of the 3tab tabbing system that has proven its ability as a glitch-free tab in the last two Asians and two Australs, he takes pride in his work. As for his tabulation experience, Clansman has tallied an impressive two Worlds (MMU Worlds & Botswana Worlds), two Australs (MMU Australs & Ateneo Australs) and several Asians as a tabmaster. Clansman was also a top debater, formerly from the famous Voices MMU Debating Society, he's a champion of several Malaysian IVs and regularly made international breaks as well.