• where is the best place to exchange money?

Exchange rate will be better outside of the airport and hotel.  We normally exhange our money at this supermarket/shopping center nearby the hotel - Jaya Jusco.  It's within walking distance from the hotel, and would probably be visited commonly for meals and other needs.

However, as mentioned in the post listing.  You'll need some RM for your first taxi fare from the airport to the hotel.  They only accept cash. 

• how much $USD should i bring? Are Travelers cheques better?

Workshop by founder: $350 USD
Accomodations: $25 / day USD
Annual Founder's Birthday Banquet: ~$20 USD
Tour (not definite): ~$60-100 USD.  Depending on where you guys are going and how many people it is being split between.
Meals: Food is cheap, less than 10RM per meal.  Breakfast is provided by hotel, so that leaves speanding for lunch, dinner, and almost always a midnight meal. 

Plus miscellaneous shopping, and travel (taxi).  There's free shuttle service from the hotel to Times Square and Sungei Wang Plaza area (major shopping centers and tourist area).  It'll cost around 10RM taxi fare to head back to the hotel.

http://www.timessquarekl.com/  -  Shopping mall. 
http://www.sungeiwang.com/   -  Across from Times Square building.  Most populated cheap shopping center you'll find. Right next to Sungei Wang, there's a plaza only for technology. 

Travelers cheques are not recommended.  You'll have to exchange it in banks.  Hotel Maluri do not accept them.  Cash will be more commonly used.  Tipping is not common in Malaysia, only hotel bellboy/personel you may want to consider, but it is optional. 

In over estimate, approximately $100 USD / day should cover you in full expenses including workshop fee, banquet, meals, hotel accomodation, and travel/tour. 

• is a passport really all i need? any other ID?

Yes, passport is all you need.

• i need to take care of clients if they have an emergency? what kind of power is available.

Malaysia's voltage is 220.  May be a good idea to carry a converter.

• i have ATT and Sprint cell service, i must be available by phone.
  if there's service, how much does it cost to call from there. if it's
  $$$$ i may have to skype.

If your phone has a slot for sims card, you may purchase one almost anywhere you go.  Any other phone will probably not be usable unless you have a global phone.  International calls may be costly especially if you are using a mobile
phone.  There are phone cards that you could purchase, I believe they
call them Interational Card.  Skype might probably your best bet. 

Here's a link to one of Malaysia most popolar mobile service: http://www.celcom.com.my/

• If i have to skype, how's internet at the suggested hotel.

Internet: In room wifi at hotel is RM36 / day or RM10 / hour at
Business Center. There is no wifi at the Grandmaster's house. 

Health Suggestions: If you're not a seasoned traveler, you might want to consider bringing a gallon of water in your luggage.  Mix it with local water so you could get used to it.  Try to stay away from drinks that has milk.  DO NOT purchase street fruit unless it is unopen and fresh.  Try not to have too much local fruits in a day. 

Clothing: Bring extra change of clothes as Malaysia is extremely hot/humid.  Multiple showers per day is almost gauranteed.  If you must carry a bag, a waist bag is the safest way to go, shoulder bag is not recommended.  Bring comfortable sandles for walking, sneakers might be too hot.  Bring a swimsuit for the natural hot spring / pool.

Visa Info: http://www.learn4good.com/travel/malaysia_visa.htm