THE IMPLEMENTATION OF MALAYSIA GASTRODIPLOMACY THROUGH “ MALAYSIA KITCHEN FOR THE WORLD “ PROGRAM TOWARDS AUSTRALIA IN PROMOTING ITS NATION BRANDING ( 2014 - 2016 )

Abstract

Gastrodiplomacy is a part of public diplomacy and cultural diplomacy to increase appreciation, build a sense of mutual understanding in improving the nation's image. Gastrodiplomacy is the practice of sharing country’s cultural through food. In the international eyes, the richness of nation's food variety has attracted the attention of the nation. Malaysia well known with its culinary diversity, Malaysia using its Cuisine to promote its nation brand.And gastrodiplomacy is one of the public diplomacy efforts taken by Malaysia in promoting Malaysian Cuisine and form a positive perception of the foreign public and in this case is Australia. By interacting with other cultures in a more intimate way through taste, it is hoped that we can get to know other cultures.The purpose of this research is to find out what steps are taken by Malaysia in promoting its country's food through gastrodiplomacy. The research method used in this study is a Qualitative method with descriptive-analytical approached to describe and analyze the case study of Malaysia Gastrodiplomacy in Australia through “Malaysia Kitchen for the World in 2014 – 2016 ”.Gastrodiplomacy carried out by Malaysia focuses on organizing several events each year including cooking demonstrations, night markets, introduce Malaysian restaurants and food in Australia, and also cultural exhibitions. The results of this study indicate that public diplomacy efforts of Gastrodiplomacy carried out by Malaysia in Australia has succeeded in promoting the image of its country in Australia, proved by the continued good cooperative relations between Malaysia and Australia as well as Malaysian restaurants and food which are increasingly widespread and widely used. accept Australian society.