Kuala Lumpur will chalk up another notch of “firsts” with the upcoming 2014 Toastmasters International Convention, set to be held Aug. 20-23 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.

For the first time in its 90-year history, Toastmasters is holding its International Convention outside of North America and across the globe in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

This convention, which targets 2,000 participants from around the world, is estimated to generate RM32.4 million in economic impact for Malaysia.

According to Zulkefli Haji Sharif, CEO of Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB), “The Toastmasters International Convention is the most anticipated event in the Toastmaster calendar and Malaysia is honoured to be chosen as the preferred destination for this prestigious event, which adds another feather in the cap for Kuala Lumpur as a host venue.

Sharif added, “We are confident that Kuala Lumpur will live up to expectations and that this gathering of participants and speakers from around the world will indeed benefit from this.”

Key attendees include Toastmasters International President (2012-2013), Malaysia’s John Lau, owner and CEO of Acme Group of Companies in Sarawak, who will deliver an introductory speech at the event, while popular Scottish author and speaker, Robin Sieger, will deliver the keynote address during the opening ceremony.

Toastmasters International is a nonprofit educational organization that teaches public speaking and leadership skills through a worldwide network of meeting locations.

Headquartered in Rancho Santa Margarita, California, the organization’s membership exceeds 292,000 in more than 14,350 clubs in 122 countries.

Since 1924, Toastmasters International has helped people of all backgrounds become more confident in front of an audience.

Other expert presenters include:

Jana Barnhill, Accredited Speaker and Toastmasters 2008-2009 International President from Lubbock, Texas. She is a five-time winner of the District 44 International Speech Contest, and has placed second and third in the Toastmasters World Championship of Public Speaking.

Mark Brown, 1995 Toastmasters World Champion of Public Speaking. Originally from Kingston, Jamaica, Mark now lives in the U.S., in Lizelle, Ga. He is a member of the National Speakers Association and delivers more than 200 presentations per year.

Douglas Kruger, Author, motivational speaker and presentation skills coach based in Johannesburg, South Africa. He delivers motivational presentations and training seminars for large organizations, including Old Mutual, Caltex and Vodacom.

Lance Miller, 2005 World Champion of Public Speaking. A resident of Glendale, Calif., he is a former executive for Nestle and Anheuser-Busch. Miller engages his audience with a unique mix of talent and life experience that bring his messages to life.