Syerleena Abdul Rashid and Amanda Hamm are public servants of their local governments in Penang Island and Des Moines, Iowa, respectively. Both were recent participants of an exchange programme for young political leaders between the United States and Malaysia. Syerleena is a councilor at the Penang Island City Council, and Amanda is the liaison to Mayor and Council in Des Moines. They share their experience with Lee Chwi Lynn as well as how local governments can be strengthened across borders.